The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling · Chapter
Chapter XII explained
Allworthy delivers a sermon on marriage, arguing that it should be founded on love rather than lust or avarice.
What happens
Allworthy delivers a sermon on marriage, arguing that it should be founded on love rather than lust or avarice. He then learns of his sister Bridget's marriage to Captain Blifil and, despite the doctor's outrage, accepts the match with characteristic lenity, emphasizing that Bridget is of age to choose for herself.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Allworthy argues that marriage should be based on love and mutual friendship, not lust, beauty, or fortune, and condemns mercenary matches.
Hypocrisy vs. True Virtue
Blifil's forced attentiveness to Allworthy's sermon, while struggling to hide his amusement, hints at his hypocritical nature.
Benevolence and Generosity
Allworthy's lenient and forgiving response to his sister's secret marriage exemplifies his benevolent character.
Characters to notice
- Squire Allworthy
Delivers a sermon on the true foundations of marriage and graciously accepts his sister's marriage to Captain Blifil.
- Master Blifil
Listens to Allworthy's sermon with profound attention, though with some difficulty suppressing his amusement.
- Captain Blifil
Marries Bridget Allworthy during this chapter; his brother the doctor attempts to disown him.
- Mrs. Bridget
Marries Captain Blifil; Allworthy defends her right to choose her own happiness.
Key passages
“I have always thought love the only foundation of happiness in a married state, as it can only produce that high and tender friendship which should always be the cement of this union; and, in my opinion, all those marriages which are contracted from other motives are greatly criminal; they are a profanation of a most holy ceremony, and generally end in disquiet and misery”
Allworthy declares that love alone can create the deep friendship necessary for a happy marriage, and that marriages based on anything else are sinful and doomed to unhappiness.
This passage encapsulates Allworthy's idealistic view of marriage as a sacred bond of friendship, contrasting with the pragmatic marriages of his era.
“Had I conceived any displeasure against your brother, I should never have carried that resentment to the innocent: but I assure you I have no such displeasure.”
Allworthy tells the doctor that he holds no grudge against Captain Blifil and would not punish the innocent for the guilty.
Allworthy's response demonstrates his characteristic mercy and refusal to let resentment affect his judgment.