The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding - Group Read (hosted by Debra and Angela)

[Debra Diggs]

Book 8 Chapters

BOOK VIII — CONTAINING ABOUT TWO DAYS.
Chapter i — A wonderful long chapter concerning the marvellous; being much the longest of all our introductory chapters.
Chapter ii — In which the landlady pays a visit to Mr Jones.
Chapter iii — In which the surgeon makes his second appearance.
Chapter iv — In which is introduced one of the pleasantest barbers that was ever recorded in history, the barber of Bagdad, or he in Don Quixote, not excepted.
Chapter v — A dialogue between Mr Jones and the barber.
Chapter vi — In which more of the talents of Mr Benjamin will appear, as well as who this extraordinary person was.
Chapter vii — Containing better reasons than any which have yet appeared for the conduct of Partridge; an apology for the weakness of Jones; and some further anecdotes concerning my landlady.
Chapter viii — Jones arrives at Gloucester, and goes to the Bell; the character of that house, and of a petty-fogger which he there meets with.
Chapter ix — Containing several dialogues between Jones and Partridge, concerning love, cold, hunger, and other matters; with the lucky and narrow escape of Partridge, as he was on the very brink of making a fatal discovery to his friend.
Chapter x — In which our travellers meet with a very extraordinary adventure.
Chapter xi — In which the Man of the Hill begins to relate his history.
Chapter xii — In which the Man of the Hill continues his history.
Chapter xiii — In which the foregoing story is farther continued.
Chapter xiv — In which the Man of the Hill concludes his history.
Chapter xv — A brief history of Europe; and a curious discourse between Mr Jones and the Man of the Hill.

[Debra Diggs]

Book 8 Characters

Jones
The surgeon
The barber of Bagdad, Little Benjamin, Partridge
Nanny. Chambermaid
Landlord. Brother to the great preacher Whitefield
Mrs. Whitefield. Landlady
Dowling. Attorney of Salisbury
Somersetshire lawyer
Two ruffians
Old woman
Man of the Hill

[Debra Diggs]

Book 8 Summary

Tom Jones is recovering from his head wound in his room. The surgeon wants to bleed him, but Tom refuses. The landlady is at first taken with Tom and real nice to him. Later she listens to lies and half truths about Tom, decides he is lower class and so she no longer likes him and she tells her own lies about Sophia and Tom.

A barber named Benjamin shaves Tom and they get along very well so decide to have a meal together. Tom tells his story to Benjamin who says that lies must have been told to Allsworthy and that is why Tom was kicked out. Benjamin is also a surgeon so he takes care of Tom's head wound. Now, Tom finds out that Benjamin is really Partridge and that Partridge is not his father. Unknown to Tom, Partridge thinks Allsworthy is Tom's real father, hopes to return Tom, get back on good terms with Allsworthy and return to his home town.

Tom and Partridge travel on and end up at an inn run by Mrs. Whitefield. This landlady is also real nice to Tom at first. Then she is told lies and half truths about Tom and kicks him out of the inn. So Tom and Partridge end up traveling at night. We find out that Tom and Partridge are different sides of the political conflict. Tom supports King George, Partridge supports the Jacobite rebellion. (I don't know if this will be important later or not, so I wanted to include it.)

They come across an old cabin with an old lady. And old man who is a recluse and known as Man of the Hill. Because Tom saved the Man of the Hill from two ruffians, the Man tells Tom his story. The Man of the Hill was smart and doing well at university but fell in with the wrong person, began gambling, stole money, falls for a woman who betrays him, leaves the university, and falls in with another unsavory character, Watson. He lives the life of gambling until one day he rescues a man being beaten up. The beaten man is his father who came to London looking for him. The father and and son, return home. The father dies, Man of the Hill and his brother cannot get along so the Man leaves. Then he runs into Watson again. They both join the rebels to depose the Catholic king, Watson betrays the Man to the Jacobite forces, but the Man manages to escape....Tom interrupts the story and the Man learns that there is currently a second rebellion going on. The Man continues his story saying that he settled on this hill away from society and that people are no good.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Links in place. Well done all if you're zooming through this rollicking read. This novel is really racing along now :)

[Debra Diggs]

Tom certainly is experiencing a lot of different types of people. But he seems to be keeping his good natured ways. I wonder what the future will hold for him? Will he join up with the soldiers or get side tracked on some other adventure? I assume Partridge will remain his traveling companion for a bit. That works well for the story. I really liked the Man of the Hill. Will we see more of him?

