Tom Branghton Character Analysis in Evelina: or, The History of a Young Lady’s Entrance into the World

Tom is Mr. Branghton’s son, Miss Branghton and Polly’s brother, and one of Evelina’s suitors. Tom is a poorly educated young man who does not take anything seriously and has bad manners. Tom is from a middle-class family, so he’s not refined or educated in upper-class etiquette. He makes vulgar jokes and constantly fights with and pulls pranks on his sisters in public—much to Evelina’s embarrassment when she stays with the Branghtons during her second trip to London. Like his father, Tom is ambitious and greedy and wants to marry Evelina for her money, as this will elevate his social status. Evelina turns Tom down, horrified at the prospect of marrying him.

Tom Branghton Character Timeline in Evelina: or, The History of a Young Lady’s Entrance into the World

The timeline below shows where the character Tom Branghton appears in Evelina: or, The History of a Young Lady’s Entrance into the World. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Inheritance, Class, and Nobility Theme Icon

...town. Evelina thinks that he seems like an intelligent but rather narrow-minded man. His son, Tom Branghton, is 20, and Evelina thinks he is childish and stupid. The eldest daughter, Miss... (full context)

Sensibility, Etiquette, and Appearances Theme Icon

The next evening, as Evelina and Maria dress for the opera, Tom, Miss Branghton, and Polly suddenly burst in and announce that they will take Evelina to... (full context)

...and the Mirvans have seats. Miss Branghton takes offense to this and tells Polly and Tom that they must leave, as they are not good enough to sit with Evelina. They... (full context)

...Captain Mirvan played on her to convince her that Monsieur Du Bois was in prison. Tom laughs at this, and a chaotic argument breaks out. (full context)

Innocence, Guidance, and Experience Theme Icon

...still getting dressed. When the girls finally came downstairs, they had a huge argument with Tom before they even greeted Madame Duval or Evelina. (full context)

...family bicker and fight all the way through dinner, after which Miss Branghton, Polly, and Tom take Evelina downstairs to sit in the shop. When they enter the shop, Evelina notices... (full context)

...to throw Mr. Macartney out of his lodgings because Mr. Macartney tried to kill himself. Tom adds that now he knows how poor Mr. Macartney is, he will be less polite... (full context)

Back in the shop, Evelina and Monsieur Du Bois wait for Miss Branghton and Tom to return from an outing. When they arrive, Evelina and Monsieur Du Bois rise to... (full context)

Gender, Reputation, and Marriage Theme Icon

...and Mr. Branghton says that the foolish girls must want to be assaulted. Evelina asks Tom to look for his sisters, but Tom says that they must look after themselves if... (full context)

...forlorn and sadly looks down at his clothes, which are shabby compared to Sir Clement’s. Tom, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Branghton all disappear into the Gardens to look for Polly and... (full context)

...upon Evelina and Madame Duval at breakfast and demand to know who Sir Clement is. Tom thinks he must be a rich businessman because he dresses so well, and Mr. Branghton... (full context)

...Mirvan played on her, when they convinced her that Monsieur Du Bois was in prison. Tom and Mr. Smith start to laugh and Sir Clement angrily tells them to be quiet.... (full context)

Madame Duval announces that she will dance at the ball with Mr. Smith—who looks alarmed—and Tom bursts out laughing. Mr. Smith says that he planned to dance with Evelina, but Evelina... (full context)

...he reluctantly went to forward it to them. However, on his way, Mr. Branghton and Tom cornered him and demanded rent money immediately. In his despair, Macartney tore up the letter... (full context)

...Evelina cannot be reunited with her father and find a wealthy husband, she should marry Tom. Evelina is affronted and does not want to discuss this. After this, Monsieur Du Bois... (full context)

...and Monsieur Du Bois go for a walk in Kensington Gardens. Evelina is annoyed because Tom will not leave her alone, and Monsieur Du Bois keeps moping near her. A sudden... (full context)

...Duval and Evelina off and then give the Branghtons a lift home. The next day, Tom comes to visit Evelina and proudly says that he now knows Lord Orville as well... (full context)

Tom then went to Lord Orville’s house to apologize and, when the servants would not let... (full context)

...was forced to visit the Branghtons with Monsieur Du Bois and was pestered by him, Tom, and Mr. Smith. When she returns, she discovers that both Lord Orville and Sir Clement... (full context)