![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Incest by foundlings who are unaware of their birth parents’ identities had previously been explored in the 1722 novel ‘Moll Flanders’ by Daniel Defoe. Fortunately for Tom, it is explained that Bridget Allworthy had paid Jenny to lie in order to protect her own identity as Tom’s mother. He also embarks on a relationship with a character named Mrs Waters, only to discover that she is Jenny Jones. While Tom is unaware of his true parentage, he has relationships with two women with whom he may share a father. Potential incest is a re-occuring theme within the book. The story follows Tom through childhood, into adulthood and marriage. Allworthy asks his sister Bridget to raise the child as part of his household, naming him Tom Jones. Jenny Jones, a local servant, confesses to being the baby’s mother but refuses to disclose the identity of the father. The book begins with the kind and wealthy Squire Allworthy returning to his country estate to discover an unknown baby sleeping in his bed. It is one of the earliest novels to have been written and was considered scandalous at the time for its depictions of prostitution and sex outside of marriage. ‘The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling’ by Henry Fielding was first published on 28th February 1749. ![]()
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