And Sophia. How did her escape to London go? Maybe we will get back to her in Book 9. Will Tom hear of her escape to London and go to her?

[Janet]

I watched the first disc of The History of Tom Jones, which I got from my library as it was impossible to find online, and it was fine because it didn't go farther than I have read in the book. Fun to see the characters in mini-series form and the acting and production is great. Much more physical comedy than most historical dramatizations.

I will wait until I finish the book to watch the second disc.

[Janet]

Debra Digs wrote: "Tom certainly is experiencing a lot of different types of people. But he seems to be keeping his good natured ways. I wonder what the future will hold for him? Will he join up with the soldiers or ..."

The bit with the man on the hill really reminded me of Dickens' penchant for telling extraneous stories within the main story.

[Debra Diggs]

Jane wrote: "I watched the first disc of The History of Tom Jones, which I got from my library as it was impossible to find online, and it was fine because it didn't go farther than I have read in the book. Fun..."

I am glad that you are enjoying it, Jane. And it is good to know were the first disc ends. I have not watched Tom Jones yet. But my local library carries it.

[Debra Diggs]

Jane wrote: "Debra Digs wrote: "Tom certainly is experiencing a lot of different types of people. But he seems to be keeping his good natured ways. I wonder what the future will hold for him? Will he join up .....

The bit with the man on the hill really reminded me of Dickens' penchant for telling extraneous stories within the main story..."

Good point.

[Debra Diggs]

Book 9 Chapters

BOOK IX — CONTAINING TWELVE HOURS.
Chapter i — Of those who lawfully may, and of those who may not, write such histories as this.
Chapter ii — Containing a very surprizing adventure indeed, which Mr Jones met with in his walk with the Man of the Hill.
Chapter iii — The arrival of Mr Jones with his lady at the inn; with a very full description of the battle of Upton.
Chapter iv — In which the arrival of a man of war puts a final end to hostilities, and causes the conclusion of a firm and lasting peace between all parties.
Chapter v — An apology for all heroes who have good stomachs, with a description of a battle of the amorous kind.
Chapter vi — A friendly conversation in the kitchen, which had a very common, though not very friendly, conclusion.
Chapter vii — Containing a fuller account of Mrs Waters, and by what means she came into that distressful situation from which she was rescued by Jones.

[Debra Diggs]

Book 9 Characters

Jones
Man of the Hill
Mrs. Waters
Ensign Northerton
Landlady
Landlord
Partridge
Susan the chambermaid
A young lady and her maid
A sergeant
Soldiers
Coachman

[Debra Diggs]

Book 9 Summary

Jones saves Mrs. Waters from Northernton. She choses to go topless to the next town. Partridge joins up with them there. The landlady thinks Mrs. Waters is there for sexual activity so, there is a whole crazy fight between Jones, Partridge, Mrs. Waters, landlady, landlord, and Susan. That all gets settled with no hard feelings. (It appears to me that the landlady was correct in her slut assessment.)

A young lady and her maid arrive. The story mentions them several times but does not give their names. (I assume it is Sophia and Mrs. Honour. If so, I did not see this coming.)

Mrs. Waters seduces Jones and they end up having sex.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

My goodness this is such a racy novel! We can see the difference Queen Victoria made in what was seen as appropriate behaviour, and literature. I'm glad I put the warning at the beginning!

Thank you so very much for all your hard work Debra, and keeping this all on track :) Your posts are so very useful!

