The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

The narrator distinguishes his work from “idle Romances” (113) and laborious histories, drawing attention to his use of “poetical Embellishments” in his “Heroic, Historical, Prosaic Poem” (114). He debates how he might introduce his heroine, drawing on comparisons to modern theatre as well as ancient works.

The narrator uses elevated language and epic similes to introduce the character of Miss Sophia Western, the Squire’s daughter. She is beautiful, sweet-tempered, and charming. She grew up in the country but has been educated by her aunt, “a Lady of great Discretion” (119).

Sophia is 18 and very dear to her father. She has grown up knowing Tom Jones and Master Blifil. When she was 13, Tom gave Sophia a little bird, which she adored, but which Blifil let fly away. Tom fell into a canal trying to save it.