Sunday, January 26, 2020
Tui tour operator environmental analysis
Tui tour operator environmental analysis TUI was established in 1997 and has grown to be one of the biggest tour operators in Europe. They have served around more than 30 million customers annually with a presence in around 180 countries. TUI started off as a transportation and industrial company but then diversified to concentrate only on tourism, shipping and logistics. They have a huge network of 3500 travel agencies, 285 hotels in 28 countries, 7 airlines, 10 cruise liners, and 79 tour operators. They have been unchallenged for most of the decade but then global environmental challenges have brought in its share of problems. Environmental Analysis Strengths The biggest strength of TUI is the fact that it is one of the biggest travel groups in Europe. They have a huge footprint which makes it easy for them to gain access to the market and to sell their products to a large cross section of the population. They are also able to maximise on their brands by making them work in conjunction with each other. They also do not have any dire financial problems as they sold off one of their major assets. TUI is also well known for its high quality customer services. Their huge network comprises of a large mix of tour operators, airlines, hotels, cruise ships, travel agencies and retail stores. There is a lot of brand awareness for their brand names such as TUI, RIU, Thomson Airways, 1-2 Fly. This has helped them a great deal as people are aware of it and there is a lot of good faith for these brands. Weaknesses One of the weaknesses of TUI is the fact that it has a very high level of debt it has to maintain which is (net debt/equity 2002E: 169%). This puts a lot of pressure on them to generate profits so that they can service their debts. They also have to contend with a lower margin of profits as there is a lot of competition within the market and they have no choice but to offer the best deals to everyone at the expense of a lower margin. The company also suffered from losses in 2008 due to the recession and other financial problems which created a major dent in travel packages. It is not feasible for them to sustain themselves for long if there is a huge drop in revenue. Opportunities There are plenty of opportunities for them to capitalise on looking at emerging markets in India and China which will give them opportunity for growth. The Indian and Chinese economies are growing very rapidly and there are people over there with money to spare on leisure activities. It would be a great idea to set up shop over there. They can also look at other business opportunities by looking at possible acquisitions or mergers with other companies. Threats There are still a lot of threats which can affect the business due to the recession. The recession may have eased a bit but then it has still affected how consumers buy products. If customers are tight fisted with their wallets then it can affect the bottom line of the company in the short term. There is also the threat that customers looking for savings can opt for cheaper packages such as the rail or bus for short trips and not to rely on airlines. This can also cause a major dent in their income. The money saving drive will also affect them as there are customers who are looking for budget packages and not looking for expensive packages with 4-5 star hotels in them. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY POLITICAL: The airline industry has had to bear a lot of high costs ever since 9/11 and 7/7 occurred since the government has refused to bear the entire cost of security. This charge has been passed on to the consumer since the airline has refused to take the whole responsibility. There is a lot of high security due to this reason and immigration laws have been tightened up as well as not to allow unscrupulous elements in. This has also resulted in some destinations being off the list for some travellers as they have been unable to get any insurance for that particular destination. This has a lot of consequences for TUI as they also own a few airlines. The Tourism industry is also affected by the fact that not all destinations are stable. There can be any sort of political instability in those places which can also affect tourism in that country. They are also troubled by the fact that there can be a different tax band for different countries. Some countries tax more while some provide benefits so that their tourism industry can benefit in the longer run. . ECONOMICAL The recession is one of the factors which can affect the Tourism industry gravely. It has already claimed businesses such as Goldline, XL leisure group and many others. Many of these companies rely on a low margin of profit and if there is not enough to go around then the smaller players go under while the bigger ones also suffer heavy losses. This means that once the recession gets over only the big strong ones will be able to capitalise on the opportunity and gain new customers. There are also factors such as oil prices which can also affect how consumers make their travel plans. Airlines always add a surcharge whenever there is an increase in oil prices. This can make it a bit expensive for the consumer to travel as well. The recession has also lead to a fluctuation in the exchange rate of countries. The current Euro currency crisis made it quite weak against the pound and US dollar recently though it has now made a sizeable number of gains. Tourism is such that tourists will go i n huge numbers to destinations with a weaker exchange rate as they can get more for their money. For example when the pound was at 1=$2 dollars there was a huge influx of British Tourists in the US to benefit from the weaker dollar. SOCIOCULTURAL People are always looking to move up the ladder and find ways of making changes in their lives. There have been a significant number of changes in the way people conduct their lifestyle these days. The internet has brought about a revolution in how people can go about and travel as they can use it to find the best packages to suit them. Companies such as TUI have websites which allow consumers to customize their travel plans. People are very conscious of which company they choose when they are on holiday as brand names matter a lot. A good brand name can guarantee a good holiday for them. However only those companies which have always provided good results in the past are the ones which can satisfy the needs of the customers. There is something known as brand loyalty which can guarantee that sort of experience. TECHNOLOGICAL Due to technological advances a lot of work has now been automated. People are relying on the internet for a lot of stuff. The internet has lead to a boom in the number of sales being conducted as people are able to do a lot from home. Consumers have been able to book a large number of holidays online as its quite easy to do that. The numbers have shown an upward trend ever since booking holidays online became popular. This is a double edged sword for big companies such as TUI because on one hand they can get rid of excess staff and relies on the internet for bookings etc but then the same model can be used by other competitors with lower reserves thus increasing competition. ENVIRONMENTAL There are a number of environmental problems associated with the tourism industry. Factors such as the environment have lead to the green culture. People are now always talking about their carbon foot print which is due to pollution. The UK government shot down plans for a third runway at Heathrow due to pollution and the fact that it would contribute to noise pollution. The government has also imposed a green tax to offset the effects of carbon emissions. There are also health factors which can affect tourism such as SARS (in the early part of the previous decade) which led to a huge decline in flights to the Southeast and more recently the Swine Flu pandemic. These are the reasons why tourism can be affected in certain areas. LEGAL There are always some sort of problems associated with the Tourism/Airline industry as it is governed by certain laws and regulations. There is always the need to have a permit of some sort for one thing or the other. All companies are aware of the legal repercussions if they do something which is against the rules. PORTERS FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS POTENTIAL ENTRANTS: It is