Summary
Chapter I
The narrator claims that Truth is the vital ingredient setting his story
apart. The narrator, however, does not want this history to be the kind that is
so boring it cannot be digested without a bout of ale. Since the heroine is to
be presented in the following chapter, the narrator traces literary examples of
hero introductions. He praises the tragic poets, who knew best how to welcome
their heroes (with a resounding of drums) and their lovers (with gentle
melodies). He self-consciously states: "Our Intention, in short, is to introduce
our Heroine with the utmost Solemnity in our Power, with an Elevation of Stile,
and all other Circumstances proper to raise the Veneration of our Reader."
Chapter II
Miss Sophia Western, Squire Western's daughter, is ushered into the
spotlight. At first the narrator does not provide exact details, hailing
instead a string of female characters from high literature and high society,
with whom he compares Sophia. Reinforcing his reluctance to paint Sophia's
portrait, the narrator elusively says: "most of all, she resembled one whose
Image never can depart from my Breast, and whom if thou dost remember, thou hast
then, my Friend, an adequate Idea of Sophia." Finally we are graced with the
information that Sophia is symmetrical, of medium height, of perfect
proportions, with saber-colored hair, black eyes, and "two Rows of Ivory" in her
mouth. Moreover, her inside matches her exquisite exterior. If jealousy should
look to find fault with her, the narrator supposes that Sophia's forehead could
be a little higher. He incorporates the words of John Suckling, John
Donne, and Horace in his description of Sophia. Although
Sophia's manners lack that polished finish found in the "Polite Circle," such
airs are not needed in a character with such "sense" and "natural Gentility."
Sophia has been educated by her aunt.
Chapter III
Sophia, at eighteen years old, loves her father more than any other living
being. This is why Tom chooses to direct his plea on Black George's behalf to
Sophia. The narrator steps back in time to describe the relationship between the
neighboring households—they have lived pleasantly enough as neighbors, and
Tom, Sophia, and Blifil were playmates as children. Tom's gregariousness
appealed more to little Sophia than Blifil's cautious solemnity. In their early
youth, Tom presented Sophia with a bird that he had stolen from a nest and
trained to sing. Sophia christened the bird "little Tommy" and became so
attached to it that feeding and playing with the bird was her greatest pastime.
One day in the garden Blifil persuades Sophia to let him hold little Tommy for a
moment. On acquiring the bird, Blifil quickly removes the string from the bird's
leg and releases it. Beckoned by Sophia's screams, Tom runs to them and climbs
the tree where the bird has perched itself. The branch breaks and Tom tumbles
into the canal below. When the adults arrive at the scene, Blifil confesses that
it is his fault and explains that he cannot stand to see anything not have its
liberty. Tom and Blifil are sent home, Sophia retires to her chamber, and the
adults return to their alcohol.
Chapter IV
Square, Thwackum, Squire Western, Allworthy, and a lawyer friend of
Western's argue about whether Blifil's actions were right or wrong. Square and
Thwackum praise Blifil. Western, annoyed with Blifil for depriving Sophia of her
bird, simply urges his guests to continue drinking. Allworthy thinks that the
action was wrong, but the motivation good, and therefore resolves not to punish
the boy. The lawyer enigmatically declares that property rights are "nullius in
bonis," confounding the rest of the participants. Soon after, Allworthy whisks
Square and Thwackum away.
Chapter V
From the day of the bird's death, Sophia develops a "Kindness" for Tom and an
"Aversion" to Blifil. Many events, unnecessary to relate, further these
sentiments. Sophia realizes that Tom has no enemy in the world but himself,
while Blifil has few enemies but loves only himself. Some people keep good
people to themselves, for fear of losing dominion over their goodness. But
Sophia acts otherwise—publicly praises Tom, and publicly disparages
Blifil. Sophia has returned to her father's house after more than three years of
living and studying with her aunt. She hears the story of Black George and the
partridge one night while dining with Squire Western, her aunt, and
Allworthy. Later, when her maidservant is undressing her, Sophia vents her
hatred for Blifil.
