83 pages 2 hours read

Henry Fielding

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1749

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Books 16-18Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 16, Chapter 1 Summary

The narrator complains that he wearies of writing these prefatory chapters and thinks they serve little purpose other than to let critics whet their knives.

Book 16, Chapter 2 Summary

Squire Western takes Sophia to his lodgings and locks her in her room. An army captain visits on behalf of Lord Fellamar, who requests permission to court Sophia. The Squire refuses, insisting that she marry Blifil.

Book 16, Chapter 3 Summary

Black George delivers a meal to Sophia, and she finds a letter from Tom inside her dish. Tom writes that he is distressed to learn of her captivity. He entreats her to run away with him, but says if she chooses not to, he wishes her only happiness.

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By Henry Fielding

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