Tom Jones is a foundling taken in and raised by the wealthy
         Squire Allworthy.  He is Mrs. Bridget's son, making him
         Allworthy's nephew, Master Blifil's older half-brother, and
         heir to the Allworthy fortune.   But, as our narrator
         expresses, "Even at his first appearance, it was the universal
         opinion of all Mr. Allworthy's family, that he was born to be
         hanged."  At age fourteen, he has been already convicted of
         three robberies [robbing an orchard, of stealing a duck out
         of farmer's yard, and of picking Master Blifil's pocket of a
         ball],  Tom Jones was universally disliked.

         Soon after, Mrs. Bridget (Allworthy's sister who lives with
         him) marries the greedy Captain Blifil. They have a baby boy
         who is raised together with Tom Jones.  As he grows up,
         Master Blifil becomes very jealous of Tom.  Blifil plays up
         to his tutors, Thwackum and Square, and plots to bring about
         Tom's ruin.
 

     1)  The theme of charity is a major theme in the story.  How is generosity
     portrayed in Tom Jones?   How is this theme  emphasized by contrast?

     2)  In the world of Tom Jones, is there balance and order, or is it one
     that is arbitrary and filled with coincidence? Explain.

     3)  Give three examples of Biblical stories that are allegorical in the
     story of Tom Jones.  Show the comparison of each in your findings.

     4)  Tom Jones is a story in which "class" differences and the "place"
     in society are strictly defined.  The lower class is supposedly less
     important than the upper classes they serve.  Show two (2) examples
     in the story where they play important roles in the lives of their
     masters.
 
     5)  a.  How does Sophia show her love for Squire Western?

          b.  How does Squire Western show his devotion to Sophia?

          c.  How is Squire Western's devotion to Sophia different from
          the love she shows him?
 
     6) The English sport of hunting provides for a major theme of
     Tom Jones.  Fielding presents the spectacle of people being
     driven by instincts, drives, and passions to pursue others.  The
     story is a series of pursuits and flights.  Cite three (3) examples
     of each (pursuits and flights) in the story.

    7)  a.  What role do jealousy, spite, and revenge play in Tom
         Jones?

         b.  Cite two (2) examples in the story where characters
         are ruined by their jealousy.
      
   8) At one point in the story, Allworthy feels obliged to send
   Tom away, which only briefly dampens Tom's spirits.  He is
   soon at a country inn, engaging in the most famous scene in the
   film, a famously libidinous eating scene.  Not a food movie, per
   say, but worth a mention for its fabulously seductive eating
   scene. What is the author trying to say illustrate through
   this scene?

 

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