The Responsibility of Caretaking

As the role of caretaking is explored throughout the novel, adults are shown to be responsible for the welfare of children regardless of whether the adult pursued the role of caretaker or not. This is most vividly explored through Mr. Allworthy’s care of Tom Jones which is relayed in many sections throughout the novel and through which Helen explores the very nature of caretaking. Somebody dropped Tom Jones, a parentless baby, at Mr. Allworthy’s home, and he first sees the baby when he comes into his bedroom and sees the baby on his bed. Mr. Allworthy does not have to keep the child and care for him, but he chooses to do this. The only time he relinquished his care of Tom is when Tom is an adult and offends him, but he eventually reconciles with Tom. Mr. Allworthy demonstrates that...