not easy for new entrants to come into this field as TUI and some of the other giants already have a huge stake in the market. There is also a very high cost associated with entering the market as it requires a lot of capital and the costs associated with it. People are also familiar with TUI and its brands. This is one reason why its not easy for new companies to come into this field. SUBSTITUTES: It is an obvious fact that people will never give up on leisure activities as they want an escape from home at times. There are cheaper ways of saving money such as activities at homes, local trips to town, video games but then it can never take the place of travel. This means that there will always be some demand for travel packages. Overall it means there is a low threat of substitutes. SUPPLIERS: The suppliers are the ones who can either hold a lot of power over the market or they are the ones who can be dictated to by the clients. However in the case of the Tourism industry they do not have much of a hold in the market as most of them already have a huge presence within the market and already have a lot of clout of their own as they have access to a lot of products they require i.e. TUI already has some hotels, airlines and their own travel agents so they do want need to take the support of others. The only chances of bargaining power are when there are some hotels or airlines which are not part of the group and TUI needs to sort out some travel package with them. BUYERS: There arent many substitutes in the market and the fact that price difference between products is too low to make a big difference. Customers are able to select their products online via the internet but then it wont make a big difference. Hence the reason why the buying power of customers is quite low. Competition TUI does not have to contend with much competition in the market as the only other big name out there is Thomas Cook and a number of smaller operators. However since TUI has a huge share of the market there is less competition within the market. MAINTAINING LEADERSHIP It has been mentioned earlier that TUI is the biggest tour company in Europe as it has a huge share of the market. They have been able to make a difference with the value and comfort them offer their clientele. This is the reason why they have been able to stay on top of the market for so long. They have a huge presence in a large number of countries and they are also able to serve millions of customers each year. One of the biggest reasons why they have been successful is the fact that they are that they have a huge presence in the market. They have interests in everything which is linked to tourism i.e. hotels, airlines, tour operators, retail shops, cruise liners, etc. They are able to spread value throughout their own interests and this is an added advantage as they dont have to give business to any other company as the money goes right back within the organization. They provide their own supply and can easily fulfil the demand as well. They also have all the channels of gaining access to their customer base may it be online or through the brick or mortar store format as not everyone likes to buy their packages online. One of their strongest points is the fact that they have also been able to get support from their share holders who have allowed them flexibility. The customer service and excellent operations is a notch above their competitors. They are also more financially solvent than some of the other operators who recently went bust due to the economic downturn. TUI also has a very diverse portfolio of services which allow them to achieve a sense of differentiation. Since they can provide all these services they get repeat customers, are able to attain their uniqueness and can build upon their brand. TUI has been able to provide value for the money as it strikes the right balance between profits and the needs of its customers. They are also able to adapt to drastic changes in the market by changing themselves as they have the experience to do that. They also are able to achieve more economy of scale simply because they are their own suppliers. FUTURE IMPLICATIONS FOR TUI The ANSOFF matrix can be used to find out what direction TUI can take in order to further develop itself. Diversification TUI can diversify by looking towards the rail, bus and ferry sector. There is a lot of potential in that sector mainly because of the fact that there will always be people who want to save money by opting for a cheaper mode of travel. They can start their own services to capitalise on that and gain a share of that pie as their primary mode of transportation is airlines followed by luxury cruises. Market Penetration TUI has the biggest market share in the whole area along with a huge presence in the European Market. They know that it will not be easy for new competitors to come into the frame but then they have to keep tapping the other corners of the market. They have to contend with the fact that other websites can offer the same deals without setting up shop. They can enhance their market standing further online so that they can gain more revenues. â⬠¢ PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TUI has a lot of packages which are developed for specific locations. They can do a lot by looking for new destinations for its customers to give them a new taste. They can also create some budget packages for its customers so that they have more options if they are unable to choose from the expensive choices. Opportunities TUI has the biggest presence in the market and they have been able to market their product well. It is a good idea to move on to other markets so that they do not stagnate. They have pretty much cornered the market in Europe and need to find a new one. They can easily capitalise on the Indian and Chinese markets mainly because they have great economies and they have a lot of people with disposable income over there. They can find new revenues within those markets while the situation improves in the other markets. TUI has to also look at other factors which can affect them such as the fact that oil prices keep fluctuating. They need to buy oil prices at a lower price now by hedging their bets but then there is no guarantee if the price will go down or stay up in the future. It could be a safe bet if the prices go up in the future. This can prove to be a risk but then it wont be as big of a risk as buying oil at more expensive prices. For example if they buy oil at 75 dollars a barrel and it goes back to 65 then they will have paid more but not lost much. They also have to face the possibility that airlines may be taxed more for the green tax in the future in order to offset carbon emissions. They are already taxed a lot currently and there are also possible measures in the future where the number of flights will be capped in order to reduce pollution. USES AND LIMITATIONS OF TOOLS USED This report has used a number of tools to come up with an analysis. It would not be practical to do it without the use of the tools. There are however some limitations when it comes to the tools being used. PESTEL PESTEL is a great tool as it allows us to analyse the macro environment and get a better understanding of the industry and its environment. All these factors allow us to see the future threats. PESTEL also allows us to check out the key factors which can affect the strategy of an organization as well. They are brought to the forefront and can be seen. However it is just an understanding of the whole situation and does not provide any solutions. It also does not allow us to assess the level of the problem. It is also not feasible to analyse the entire macro environment because there are endless possibilities. PORTERS FIVE FORCES Porters Five Forces allows us to understand what drives competitive behaviour and the factors behind it. It is a bit more detailed and can easily identify the reasons behind competitive behaviour. It can also check the advantages and disadvantages of the industry by analysing its profitability and competitiveness scale. It is also used to determine the feasibility of the industry and understand the fundamentals behind it. The only problem with it is the fact that the environment is always changing and it can never be used for a long term analysis. It also does not take the industry into segments and considers them to be a whole. It is flawed as it does not look at HR, culture