The Opinions of the Divine and the Philosopher Concerning the Two Boys; With Some Reasons for Their Opinions, and Other Matters
- Allworthy is so impressed by Tom's protection of Black George that he stops Mr. Thwackum from hitting Tom again, in spite of Master Blifil's bloody nose.
- Both Mr. Thwackum and Mr. Square agree that Master Blifil is the good boy and Tom, the bad.
- By telling nothing but the truth, they argue, Master Blifil has done his duty as a Christian.
- Squire Allworthy fires Black George from his job as gamekeeper because it's obviously pretty terrible to let a kid get beaten in your place.
- When everyone in the village hears the story, they all agree that Tom behaved well and Master Blifil behaved badly.
- But Mr. Thwackum and Mr. Square both strongly prefer Master Blifil.
- Why? Because Master Blifil is a much better suck-up than Tom.
- Master Blifil flatters Mr. Thwackum and Mr. Square, while Tom seems barely to pay attention to them.
- So of course they like Master Blifil better.
- Squire Allworthy originally hired both these guys to tutor his nephew and adopted-son-like-figure because they are so different.
- He thought that each of them would make up for the problems in the other's character.
- It never really occurred to Squire Allworthy that neither Mr. Thwackum nor Mr. Square would teach the kids anything.