History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

"The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling" by Henry Fielding is a novel written in the early 18th century. The narrative revolves around the life of Tom Jones, a foundling raised by the benevolent Squire Allworthy, exploring themes of morality, love, and social class. The story is rich in characters and details, illustrating the intricacies of human nature and society’s response to vice and virtue. At the start of the novel, Fielding introduces Squire Allworthy as a compassionate and virtuous landowner who returns home from London to discover an infant boy, Tom, wrapped in linens in his bed. This event sets the stage for Tom's upbringing, as Allworthy decides to raise him as his own, despite the stigma attached to his illegitimate birth.