and the management skills of an organization. SWOT ANALYSIS The SWOT analysis is to the point and focuses on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a business. It takes into account both the internal and external aspects of the business. It is a great decision making tool and also understands which points of the business to take into account. It also addresses the key issues and identifies the relevant information. Despite all the strengths of the model it will still ignore some of the important factors of the business. It does not provide any solution to strengthening the business. ANSOFF MATRIX The ANSOFF matrix allows the business to check out its best options in different scenarios. This also allows them to explore how they can grow as a corporation. It is a bit limited as it only takes into account the fact that it only looks at growth and share and not other factors. It also uses a growth matrix to analyse the operations which is not sufficient. CONCLUSION TUI still needs to a do a lot to capitalise on its current position. They can make hay while the sun shines and gain as many customers as they can. If they diversify and start catering to people with limited incomes they can gain a whole new market. They only need to play their cards right and they can grow a great deal.
Friday, January 17, 2020
Themes in Tom Jones
Please read: a personal appeal from Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales Read now Close The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search For other uses, see Tom Jones (disambiguation). This article consists almost entirely of a plot summary and should be expanded to provide more balanced coverage that includes real-world context. Please edit the article to focus on discussing the work rather than merely reiterating the plot. (March 2011) Tom Jones TomJonesTitle. pngTitle page from the 1749 edition Author(s) Henry Fielding Original title The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling Country Britain Language English Genre(s) Novel Publisher Andrew Millar Publication date 28 February 1749 Preceded by The Female Husband, or the Surprising History of Mrs Mary alias Mr George Hamilton, who was convicted of having married a young woman of Wells and lived with her as her husband, taken from her own mouth since her confinement ââ¬â fictionalized pam phlet (1746) Followed by A Journey from this World to the Next (1749)The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, often known simply as Tom Jones, is a comic novel by the English playwright and novelist Henry Fielding. The novel is both a Bildungsroman and Picaresque novel. First published on 28 February 1749, Tom Jones is among the earliest English prose works describable as a novel. [1] The novel, totaling 346,747 words, is divided into 18 smaller books, each preceded by a discursive chapter, often on topics totally unrelated to the book itself.It is dedicated to George Lyttleton. Contents 1 Plot introduction 2 Themes 3 List of Characters 4 Plot summary 4. 1 Book I 4. 2 Book II 4. 3 Book III 4. 4 Book IV 4. 5 Book V 4. 6 Book VI 4. 7 Book VII 4. 8 Book VIII 4. 9 Book IX 4. 10 Book X 4. 11 Book XI 4. 12 Book XII 4. 13 Book XIII 4. 14 Book XIV 4. 15 Book XV 4. 16 Book XVI 4. 17 Book XVII 4. 18 Book XVIII 5 Film, TV, operas, and theatrical adaptations 6 Release details 7 See also 8 Notes 9 References 10 External links Plot introductionTom Jones is a foundling discovered on the property of a very kind, wealthy landowner, Squire Allworthy, in Somerset in England's West Country. Tom grows into a vigorous and lusty, yet honest and kind-hearted, youth. He develops affection for his neighbour's daughter, Sophia Western. On one hand, their love reflects the romantic comedy genre that was popular in 18th-century Britain. However, Tom's status as a bastard causes Sophia's father and Allworthy to oppose their love; this criticism of class friction in society acted as a biting social commentary.The inclusion of prostitution and sexual promiscuity in the plot was also original for its time, and the foundation for criticism of the book's ââ¬Å"lowness. ââ¬Å"[2] Themes The main theme of the novel is the contrast between Tom Jonesââ¬â¢ good nature, flawed but eventually corrected by his love for virtuous Sophia Western, and his half-brother Blifilââ¬â¢s hypocrisy. Secondar y themes include several other examples of virtue (especially that of Squire Allworthy), hypocrisy (especially that of Thwackum) and just villainy (for example Mrs.Western, ensign Northerton), sometimes tempered by repentance (for instance Square, Mrs. Waters nee Jones). Both introductory chapters to each book and interspersed commentary introduce further themes. For instance, introductory chapters dwell extensively on bad writers and critics, quite unrelated to the plot but apologetic to the author and the novel itself; and authorial commentary on several characters show strong opposition to Methodism, calling it fanatical, heretical, and implying association of hypocrites, such as the younger Blifil, with it.As a background, the author interweaves the Forty-Five, and characters bring in events from the attempts of restoration of Romanism as the established religion of England to the Glorious revolution. They even mistake Sophia Western for Jenny Cameron, the supposed lover of Bonn ie Prince Charles. Good-natured characters are often modestly loyalist and Anglican, even Hanoverian, while ill-natured characters (Mrs. Western) or only mistaken ones (Partridge) can be Jacobites or (like Squire Western) just anti-Hanoverians. List of CharactersCaption at bottom: SOPHIA WESTERN: Adorned with all the charms in which Nature can array her, bedecked with beauty, youth, sprightliness, innocence, modesty and tenderness, breathing sweetness from her rosy lips and darting brightness from her sparkling eyes, the lovely Sophia comes! This depicts the heroine of the novel, but shows her in the latest fashions of 1800, rather than in the very different historically-accurate hoopskirts of 1749ââ¬âit would have been extremely difficult to jump rope in the clothing styles (and high-heeled shoes) of 1749â⬠¦The dishevelment of her clothes in the picture was not meant to contradict the word ââ¬Å"modestyâ⬠in the caption, but was supposed to be understood as being the accidental and unintentional effect of her strenuous physical activity. Tom Jones (bastard/ward of Squire Allworthy, eventually revealed his nephew and the son of a long-deceased parsonââ¬â¢s son, Mr Summers) Squire Allworthy (a wealthy squire with an estate in Somerset, of irreprochable character and good nature, eventually revealed to having unknowingly been Tom Jonesââ¬â¢ uncle) Mrs.Bridget Allworthy-Blifil (Squire Allworthy's sister, Tom Jonesââ¬â¢ real mother) Captain Blifil (Captain in the navy and Bridget Allworthy's husband, with Methodist tendencies) Master Blifil (son of Captain Blifil and Bridget, a hypocrite and Tom Jonesââ¬â¢ foe) Benjamin Partridge (a teacher, later barber/surgeon, erroneously suspected to be Tom Jonesââ¬â¢ father due to the extreme ill-nature of his first wife) Mrs.Jenny Jones-Waters (the Partridges' servant, a very intelligent woman who is used by Mrs Allworthy-Blifil to deflect suspicions on Tom Jonesââ¬â¢ maternity from herself) B lack George Seagrim (gamekeeper to Squire Allworthy & later Squire Western, recipient of many benefits from Tom Jones but eventually betrying him in an hour of need) Molly Seagrim (Black George's second daughter, Tom Jonesââ¬â¢ first lover and having a bastard, possibly by him) Mr. Thwackum (Reverend/school teacher to Tom and Master Blifil, a hypocrite who hates Tom Jones, favors Master Blifil and conspires with the latter against the former) Mr.Square (Philosopher/school teacher to Tom and Master Blifil, also a hypocrite who hates Jones and favors Blifil, but who refrains from conspiration and eventually repents) Squire Western (Hunter/wealthy squire who owns neighbouring estate to Squire Allworthy, a simpleton who wants to marry his daughter Sophia to Squire Allworthyââ¬â¢s heir, first Blifil and then Jones, against her will, with quite violent, if not physically, means) Sophia Western (the Squire's only daughter, the model of virtue, beauty and all good qualities) Honour (S ophia's maid, egotistical and inconstant to her employer) Mrs.Harriet Fitzpatrick (ward of Mrs Western and wife of Fitzpatrick, an Irishman, abused by him, a cousin and friend of