Tom Jones Flashcards
Who wrote Tom Jones?
Henry Fielding
On who is the character of Sophia Western based?
Fielding’s deceased wife, Charlotte Cradock
When was Tom Jones published?
1749
How many copies of Tom Jones were sold during the first year after its publication?
10,000
What were some of Fielding’s other occupations besides novelist?
Playwright, Lawyer, Journalist, (Successful) Magistrate
What are two other Fielding’s famous works that both satirize Pamela by Samuel Richardson?
Shamela and Joseph Andrews
When did Henry Fielding live?
1707-1754
To whom is the book dedicated?
George Lyttleton (against his wishes)
What is the historical backdrop against which Tom Jones takes place?
The Jacobite uprising of 1745
What was the Jacobite uprising?
The failed attempt by Charles Edward Stuart (“Bonnie Prince Charlie”) to regain the English Throne for the House of Stuart. Most of the action took place in the Scottish Highlands.
Who is Tom’s guardian, and “the favorite of nature and fortune”?
Squire Allworthy
What is the name of Squire Allworthy’s sister?
Bridget Allworthy
Who is Bridget Allworthy’s servant, and the one tasked with discovering Tom’s mother?
Mrs. Wilkins
Who is originally believed to be Tom Jones’s mother? Why?
Jenny Jones; she had been a servant to Mr. and Mrs. Partridge, but was dismissed by Mrs. Partridge in a fit of jealously. Jenny confesses to being Tom’s mother, but refuses to reveal the name of his father.
Who is originally assumed to be Tom’s father?
Mr. Partridge
What is Jenny’s particular talent?
She is a bright scholar; as good, if not better, than her fellow male pupils.
How does Bridget end up married?
A friend of Squire Allworthy’s, Dr. Blifil, falls in love with her, but is already married (it is suggested he loves her because of her fortune). He arranges for his brother, Captain Blifil to marry her instead, and is then distraught when his brother refuses to have anything to do with him.
Why is Mr. Partridge cast out of the community?
He is accused of beating his wife and father Tom Jones…neither of which he actually did.
Who are the two men hired to teach Tom Jones and Master Blifil? What are they like?
Square: a philosopher who believes vice is an aberration from nature
Thwackum: a reverend who believes mankind is naturally corrupt and must be redeemed by grace.
The two are constantly opposed to each other, and both are often critical of Tom Jones. As time goes on, Square comes to be more on Tom’s side, while Thwackum remains his enemy to the end.
Who is Tom’s particular friend among the servants, and who he gets into the most trouble with?
Black George (George Seagrim)
Who is Tom first in love with?
Molly Seagrim
Who is the heroine of Tom Jones?
Sophia Western, the daughter of Squire Allworthy’s neighbor Squire Western
What is the name of the soldier that attacks Tom in an inn and causes a head injury?
Northerton
With whom does Sophia go to stay when she flees to London?
Lady Bellaston, who falls for Tom herself and tries to keep him and Sophia apart