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 IV

The story unravels with Sophia locating Tom at a country inn. To her dismay, Sophia learns Tom has been "entertaining" other women. She refuses to see him and leaves the inn immediately. While Sophia flees from Tom, she meets a long lost cousin who urges her to travel to London with her. Sophia agrees and looks forward to her adventures in the big city. Tom has still not given up on Sophia. He too, makes his way to London to find her, but as we shall see, their troubles have only just begun. Recommended for high school courses on European History and Literature.

• commiseration
• degrade
• discerning
• disposition
• divert
• inhabitants
• misconstrued
• obliged
• offenses
• provocation
• reconciling
• renowned
• venomous

1. How does the story of Mrs. Fitzpatrick's failed marriage foreshadow Sophia's proposed marriage to Blifil? What are the intentions of Mr. Fitzpatrick and Blifil for marrying these women?

2. The stage master of the puppet show said that the main point of his show was to serve to improve the morals of society. Did Fielding agree with what the stage master said? Why or why not?

3. What does Tom do when a man holds him up at gun point? Why does Tom end up giving money to this man before departing?

4. How does the masquerade ball symbolize the corruption of city life? What happens to Tom at the masquerade ball that leads him into the "practice of masquerading?"

5. What character(s) does Tom identify with most in London? Why?

6. What does Sophia confront about the real world during her stay in London? Which scene awakens her to this reality?

7. Fielding implies throughout the novel that actions in themselves are neither moral nor immoral rather, one must judge the motives behind the actions. Which scenes in Part IV supports Fielding's beliefs?

1. With a group of classmates, put on your own puppet show that teaches a moral lesson. What is the moral lesson? How will you convey this moral lesson to your audience? Get feedback from your classmates after the show.

2. Create a mask that you can wear using the materials of your choice. What does your mask symbolize? How will you design this mask and why? Write a brief paragraph on the steps you took in creating your mask. Be sure to include the materials used.

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