Sophia but lacking her virtue) Miss Western (the Squire's unmarried sister, who wrongly believes herself to ââ¬Ëknow the Worldââ¬Ë both in international and national politics and in social mores, tries to impose Blifil to Sophia but with less violent means than her brotherââ¬â¢s) Mr. Dowling (a Lawyer) Lady Bellaston (Tom's lover and a leading figure in London society, who tries to force Sophia into marriage to a Lord by having her raped by him, so she would have Jones to herself) Mr.Nightingale (a young gentleman of leisure, who is saved from ruining his first true love by Jonesââ¬â¢ entreaties) Lord Fellamar (a peer and socialite, who unsuccessfully conspires with Lady Bellaston to rape Sophia so as to force her into marriage) Mrs. Miller and her two daughters, Nancy (later Mrs Nightingale, a good-natured girl who is imposed on by Mr Nightingale and would be ruined by him, together with her family, by lack of constancy in virtue) and pre-adolescent Betty Mr. Summer (son of a clergyman and revealed to be the father of Tom Jones) Plot summary The novel's events occupy eighteen books. Book ISquire Allworthy and his sister Bridget are introduced in their wealthy estate in Somerset. Allworthy returns from London after an extended business trip and finds a baby sleeping in his bed. He summons his housekeeper, Mrs Deborah Wilkins, to take care of the child. After searching the nearby village, Mrs Wilkins is told about a young woman called Jenny Jones, servant of a schoolmaster and his wife, as the most likely person to have committed the deed (she is also considered above herself for studying Latin with the schoolmaster). Jenny is brought before them and admits being the baby's mother but refuses to reveal the father's identity.Mr Allworthy mercifully gives her a lecture of mor als and removes Jenny to a place where her reputation will be unknown. Furthermore, he promises his sister to raise the boy, whom he names Thomas, in his household. Two brothers, Dr Blifil and Captain Blifil, regularly visit the Allworthy estate. The doctor introduces the captain to Bridget in hopes of marrying into Allworthy's wealth. The couple fall in love and marry. After the marriage, Captain Blifil begins to show a coldness to his brother, who eventually feels obliged to leave the house for London where he soon dies ââ¬Ëof a broken heart'.Book II Eight months after celebrating their wedding, Mrs Blifil has a baby boy and Mr Allworthy states that he and Tom will be raised together. The plot then turns to Mrs Partridge, wife of the schoolteacher, who has discovered that Jenny gave birth to a bastard and had mistakenly thought that she had left their service of her own free will. Mrs Partridge immediately suspects her husband and physically assaults him. Captain Blifil informs Mr Allworthy, and Mrs Wilkins is dispatched once more to Little Baddington to ascertain the truth of the matter.Partridge is put on trial before Mr Allworthy and denies paternity. Mr Allworthy, wanting to prove his innocence, sends for Jenny but she cannot be found, having left her place of residence in company with a recruiting officer. Partridge is found guilty and deprived of his annuity by Mr Allworthy. Now that they are poor, Mrs Partridge regrets her accusations, and begs Mrs Blifil to intercede with her brother to restore Mr Partridge's annuity, but he refuses. Mrs Partridge dies soon after and her husband, being deprived of his annuity, his school and his wife, leaves the area.Captain Blifil and his wife start to grow cool towards one another, and the former is found dead from Apoplexy one evening after taking his customary evening stroll prior to dinner. Two doctors arrive to debate the cause of his death and Mrs Blifil, struck with grief, remains bed-ridden for a month. M eanwhile, Mr Allworthy commissions a generous epitaph for the Captain's grave. Book III Tom, who goes from fourteen-years-old to nineteen-years-old by the end of Book III, gets into trouble for killing a partridge on a neighbour's land.In fact he did it at the instigation of Black George, Allworthy's gamekeeper, but he refuses to tell Mr Allworthy who his partner-in-crime was. He is beaten by his master, Mr Thwackum, who resides at the house with another schoolmaster, a philosopher called Mr Square. Later, Blifil reveals that Black George was Tom's partner and Mr Allworthy is pacified by Tom's sense of honour. To make amends, Mr Allworthy gives Tom a young horse but dismisses Black George from his position. Tom sells the horse a year and a half later at a fair.Mr Thwackum finds out and asks Tom what he has done with the money but the latter refuses to tell him. He is about to be beaten when Mr Allworthy enters. Tom confesses that he sold the horse and gave the money to Black George and his family, now in financial straits after being dismissed. Mr Allworthy feels ready to re-employ Black George, but he blots his copybook by poaching a hare on Squire Western's land and this is confirmed by Master Blifil. Tom resolves to have George employed by Mr Western by speaking to the seventeen-year-old Sophia and getting her to persuade her father on the matter.Book IV An incident occurs in which Master Blifil lets go the small bird of Sophia's, given to her by Tom as a young boy. Tom tries to retrieve it but, in doing so, falls into a canal. This incident turns Sophia against Blifil but puts Tom in her favour. Tom speaks to Sophia about George, and she persuades her father to drop any charges and to employ him. Sophia is falling for Tom but his heart is given over to Molly, the second of Black George's daughters and a local beauty. She throws herself at Tom, and he gets her pregnant and then feels obliged to offer her his protection.Molly wears a dress to church ââ¬â given to her mother by Sophia Western ââ¬â to show off her beauty. The Somersetshire parishioners are infuriated by her vanity and assault her in the churchyard afterwards. Tom comes to her defence and she is taken home by Square, Blifil and Tom. In the meantime, Sophia has taken pity on Molly and requests her father to ask her to be her maid, but the family council decides to put everything on hold until Tom's intentions become clearer. Squire Western, the local parson, Tom and Sophia are having dinner when the parson informs Western of Molly's condition, at which Tom leaves the dining table.Squire Western immediately jumps to the conclusion that Tom is the father of the bastard, much to Sophia's consternation. Tom returns to his home to find Molly in the arms of a constable and being taken to prison. He bids him free her, and they go to speak to Mr Allworthy where Tom reveals he is the father, saying the guilt is his. However, Mr Allworthy is ultimately forgiving of Tom's sow ing his wild oats: ââ¬ËWhile he was angry, therefore, with the incontinence of Jones, he was no less pleased with the honour and honesty of his self-accusation.He began now to form in his mind the same opinion of this young fellow, which, we hope, our reader may have conceived. And in balancing his faults and his perfections, the latter seemed rather to preponderate. ââ¬Ë An incident now occurs in which Tom comes to the aid of Sophia. She goes out hunting with her father and, on her way home, is thrown by her horse. Tom, who is riding close behind, is able to catch her but breaks his left arm in the process. The accident brings them closer and there is the first stirring of love.Tom is seen by a surgeon and ordered into bed and Sophia is bled at her father's orders. Book IV concludes with a conversation between Sophia and Mrs Honour, her maid, who is extolling Tom's virtues to the former and Sophia becomes annoyed by her presumptuousness. Book V Tom thinks about his love for S ophia but knows that her father would not agree to any union; so his thoughts turn back to Molly who he believes is ââ¬Ëin all the circumstances of wretchedness. ââ¬Ë Tom, once he is recovered, makes his way to Molly's home only to discover her in bed with his teacher, Square.Tom still feels some affection for her until he is told by Betty, Molly's older sister, that her innocence had been taken before Tom by Will Barnes, a country gallant. In the meantime, Mr Allworthy has become ill and is told by his doctor that it may be fatal. He summons all his relatives and household servants to his bedside and informs them of his will ââ¬â Blifil will inherit the estate and Tom will be given a ? 1,000 lump sum and ? 