I've linked them all, so anyone who wants to catch up with the basic story can, and messaged Angela a couple of days ago, so hopefully she can take over in a few days' time :)

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

I mentioned before that Thomas Rowlandson did a series of etchings for The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling. He was a famous contemporary satirist and caricaturist, who made a lot of cartoons: usually social observation and the politics of the time. This one, I think, might be from Book 9 - the fight in the Inn:



There are more here:

https://www.google.co.uk/search?sourc...

[Debra Diggs]

Oh my gosh! Yes, Jean that is the crazy fight at the inn!

Thanks for the links.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Hi everyone,
Many thanks to Debra for taking us through the first half of The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling so brilliantly, and at such short notice! I'm very grateful :)

I haven't yet heard from Angela, so will post the chapters following the same timetable, and link to the first post too, so we can talk without spoilers. But I'm afraid there won't be the great summaries Debra provides.

Well done all who are half way through :) And don't forget there's a very good BBC miniseries of this, which is great fun to watch and helps.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Book 10 Chapters

BOOK X. — IN WHICH THE HISTORY GOES FORWARD ABOUT TWELVE HOURS.

Chapter i. — Containing instructions very necessary to be perused by modern critics.

Chapter ii. — Containing the arrival of an Irish gentleman, with very extraordinary adventures which ensued at the inn.

Chapter iii. — A dialogue between the landlady and Susan the chamber-maid, proper to be read by all inn-keepers and their servants; with the arrival, and affable behaviour of a beautiful young lady; which may teach

Chapter iv. — Containing infallible nostrums for procuring universal disesteem and hatred.

Chapter v. — Showing who the amiable lady, and her unamiable maid, were.

Chapter vi. — Containing, among other things, the ingenuity of Partridge, the madness of Jones, and the folly of Fitzpatrick.

Chapter vii. — In which are concluded the adventures that happened at the inn at Upton.

Chapter viii. — In which the history goes backward.

Chapter ix. — The escape of Sophia.

[Sara]

Debra, thank you for the great summaries and input. I am desperately behind but slipping in chapters where I can and following you through the links.

Jean, you are a brick.

[Chris]

I am still on book 7. I wondered why the author put in the scene with the Quaker who described almost to a tee Tom & Sophia's story except for getting married & bedded the day daughter ran off? Was it just to add fuel to the fire of how wrong an alliance such as theirs is in the eyes of polite society & foretelling of hard days ahead for the pair?

[Debra Diggs]

Chris wrote: "I am still on book 7. I wondered why the author put in the scene with the Quaker who described almost to a tee Tom & Sophia's story except for getting married & bedded the day daughter ran off? Was..."



Yes, I think the author is saying that polite society felt this alliance was wrong. And I am guessing that the author wanted to emphasize that society looked down on poor people. Also (again, just guessing) that Tom is honorable and noble because he does not feel that way.

[Daniela]

I am still reading book seven, too...

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

You know, for all his faults, I do like Tom! I guess that's what we're supposed to feel like :)

[Debra Diggs]

Sara wrote: "Debra, thank you for the great summaries and input. I am desperately behind but slipping in chapters where I can and following you through the links.

Jean, you are a brick."


Thanks, Sara.
For the second half of this book, I will be slipping in chapters where I can.

[Debra Diggs]

Bionic Jean wrote: "Hi everyone,
Many thanks to Debra for taking us through the first half of The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling so brilliantly, and at such short notice! I'm very grateful :)

I haven..."


You are most welcome, Jean. And thank you.

The book chapters themselves provide somewhat of a summary. So that will be a good way to continue.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

I've heard from Angela since I posted the Book 10 chapters, and she is intending to come on to lead asap :)

But I'm sure she'll welcome a helping hand Debra, if it doesn't make you too overcommitted.

If Book 7 is a bit wordy, maybe scoot through it with the help of Debra's summary? Or we could always tack time on to the end of this of course, and run it alongside the first Christmas read for a bit :)

[Debra Diggs]

Some of my thoughts on Book 10.

Things did not go like I thought they would. It turns out that the people I thought were Sophia and Mrs. Honour were instead Mrs. Fitzpatrick and her maid. Who were also on the run. And actually related to Sophia!

