Summary
Chapter I
The narrator prides himself on being the founder of "prosai-comi-epic
Writing." He explains that the chapters that preface every book are meant
philosophical and historical treatises. He then turns his focus on "critics," to
whom he believes have received such authority that they think they can create
rules for authors. The rules that critics have attempted to instigate, however,
only "curb and restrain Genius." Returning to his prefacing remarks, the
narrator explains that the introductory chapters are also intended to provide
contrast: in their seriousness, they should excite the reader to reach the comic
parts.
Chapter II
While Tom is in confinement because of his broken arm, Mr. Allworthy
visits him every day and tries to make him deliberate on his misconduct.
Thwackum often visits Tom to deliver dictatorial speeches out of his "duty"
to urge reprobates, such as Tom, to repent. Thwacker says that Tom's broken arm
is God's punishment for his sins. Square lectures Tom in a similar manner,
but argues instead that a broken arm is nothing in the grand universal scheme.
Blifil rarely visits, saying that he is scared to sully his character by
spending time with Tom. Squire Western leaves Tom's room only to drink or
hunt, while Sophia struggles to make herself stay at bay.
One day, while Tom and Squire Western listen to Sophia playing the harpsichord,
Tom tells Western that, since his broken arm saved Sophia, he thinks of it as
"the happiest Accident" of his life. Western wants to give Tom one of his horses
as a reward. Sophia begins to play very badly, in such a way that Tom notices
that something is bothering Sophia, and begins to suspect that she might be
attracted to him.
Chapter III
Tom's love for Sophia is "bittersweet," since he is not completely sure that he
has won her affection. Moreover, knowing that fortune and status are of
fundamental importance to parents, Tom anticipates that Squire Western prohibit
a marriage between him and Sophia. He does not want to abuse Western's
hospitality to him, nor does he desire to offend Allworthy. Tom also thinks of
Molly, to whom he has made promises of "eternal Constancy." He cannot bear
to reflect on the image of Molly dying, which she has sworn to do if Tom deserts
her. Molly's poverty has not once represented an obstacle to Tom. After a
sleepless night, Tom resolves to remain faithful to Molly.
Chapter IV
Mrs. Honour visits Tom on his sick-bed. She was deserted after being fooled by a
nobleman's footman, and has never trusted another man with her heart, but she
still loves men. Mrs. Honour tells Tom that Sophia has sent her to check on
Molly, and Tom begs her for any information on Sophia. After a good deal of
wheedling, Honour reveals that Sophia will not buy a new muff, but holds on to
the one that Tom had kissed earlier. Squire Western enters to summon Tom to
the harpsichord, where Sophia sits, wearing her muff and looking lovelier than
ever. While Sophia is performing one of her father's favorite songs, the muff
falls onto her fingers and prevents her from playing properly. Enraged, Western
throws the muff into the fire, but Sophia immediately retrieves it from the
flames.
Chapter V
Tom cannot get Molly out of his mind, and his compassion for her makes him
overlook the fact that Sophia eclipses Molly in both appearance and character.
Tom hopes that maybe he can apologize to Molly by offering her money, since her
desperation might be greater than her love for him. One day, with his broken arm
in a sling, Tom goes to visit Molly. Tom finds the upstairs door locked, and
Molly eventually appears and tells Tom she has been sleeping. Tom tells Molly
that Allworthy would be furious if he knew they were together, and says he wants
Molly to find a man with whom she can lead a reputable life. She bursts into
tears and accuses him of ruining and deserting her.