500 per annum (Thwackum and Square will get a ? 1,000 each and the household servants some token payments which displeases Mrs Wilkins, the housekeeper).However, Allworthy recovers; and Tom is so pleased that he gets drunk in his pleasure which displeases Blifil who is in mourning after receiving news that his mother has died. A scuffle ensues, but the two are parted and made to make peace with each other. After this fight, Tom, still drunk, is wandering the gardens thinking about Sophia when Molly makes an appearance. After a quarter of an hour's conversation, the two disappear into the bushes. Blifil and Thwackum likewise take an evening stroll, and Blifil spots Tom with a woman.He informs Thwackum who becomes furious and is determined to punish Tom. Tom guards the entrance to the shrubbery to prevent them seeing who the girl is, and, while Molly escapes, a fight ensues which Tom starts to lose until Squire Western intervenes to make it two against two. Sophia faints at the sight of all the blood, and Tom carries her to a nearby brook, giving her a caress which she does not spurn. Sophia recovers much to her father's delight. Tom returns to Western's house and Blifil and Thwackum to theirs. Book VI Miss Western is the cultured sister of Squire W estern and Sophia's aunt.Although unmarried herself, she recognises the signs of love and notices that Sophia is showing these. She informs her brother that his daughter is in love with Blifil ââ¬â Miss Western had noted Sophia's behaviour in his presence ââ¬â and Squire Western informs Allworthy when he visits for dinner. Allworthy says he will give his approval if the young couple agree and consults Blifil who, thinking of Sophia's fortune, agrees to his uncle's request. (No one knows of Sophia's love for Tom. ) Miss Western then speaks to Sophia to reveal her amour, and is enraged when she finds out it is not Blifil but Tom.With her aunt agreeing to keep the whole thing a secret, Mr Western tells Sophia about his intentions and she is obliged to meet Blifil that afternoon. Sophia is determined to go through with the meeting, even though she hates and despises Blifil. After a difficult meeting, in which Blifil thinks he has won her heart, he is accosted by Squire Western b efore he leaves and Blifil announces that he is satisfied with Sophia, much to the father's delight. However, once he is gone, Sophia reveals her true feelings for Blifil, but he ignores her pleadings and grows enraged.Tom is in the house and is asked by Western to go to Sophia to encourage her to marry Blifil. The two young lovers are in agony and reveal they can never part from each other as they take each other's hands. However, whilst they have been conversing, Miss Western has revealed all to the Squire, who threatens to assault Jones but is only prevented from doing so by the parson. Mr Western then visits his neighbour Allworthy and informs him of the situation in heated tones. After his departure, Mr Allworthy asks Blifil if he still wants to proceed with the marriage, and the latter replies in the affirmative, mainly to spite Tom.Blifil also takes the opportunity to inform his uncle about the bust up in the shrubbery, saying that Tom assaulted his tutor, Thwackum. Allworthy summons Tom before him to plead his case, but Tom is sunk too low from hearing the news about Sophia to make a robust defence. As such, he is commanded by his foster father to leave the house immediately after being given a sum of ? 500. Tom walks about a mile and, thinking beside a little brook, is resolved to quit Sophia rather than bring her to ruin.He pens a letter from a neighbouring house but discovers, in searching his pockets for his wax, that he has lost his wallet and returns to the brook to look for it. Here he meets George and together they look for it although George has already picked it up on coming to the same spot earlier. Tom asks him to deliver his letter for Sophia to Mrs Honour and, on doing so, George receives one back for Tom. In it, Sophia professes her affection for him but also warns him to steer clear of her father, ââ¬ËAs you know his temper, I beg you will, for my sake, avoid him. ââ¬ËSophia is locked up in her room by her father but Honour manage s to give her Tom's letter. She also tells her that the squire ââ¬Ëstripped him half naked and turned him out of doors! ââ¬Ë. Sophia gives her all the money she has ââ¬â amounting to a purse of sixteen guineas ââ¬â telling her to give it to Tom. Honour gives the money to Black George, who is tempted to steal it like the ? 500 earlier ââ¬â but the danger of the theft being discovered outweighs his greed, and he delivers the money to Jones. The Book ends with the return of Miss Western to the house and her being informed of Sophia's captivity.She rebukes her brother and sets Sophia free. Book VII Tom receives a note from Blifil along with his effects, informing him that his uncle requires him to immediately quit the neighbourhood. Sophia speaks to her aunt who tries to persuade her of the advantages of marrying Blifil. However, Mr Western overhears their conversation and storms into the room. He and his sister get into a furious argument over his behaviour, and she t hreatens to quit the house. However, on the sound advice of Sophia, she is recalled by Mr Western who makes efforts to pacify her.Having become reconciled, both are determined to have Sophia married as quickly as possible, and Blifil makes a second visit. Mr Allworthy is satisfied by what his nephew and Western tell him concerning Sophia and the marriage treaty is set two days hence. Sophia is now fixed on avoiding the marriage and in a conversation with Honour says she will quit the house and stay with a lady of quality in London who is her close acquaintance. Honour agrees to accompany her and agrees to get herself discharged so that their clothes can be packed for the journey without any undue suspicion.Honour deliberately provokes the chambermaid of Miss Western by abusing her mistress, and the lady herself is told of their conversation and vows to have Honour discharged for her impudence. There follows a dispute between Mr Western and his sister over the legality of dismissing Honour, but in the end the latter has the satisfaction of seeing Honour turned away. Sophia is conscience-stricken about her infidelity to her relations, but her love for Tom prevails. Tom is on the road to Bristol, being determined to take to sea. However, his guide gets lost, and they take shelter at a public house on the advice of a Quaker.The Quaker gets into a conversation with Tom, even though the latter wants to be alone, telling him about his own misfortune of having his daughter run off with a penniless man of low birth ââ¬â vowing he will never see them again, and Tom pushes him out of the room. A company of soldiers enter the ale-house as Tom is sleeping on a chair, and, getting into a dispute over who will pay for the beer, Tom agrees to cover the bill. He strikes up a conversation with the sergeant who tells him they are marching against the Roman Catholic rebels who had invaded England, expecting to be commanded by the glorious Duke of Cumberland.Tom, being ââ¬Å" a hearty well-wisher to the glorious cause of liberty and of the Protestant religionâ⬠, agrees to join them as a volunteer. The soldiers march off, and that evening Tom is introduced to the lieutenant, a man who is sixty years of age. Looking like a gentleman, he is invited to dinner with the small company of officers. Tom gets into an argument with Ensign Northerton, who then proceeds to abuse the good name of Sophia after Tom has proposed a toast to her. Tom rebukes him, saying ââ¬Ëyou are one of the most impudent scoundrels on earth,' and Northerton responds by throwing a bottle at Tom's head which poleaxes him.The lieutenant proceeds to put Northerton under close arrest, and a surgeon is called to stem the bleeding. Tom is put to bed and the lieutenant visits him, promising he will get his satisfaction against his adversary. Later that night, Tom, who is feeling much better, wakes the sergeant and purchases a sword from him before making his way to Northerton's room. He is shot at by the guard, who thinks he is a ghost (his coat is bloodied as is the bandage around his head) and then faints. However, the bird has flown (with the connivance of the landlady), and Tom returns to his room whilst the lieutenant has the sentinel put under arrest.Tom tells the lieutenant that he is to