When Sophia and Mrs. Honour eventually arrive at the inn, and find out that Tom is in bed with yet another woman....it surprised me that Sophia was more upset by Tom (supposedly) dragging her name through the mud than she was by him whoring around.

When Sophia runs off after leaving her muff behind for Tom to find, I can't help but think, she so clearly wants Tom to follow her.

I was very much surprised that Mr. Western arrived at the inn.

This whole chapter had a whole lot of craziness in it...a comedy of errors.

[Sara]

I am so far behind that I can say little that would be of interest to anyone here, but I just read the fight at the church because Molly is dressed too fine to suit the others and they tear her clothes from her. This is hilariously written and had me rolling.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Sometimes you can see exactly what made Charles Dickens enjoy a book so much that he read it over and over again :) I can imagine that appealing to him as a young boy too - it's a sort of cheeky farce!

And from what you say Debra, he also picked up the idea of disguising exactly who he is talking about, to tease and mystify the reader, from novels like this as well :)

[Sara]

It is so apparent that Dickens took many of Fielding's devices (and dare I say, perfected them). Gives the book an added dimension. I have also been seeing the influence this book had on Jane Austen...which is a subject for another group, I suppose.

[Debra Diggs]

Sara wrote: "I am so far behind that I can say little that would be of interest to anyone here, but I just read the fight at the church because Molly is dressed too fine to suit the others and they tear her clo..."

The fight at the church was wild. I loved it when Molly picked up bones to fight with.

[Debra Diggs]

I only see the influences when others point them out. Such as the names people are given, telling a story within a story, and disguising who the characters are. While I don't see them on my own, I enjoy thinking about them after they are pointed out.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

And I'm staggered to think that there are influences on Jane Austen! Perhaps in the sarcastic observations of human nature? And of course she was much closer to Henry Fielding in time than Charles Dickens was, so society was more similar ... it's just that she restricted herself to such a small niche of it.

[Sara]

Yes, Jean, I was thinking her use of irony and satire. Northanger Abbey particularly came to mind. She had certainly read Fielding and I do see him reflected in her work, especially in the more comedic of her characters and scenes. Wouldn't Mrs. Bennet fit in perfectly in Fielding's literary world?

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Ah, Northanger Abbey is wonderful ... yet I keep coming across readers on GR who are disappointed that it is not like her long middle novels, and consider it somehow "lesser" rather than different! Once you know it is a gothic satire, and pick up on all the tropes and digs at the sensational "horrid novels" for young women of the time, it's immensely funny :)

Now you've set me thinking, perhaps not only Pride and Prejudice but several of Jane Austen's novels have one or two silly, gossipy, middle-aged women who would slot in to The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling quite nicely.

I don't know if you every watched the serial "Dickensians", Sara, but the writers took characters from all over Charles Dickens's fiction, sometimes portraying them at different ages from as they were in the stories, and blended them together in a mystery story (solved by Inspector Bucket). I hadn't expected to enjoy it, but it was a delight to watch - a real tour de force :)

[Sara]

I know how some people view Northanger Abbey, but I find it delightful. They apparently miss the point completely. I love that Austen was able to put so much variety into her novels.

Another character that comes to mind as fitting well into Fielding is Miss Bates in Emma. And, there are always philandering men in Austen--although she certainly has a tamer approach than Fielding does. :)

I am not familiar with Dickensians. Not sure if it will be available to me anywhere, but I will look for it. It sounds like it would be loads of fun. Looks like it is on NetFlix, but I don't have that. :(

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Ah I do love Miss Bates! She reminds me of Aunt Betsey :D (No need to add the book she's in, as her fan club is based right here!)

The "Dickensians" serial is on DVD, if anyone needs a few hints about a Christmas present for you Sara!

Sorry for the mini-diversion everyone - completely my fault for picking up on a reference. Book 11 is due to be posted on Friday Angela, if you're reading this :) )

[Bridget]

I just finished Book Ten. Found myself laughing aloud when Mrs. Waters door is broken into the second time by Squire Western. LOL

I'd say "that poor woman", but its hard to feel bad for Mrs. Waters. I do kind of feel for the poor landlady though, I imagine she will be hiring a carpenter to fix up that door jamb after all this ruckus.

