Summary
Chapter I
The narrator claims that it is difficult to write introductory chapters.
They are not ordered in a particular manner—any of them could grace the
beginning of any chapter. Their purpose is simply to whet the critic's appetite.
Chapter II
Western and Sophia—who is still confined to her room—argue
about Blifil. A messenger arrives from Lord Fellamar, who intends to pay
his respects to Sophia that afternoon. Western answers that Sophia is already
"disposed of." The messenger asks whether Western knows what kind of man he is
declining. Western rudely retort that he hates all lords and begins to caper
angrily about the room. Sophia joins in her father's rancor by stomping her foot
on the floor and running screaming from her room. Once Fellamar's messenger has
departed, Western heads straight for Sophia's room, where they weep together and
express their love for each other. Sophia says that she promises not to marry at
all—she will devote herself to her father. This refuels his anger.
CHAPTER III
The narrator confides in the reader that Western "really doated on his Daughter,
and to give her any Kind of Pleasure was the highest Satisfaction of his Life."
Black George carries up a pullet with eggs for Sophia's dinner. Although
Sophia has been refusing food, Black George manages to entice her with the
pullet, which is her favorite dish. She finds a letter from Tom inside its
belly. The letter labors the point that Tom only wishes to see Sophia happy.
While she reads the letter, Sophia hears a fracas downstairs between her father
and her Aunt Western, who has just arrived in London.
Chapter IV
Mrs. Western asks for her niece. When Squire Western reports that he has locked
the wayward Sophia in her room, Mrs. Western reminds him of his promise not
to take such drastic actions against his daughter's disobedience. She stresses
the ideal of female liberty, and the narrator compares her to Thalestris, that
Amazonian champion of women. Eventually Squire Western tosses down the key and
Mrs. Western departs to find Sophia. No sooner has she left than her brother
damns her and invites Parson Supple for a drink. Squire Western allows Mrs.
Western to take Sophia to her own lodging. Mrs. Western begs her brother not to
see Mrs. Fitzpatrick if she seeks him out.
Chapter V
Black George delivers a letter to Tom from Sophia. She tells Tom that she is
with her Aunt Western and has promised not to write any further to Tom. She does
give her word, however, that she will marry no other man. Tom is torn by
happiness and grief. Tom spends three hours reading and kissing the epistle,
after which he joins Mrs. Miller, Betsey, and Partridge at the playhouse
to watch a performance of Hamlet. Partridge becomes fully immersed in the
play and trembles at the ghost of Hamlet's father—whom he believes to be a
real ghoul. He shouts out to Hamlet when the latter picks up the skull of
Yorrick, and amuses all the spectators around him with his running commentary on
the play. After the performance, Mrs. Fitzpatrick approaches Jones and
invites him to meet with her the following afternoon.
Chapter VI
The narrator considers all the characters in the novel as children. He harbors
an "extraordinary Tenderness" for Sophia. Soon after Mr. Western departed for
London, he sent a note to Blifil encouraging the lad to come to London as soon
as possible to be married to Sophia. Blifil's motive for marrying Sophia has
become pure hatred. Since Sophia ran away from home, Allworthy has suspected
Sophia's dislike for Blifil. Blifil and Thwackum tried to convince Allworthy
that Blifil should still pursue the young lady. Allworthy's tenderness
eventually conquered his prudence and he agreed to accompany Blifil to London.
Allworthy and Blifil arrive in London while Jones is watching Hamlet.
Western insists on taking Blifil to Mrs. Western's residence immediately.