blame for the disturbance, and the latter agrees to drop the charge against the soldier. Book VIII The landlady visits Tom after the soldiers have left and is courteous to him until he shows her his purse which has very little in it. He then dismisses the doctor, who insists on bleeding him so he can get a decent fee,and finally is able to get up and dressed. He calls for a barber to shave him after a dinner of ââ¬Ëbuttock [beef] and carrot' and Little Benjamin turns out to be Mr Partridge, the schoolmaster.Tom reveals his whole story to him, and Partridge agrees to accompany him on his journey, secretly hoping that he can convince Tom to return to Allworthy (whom he is c onvinced is Tom's real father) so that he can get back into Allworthy's favour once more. They make their way on foot to Gloucester and stay at the Bell. However, there is a pettifogger (a lawyer of low status, who engages in mean practices) present who besmirches Tom's name to the landlady, Mrs Whitefield, after Tom has left their company. With Tom's name now mud, the landlady's welcome grows cold, and he is resolved to quit the house the same evening.They make their way on foot on a freezing night toward some hills that they have been informed lie not far from Worcester. Tom begs his companion to leave him, telling him he is resolved to die ââ¬Ëa glorious death in the service of my king and country,' but the latter refuses to leave him. Partridge eventually sees the glimmer of a light, and they make their way to an isolated house. Whilst warming themselves by the fire and conversing with the housekeeper, the owner returns and is set upon by two robbers. Tom rushes outside with a broadsword and drives them off and helps the old gentleman into the house.This gentleman, called the Man of the Hill, then recounts his life story to Tom and Partridge. A prudent and industrious student, he fell into bad company at Oxford and had to flee to London with his mistress to escape being expelled. Here, both destitute, the woman betrays him to one of her former lovers at Oxford and he is thrown into gaol, where he reflects on his sinful life. He is eventually released but, still poor, falls in with an old Oxford acquaintance, Watson, who introduces him to his gambling crowd.He lives precariously for the next two years pursuing this profession. However, he is re-united with his father, who has come to London to look for him and has been assaulted by thieves. They are re-united by chance as the son, who is walking down the same street, comes to his father's aid after the affray. He returns with his father to Somersetshire, and spends the next four years in contemplation of the works of Aristotle and Plato, and of God. His father dies, and he, being the younger son, finds it difficult to live with his brother who lives entirely for sport.He is sent to Bath by his physician to take the waters and manages to save a man from committing suicide by drowning ââ¬â the very same Watson, his friend from London. Both are then caught up in Bonnie Prince Charlie's rebellion, and, when captured, the stranger tells Tom and Partridge that he was denounced by Watson. However, he manages to escape his captors and ends up living at the present house on an annuity, an exile from the world of humanity. The Book ends with the old man and Tom taking a walk together to enjoy the sight of some fine prospects in the early hours of the day. Book IXWhilst observing the view, they hear a woman screaming, and Tom rushes down the hill to help. He comes upon a woman, half-naked, being throttled by a man whom Tom knocks down. It is Ensign Northerton. Tom restrains his hands with a garter and goes back to the Man of the Hill for advice. Tom is told to take her to Upton, the nearest town. When Tom returns to the woman, Northerton has made his escape on foot, and Tom and the lady make their way to the town. On the way, Tom is sneaking peeps at her uncovered breasts at which he has gazed earlier. They eventually find an inn, and Tom instructs the lady to wait whilst he fetches her some clothes.The landlady and landlord think that something immoral is taking place and assault Tom ââ¬â who is only saved from a beating by the arrival of Partridge. Susan, the hefty chambermaid joins in, and it is only the arrival of a young lady and maid that ends the battle. A sergeant arrives with his men and recognises the woman to be Mrs Waters, his Captain's wife, and the inn's hosts make their apologies and peace is restored around a bowl of liquor. Mrs Waters then retires with Tom upstairs and proceeds to make a pass at him, finding her savior extremely attractive.They end up in bed together. In the meantime, an argument takes place downstairs when the landlord abuses officers of rank in the army. The sergeant takes offense and offers to fight ââ¬Ëthe best man of you all for twenty pound' and the coachman of the young lady takes him on, saying he is as good as any man in the army, and offers to box for a guinea. He is well mauled by the sergeant and so unable to convey the young lady on her journey. An account is then given of how Mrs Waters ended up in ââ¬Ëthe distressful situation' from which Jones rescued her.Her husband, having accompanied her as far as Worcester, had proceeded onwards, and Northerton had joined her for an assignation. He tells her of the incident with Jones, and they decide to make for Hereford, then a Welsh seaport so that he can make his escape abroad. Mrs Waters has ? 90 and her jewelry to finance their journey. However, it was in the wood at the foot of Mazard Hill that Northerton tried to kill her but she, being â â¬Ënot of the weakest order of females,' was able to fend him off until Tom came to her rescue. Book X An Irishman arrives at the Upton inn, a Mr Fitzpatrick, who is desperately looking for his wife.He speaks to Susan, the chambermaid, who shows him up to Mrs Water's room. He sees Tom and then a lot of women's clothes strewed around the room, and he and Tom proceed to blows until Mrs Waters cries out ââ¬Ëmurder! robbery! and more frequently rape'. An Irishman staying in the room next door now enters the bedroom, a Mr Maclachlan, who lets his friend know that he has the wrong woman. Fitzpatrick apologises to Mrs Waters but says he will have his blood in the morning. Mrs Waters screams rape again to divert attention away from her and Tom being in the same room together, and all the men depart.Two young women in riding habits now arrive at the inn and one of them is immediately recognised as being a lady of quality. The lady retires to bed, and the maid, Mrs Honour, returns downst airs and demands food. She falls into conversation with Mr Partridge and learns that Tom is staying in the same inn. She tells Sophia that Tom is in the house and, returning downstairs, finds out from Partridge that Tom is with a woman and cannot be woken. Honour goes back upstairs and Sophia decides to leave her muff (with her name written on it for Tom to let him know she was there) and departs.Tom finds the muff and determines to give chase to Sophia. Western now arrives with some of his followers at the inn. The narrator mentions here that if he had come two hours earlier he would not only have found Sophia but also his niece ââ¬â for such was the wife of Mr Fitzpatrick, who had run away with her five years before, out of the custody of Mrs Western. In fact, Mrs Fitzpatrick had heard the voice of her husband and paid the landlady for horses to make her escape at the same time as Sophia's departure. Western see Jones with Sophia's muff in his hands and tries to assault him bu t is restrained.Fitzpatrick, whom it turns out is married to the niece of Mrs Western, decides to help his uncle by showing him what he believes is Sophia's room, which turns out to be Mrs Waters'. A magistrate in the inn hears the case but refuses to convict Tom; and Western, in a fury, departs in pursuit of his daughter. The plot now reverts back to when Sophia left her father's house. Sophia decides to take a zigzag route before hitting the London road to avoid her father. It turns out that their guide is the same as who conducted Tom, and Sophia bribes him to take them on the same route along the Bristol road.They spend a night with Mrs Whitefield in Gloucester before ending up at the Upton inn. Book XI Sophia, making her way past the Severn, is joined by another young lady, her maid (Abigail Honour, Mrs Honour's sister) and a guide. As it is night-time, they