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 III

Tom leaves the Allworthy estate with apprehension and uncertainty as to where he will go. He travels some distance before deciding to set out for the port of Bristol. On his travels, Tom meets many interesting characters, some new and some old. His adventures are plenty, from deadly brawls to wild nights in country inns. While Tom continues his journey to the port of Bristol, Sophia sets out on horseback to find her lost love. Recommended for high school courses on European History and Literature.

• borealis
• discourse
• exuberant
• heroine
• impertinent
• impudent
• incognito
• interpose
• irreverent
• premeditated
• reputed

1. In the first scene, Tom meets a Quaker on his way to the port of Bristol. What does the Quaker tell Tom? How does this story parallel Tom's situation?

2. Tom also joins a band of soldiers while venturing to the port of Bristol. What cause were these soldiers fighting for? What was the name of the Rebellion?

3. What did Ensign Northerton, a soldier, say to Tom that got him so enraged that he attacked him? Did Tom have a right to be that angry about what Northerton said? Why or why not?

4. Who does Tom meet after recovering from the brawl he had with Northerton the night before? What does Tom learn from this man? Does this news change Tom's course of action? Why or why not?

5. Mr. Partridge and Mrs. Honour, Sophia's servant, have similar goals. What are these goals? What do these characters try to do in order to reach their goals?

6. Who does Tom save from being raped? Does this character remind you of someone from Tom's past? What makes their 'encounter' at the Upton Inn horrifying?

7. What makes us laugh at the characters with such horrible traits (greed, hypocrisy)? Give several examples describibg the character, corresponding trait ,and what makes the character so amusing.

8. There is a repetitive theme of flight and pursuit in Part III. What actions do specific characters take to support this theme?

1. Research the Rebellion that was taking place in England at this time. Pretend that you are Tom and you are joining a band of soldiers to fight for the cause that Tom believed in. Write a creative essay on your experiences during this Rebellion. Share your story with your class.

2. What is the definition of a comedy? What differentiates a comedy from a tragedy? In a small group, develop a short comedy. What year and setting does your comedy take place? What are the names of your characters and what are they like? What do these characters do and/or say to make this play a comedy? Present your play to your class.

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