[Debra Diggs]

Bridget wrote: "I just finished Book Ten. Found myself laughing aloud when Mrs. Waters door is broken into the second time by Squire Western. LOL

I'd say "that poor woman", but its hard to feel bad for Mrs. Wate..."

I know! I thought "no way!" And I can't say that I felt bad for Mrs. Waters.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Book 11 Chapters

BOOK XI. — CONTAINING ABOUT THREE DAYS.

Chapter i. — A crust for the critics.

Chapter ii. — The adventures which Sophia met with after her leaving Upton.

Chapter iii. — A very short chapter, in which however is a sun, a moon, a star, and an angel.

Chapter iv. — The history of Mrs Fitzpatrick.

Chapter v. — In which the history of Mrs Fitzpatrick is continued.

Chapter vi. — In which the mistake of the landlord throws Sophia into a dreadful consternation.

Chapter vii. — In which Mrs Fitzpatrick concludes her history.

Chapter viii. — A dreadful alarm in the inn, with the arrival of an unexpected friend of Mrs Fitzpatrick.

Chapter ix. — The morning introduced in some pretty writing. A stagecoach. The civility of chambermaids. The heroic temper of Sophia. Her generosity. The return to it. The departure of the company, and their

Chapter x. — Containing a hint or two concerning virtue, and a few more concerning suspicion.

[Debra Diggs]

Book 11

I wonder what Sophia gave the landlord for payment?

Here we are again. A man marrying a woman in order to take her money. Before, Blifil to Miss Bridget Allworthy. Now, Fitzpatrick to Harriet (Sophia's cousin).

[Angela]

Ok, book 11. I have had a really hard time with re entry so thank you Debra for picking up my slack and I apologize. I will take over for book 12. Are we still doing a book every 3 days?

[Angela]

Angela wrote: "Ok, book 11. I have had a really hard time with re entry so thank you Debra for picking up my slack and I apologize. I will take over for book 12. Are we still doing a book every 3 days?"

Went back to the beginning of the thread and see it's 2 books a week. So I'll post book 12 on Tuesday? Sound good?

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Great to see you Angela! I've posted this week's 2 books (10 and 11) and linked them to comment 1, following Debra's schedule of Monday and Friday. So Book 12 is due on Monday, (though you can tweak this to whatever suits you best).

Yes Debra is doing a fine job, and keeping us all anchored!

However you choose to start it off, I can always link it to the first comment. Thanks :)

[Angela]

OK, Monday it is!

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Great :)

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Please come on here to say what you think, everyone. Any characters you love, or hate? Any similarities to what Charles Dickens would write? I know some examples of this has mentioned already, and it's really interesting :)

It doesn't matter at all, if you're reading behind the schedule ... the links mean we can comment how we like and still keep anchored. And if you're reading faster, or already know the book, then please just check to see your post doesn't contain spoilers.

Angela - how did you find the first half?

[Angela]

Jean BAHAHAHAHA.....I am so far behind........need to.get cracking.

[Chris]

I loved the conversation with the surgeon in BK VII Chap XIII. And then the scene with the "ghost" of Tom Jones & the centinel was funny until the poor centinel was bought up on charges & arrested!

[Debra Diggs]

.
.

My favorite part so far is the "ghost" of Tom Jones scene.

My least favorite part so far is the first chapter in each book, where the narrator rambles on.

[Sara]

I have, at last, finished Book Five. I am finding Tom to be (view spoiler)[a very likeable, if sometimes misguided boy. He considers others, and his feelings are genuine. We might wish he would not tumble into the weeds with Molly so carelessly, but cannot help admire that he takes the blame upon himself and shields her at the cost of a fight with Blifil and the parson and some bloody blows to his own head.

While I have a general like for both Allworthy and the Squire, I think neither of them very astute. I am not particularly taken with Sophia, but she is behaving as a girl of her position, in this age, would have need to behave. (hide spoiler)]