do not speak much and can hardly see each other. However, in daylight they recognise one another ââ¬â the other lady is Harriet, Sophia's cousin and another niece of Mrs Western. They determine to wait until they arrive at an inn before they tell each other their stories.Once at the inn, Sophia and Harriet share a bed as do the two maids, everyone being exhausted from their journey, and the landlord and his wife come to the conclusion that they are supporters of the rebel Charles Stuart, fleeing the Duke of Cumberland, and that Sophia is Jenny Cameron herself (the daughter of a highland supporter of Charles). Once they have rested, Mrs Fitzpatrick recounts her story to Sophia. She met Fitzpatrick whilst staying with her aunt, Mrs Western, in Bath. He paid court to her aunt, but was also very kind to herself, until he eventually professed his love for her.The aunt left Bath, and she married Fitzpatrick. However, he says they will have to return to his estate in Ireland which she is very reluctant to do, and by accident finds a debtor's letter from his tailor in which he recalls Fitzpatrick saying h e would soon marry either the aunt or the niece which would settle his debts, preferring the niece as he would have quicker access to the money. Harriet reveals all to her husband but he fobs her off, and they travel to Ireland. His house is very dismal and he proves the opposite of the gallant in Bath; he is aggressive and boorish in his behaviour to her.Eventually, he imprisons her in her bedroom, but, whilst on a three month trip to England, she is able to make her escape with the help of a neighbouring aristocrat. She intended to make for Bath to plead with her aunt, and this is how she ran into Sophia. There is also an interlude when Mrs Honour assaults the landlord when she finds out that he thinks Sophia is Jenny Cameron. It happens that the same Irish peer that helped Harriet is staying at the inn, on his way to London. He pays them a call and offers them a ride in his coach-and-six to London.Whilst preparing herself, Sophia discovers that she has lost a ? 100 note which her father had given her, believing it fell out of her pocket. The party arrive in London but Sophia is desirous of looking up her acquaintance, having suspicions that Harriet intends to make for Bath in order to have an alliance with the Irish nobleman. She makes her farewell, repeating their aunt's maxim to Harriet that ââ¬Ëwhenever the matrimonial alliance is broke, and war declared between husband and wife, she can hardly make a disadvantageous peace for herself on any conditions' ut Mrs Fitzpatrick contemptuously dismisses this advice. Sophia then repairs to the house of Lady Bellaston who promises she will do everything in her power to protect her. Book XII Squire Western is in pursuit of his daughter but gets waylaid by a hunt and ends up returning home. Tom and Partridge come across a lame fellow in rags to whom Tom gives a shilling. The beggar offers Tom something he has found, and it turns out to be Sophia's pocket book with the ? 100 note tucked inside.Tom gives the man a guinea, promising more later, and they leave him very discontented. They eventually come to an ale-house, and Partridge is keen to see the puppet-show which is playing the Provoked Husband. The landlady berates her chambermaid for having a sexual dalliance with Merry Andrew, the youth who beats the drum to announce the shows. Tom retires to bed but is awoken by the sound of the master of the puppet-show beating his Merry Andrew. Tom intervenes, and the Merry Andrew mentions the puppet master trying to rob a lady in a fine riding habit the day before.Tom realizes this was Sophia and instructs the youth to show him the spot where this would have happened. He and Partridge then procure horses from the inn and also recognise the same boy who guided Sophia to the last inn. Accepting some money, he is persuaded to guide them to the same place; and they try to get post-horses at the same inn, but there are none to be had. At the same time, Tom is saluted by Mr Dowling, the lawyer with who m Tom had dined at Gloucester, and he and Partridge prevail on Tom to spend the night at the inn.Jones and Dowling share a bottle of wine, and Tom informs him of how Blifil has tried to ruin him, ââ¬ËI saw the selfishness in him long ago which I despised; but it is lately, very lately, that I have found him capable of the basest and blackest designs. ââ¬Ë Tom also assures the attorney of his deepest respect for Mr Allworthy, and not his money. Tom then takes leave of Dowling and sets forth for Coventry. He and Partridge make their way but are caught in a storm and forced to take shelter in a barn, in which a gypsy wedding feast is taking place. They are made welcome by the King of the Gypsies.Jones and Partridge then travel post in pursuit of Sophia, ending up at St Albans where they just miss Sophia. As they make their way into London, they meet a fellow traveler on horseback who, on hearing that Tom has ? 100, attempts to hold them up but is overcome by Tom. The highwayman c onfesses that it was his first robbery, and he only did it out of great need. Tom takes pity on him and gives him two guineas, and the man is overcome by his generosity. Book XIII Jones and Partridge arrive in London; but, being unfamiliar with its streets, retire to the Bull and Gate in Holborn.Tom then finds out where the lord's residence is. After bribing a footman, Tom is admitted into the presence of Mrs Fitzpatrick. She, thinking that he is the suitor Sophia is trying to avoid, dissembles, and Tom leaves the house but stands watch nearby. Mrs Fitzpatrick communicates her suspicions to her maid, Abigail, and is informed that the man was Jones himself. Tom is admitted once more to see Mrs Fitzpatrick, and Lady Bellaston joins them ââ¬â as does the noble lord, who ignores Tom. Mrs Fitzpatrick designs to get rid of Tom.He then thinks about the gentlewoman at whose house Mr Allworthy is accustomed to lodge when in town and dispatches Partridge to the house where he is able to s ecure two rooms. The landlady is Mrs Miller, and she has two daughters: Nancy is seventeen and Betty ten. There is a young gentleman lodger, a Mr Nightingale, who gets into a fight with his footman. Tom intervenes to save him from being throttled, and the two become friends over a shared bottle of wine. Tom then receives a bundle inside which is a domino, a mask and a masquerade ticket and a card signed the ââ¬Ëqueen of the fairies'.He is determined to go to the masque, thinking that he might find Sophia there, and Nightingale lends him some of his clothes and offers to accompany him. Tom talks to a variety of women who look or sound like Sophia, until he meets a lady in a domino who talks to him about Sophia. Afterwards, she quits the masquerade to return home, forbidding Tom to follow her. He, however, ignores her warning and follows her chair to a street near Hanover Square and walks in after her, suspecting her to be Mrs Fitzpatrick. The woman turns out to be Lady Bellaston, and they sleep together.Lady Bellaston promises Tom she will try to find out Sophia's whereabouts. Returning to his lodgings, Mrs Miller tells the household about a cousin of hers whose family is living in extreme poverty. Tom, after hearing her narrative, gives her his purse containing ? 