Henry Fielding's Tom Jones is a new adoption of Fielding's classic high spirited novel about a young man's misadventures and bawdy experiences in 18th-century England. This six-hour production filmed on location throughout England follows this young man from bedrooms of rural inns to London's dangerous streets. Cast out from his home and forbidden his true love, Tom Jones must overcome the charms of an older seductress and the sinister plot of a nefarious rival to win his lover's heart. The handsome hero and his infectious exploits sparkle like never before in this lavish adaption of Fielding's 1749 masterpiece.

Part I

The story began in Somersetshire, England in 1725. Squire Allworthy, a wealthy gentleman, had just returned home from a long stay in London to find a baby boy left on his bed. Without much thought, Allworthy decided to adopt this foundling and name him Tom. Tom grew up to be a loving and generous young man despite themanipulative and deceitful behavior by other members of the Allworthy household. These calculating individuals were intent on destroying Tom's reputation as an honest man and any chance he may have in acquiring the Allworthy estate. Such adversities did not deter Tom from getting what he really wanted -the lovely, virtuous woman, Sophia Western. Recommended for high school courses on European History and Literature.

• allotted
• amends
• annuity
• benevolence
• countenance
• defiled
• digress
• foundling
• impudence
• incontinence
• jocular
• obstinately
• reformation
• repentance
• reverent
• scrutinize
• theologian
• transgress
• virtuous

1. In the first scene, Squire Allworthy decides to adopt the child that he found abandoned on his bed. How did Miss Bridget and Mrs. Wilkins react to the Squire's decision in keeping the foundling? How did they react to the woman who supposedly conceived the child?

2. How was sex perceived during the 18th-century? Which institution may have instilled these beliefs about sex into society? Have these perceptions changed? Why or why not?

3. Jenny Jones, the alleged mother of Tom, was thought of as a 'wicked strumpet' and had to be punished for her 'sins.' How did Squire Allworthy punish Jenny? What qualities did the Squire posses that may not have been typical of an 18th-century English Magistrate?

4. Which scenes best characterized Mr. Square and Mr. Thwackum as hypocrites?

5. What do these scenes say about Fielding's view of theologians and philosophers?

6. Captain Blifil and Mrs. Partridge served to help Fielding establish a moral viewpoint for his novel. How did these characters serve this purpose? What eventually happens to both characters and why?

7. How did Sophie Western and Molly Seagrim represent conflicting values? Which character do you believe Fielding had more respect for?

8. During the closing scene, Miss Bridget says to Tom "It is not enough that your actions are good. You must take care so they appear so." What was Miss Bridget referring to when she said this?

9. Define the word "digression."How does this word relate to the events that took place in Part I?

1. Reenact the scene in court with Squire Allworthy, Mr. Partridge and Mrs. Partridge as if it were a case held in court today. How would you change the proceedings in order to offer a fair trial to Mr. and Mrs. Partridge?

2. Develop a time line with the most influential political, economical and social events that took place in England from 1700-1750. What events do you think impacted Fielding the most as a writer?

3. Draw a chart of Squire Allworthy's household members. Include the names of the characters and their relationship to Squire Allworthy.

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