50, asking her to use it for the poor people, and she joyfully takes ten guineas. Tom tries to find out from Lady Bellaston where Sophia is but cannot (the latter now seeing Sophia as a rival in love). He is also in a very difficult position as she is now supporting him financially.He receives a note from her asking for a meeting at her house, having arranged for Sophia, Mrs Honour and her own maid, Mrs Etoff, to see a play together. Tom meets Mrs Miller's cousin who turns out to be the highwayman who tried to rob him, and the man is effusive in his thanks for Tom's kindness to his family who are now all restored to health. Tom goes to Lady Bellaston's house, but she is not there. He is waiting in the drawing-room when Sophia enters, having left the play early in distaste under the protection of a young gentleman.Both are as surprised as each other. After reprimanding him for bandying her name around in inns, with Tom protesting it was Partridge, not he, she starts crying; and Tom kisses away her tears. Lady Bellaston enters, and Sophia makes the pretence that Tom has only come to return her pocket-book and the banknote. Tom takes the opportunity to leave, asking Lady Bellaston for permission to pay another visit to which she politely consents. The Book concludes with Sophia attempting to ward off her cousin's questions about the young gentleman. Book XIVLady Bellaston pays a surprise visit to Tom's apartments. However, they are interrupted by the arrival of Mrs Honour bearing a letter for Tom from Sophia, and Lady Bellaston is forced to hide behind a curtain. Honour assures Tom of her mistress' regard, and, after she has left, Lady Bellaston emerges from her place of conceal ment as, ââ¬Ëstreams of fire darted from her eyes, and well indeed they might, for her heart was all in a flame. ââ¬Ë However, Tom makes his peace with her and they agree that future visits to her house will appear as though they are for Sophia's sake, Bellaston being convinced that Sophia possessed the first place in Jones's affectionsâ⬠and ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ she submitted at last to bear the second place. â⬠Mrs Miller talks to Tom about the house getting a reputation of one of ill-fame. Tom assures her that he will change his place of lodgings. Nightingale tells him that he too has resolved to quit the house, although Tom reminds him that Nancy, the eldest daughter, is in love with him; but Nightingale is not unduly concerned, liking to boast about his skill at gaining women, much to Tom's dismay.Nightingale, however, quits the house, and Mrs Miller is distraught, revealing to Tom that Nancy is with child by him. All he has left her is a note stating that he cannot m arry her as his father has insisted on his paying his addresses to a young lady of fortune whom he has chosen for him as a wife. Jones promises to go and talk to Nightingale and attempts to persuade him to change his mind. During the conversation, he resolves to speak to Nightingale's father and inform him that Nightingale is already married to Ms Miller, a proposal to which the son readily assents.A farcical conversation takes place in a coffee house with Tom speaking about Nancy Miller whereas the father presumes he is talking about Miss Harris, and Tom saying he is already married. Old Mr Nightingale's brother then makes an appearance and also helps to persuade his brother against a union with Miss Harris, for, as he is her neighbour, he knows her to be ââ¬Å"very tall, very thin, very ugly, very affected, very silly, and very ill-natured. â⬠Jones finally agrees to conduct the uncle to his nephew in Mrs Miller's house.Mrs Miller informs Jones that all matters are settled b etween Nightingale and Nancy and that they are to be married the next day. The uncle, however, takes his nephew upstairs and, on finding out that he is not married, tells him to call off the wedding as it is both foolish and preposterous. They return downstairs and the others feel that something is amiss, especially Tom as the uncle departs with Nightingale. However, Tom receives a visit from Mrs Honour who informs him she has dreadful news regarding her mistress. Book XVLady Bellaston is now determined to get Sophia out of the way. The young nobleman who escorted Sophia from the play, Lord Fellamar, approaches Lady Bellaston and declares his love for Sophia, and she says she will promote his cause with her father, although pointing out that he has a rival for her affection ââ¬â ââ¬Ëa beggar, a bastard, a foundling, a fellow in meaner circumstances than one of your lordship's own footmen. ââ¬Ë She persuades an acquaintance, Tom Edwards, to announce in front of Sophia that Jones has been killed in a duel, and Sophia retires to her room in dismay.Bellaston and Fellamar then hatch a plan for the latter to ravish Sophia the next evening whilst the servants are out of the house and whilst Lady Bellaston is in an apartment distant from the scene. Despite having scruples, Fellamar falls in with her scheme and throws himself at Sophia; but the rape is interrupted by the arrival of Squire Western and his parson. The lord believes the father will accept him as his future son-in-law but is brushed aside by Western who removes Sophia to his own lodgings. Lady Bellaston is not too perturbed by the failure of her scheme with Fellamar, since at least Sophia is now out of the way.The plot now reverts back to how the Squire discovered his daughter's whereabouts. Mrs Fitzpatrick, hoping to reconcile her aunt and uncle, sent a letter to Mrs Western informing them of Sophia's present location. The lady passes the letter to her brother, and he is resolved to go to London with his sister following a day later. Honour, as mentioned earlier, comes to see Tom with the bad news. Whilst she is speaking to him, Lady Bellaston's arrival is announced, and Mrs Honour this time is forced to hide. Lady Bellaston comments on Jones' attractiveness, but he cannot reply in kind as Honour is present in the room.However, his embarrassment is ended when Mr Nightingale stumbles drunk into the room and Lady Bellaston is forced to share the hiding place with Honour. The Lady, after assuring the maid of her friendship in order to stop her repeating what she has heard, takes her leave in a fury. Mrs Honour also berates Tom for his infidelity to her mistress, but he eventually manages to calm her down. Nancy and Nightingale are married at Doctors' Commons and Tom then receives three letters from Lady Bellaston requesting his presence at her home. Nightingale confronts Tom and tells him about her reputation around town.Tom also reveals his deep love for Sophia whom he now i dolizes. Jones and Nightingale (ââ¬Ëhis privy council') proceed to hatch their own plan so that he can be rid of Bellaston. Nightingale knows that she turned away a former young man when he proposed marriage to her, and he suggests that Tom does the same. The latter is reluctant in case she agrees to his proposal, but Nightingale believes the young man in question ââ¬â angered by the ill offices she had done him since ââ¬â would show Tom her letters, the knowledge of which he could use to break off the affair.Tom writes a letter, and Lady Bellaston writes back banishing him from her home. Mrs Miller receives notice from Mr Allworthy that he is coming to London, and Tom, Mr and Mrs Nightingale remove to new apartments. Tom, having dispatched Mrs Honour to give him more news about Sophia's state, receives a letter from her saying she now has a position with Lady Bellaston and can tell him nothing. A few days later Mr Partridge bumps into Black George and, over a few pots of beer, learns that he is working for Squire Western and can convey letters to Sophia in order to help Tom. Tom sits down to write his epistle.Book XVI The scene shifts to Squire Western's lodgings in Piccadilly, recommended by the landlord at the Hercules Pillars at Hyde Park Corner, where Sophia is locked in her room. An officer asks to be presented and informs the Squire and parson he has come on behalf of Lord Fellamar who wants to visit his daughter on the footing of a lover, but Western throws him out. Sophia, hearing the noise below her, starts screaming and her father enters her room, asking her to fulfill his demands but she once more refuses and her father storms out, once more ignoring her pleas and tears.However, Black George is able to slip Sophia Tom's letter, hidden inside a pullet, and she muses over it. Mrs Western now arrives and is highly indignant over Sophia's imprisonment. She demands that she be given complete control over the niece and, with the support of the parson, the Squire finally agrees and Mrs Western conducts her to her own more salubrious lodgings. Tom now receives a letter from Sophia, written from her aunt's lodgings and begging him to give her up in order that he may be reconciled to Mr Allworthy, and enclosing the ? 100 banknote as she knows Tom requires money.The plot now switches back to the past when Blifil was informed by Western about his daughter's flight to London. Blifil's case that Sophia loves him is now more uncertain. Allworthy agrees to Blifil's insistent demands that he accompany him to London but warns his nephew, I will never give my consent to any absolute force being put on her inclinations, nor shall you ever have her unless she can be brought freely of compliance. Once in London, Squire Western and Blifil barge into his sister's house, and she is furious at the incivility of their entrance.Sophia, who turns pale at the sight of Blifil, is allowed to retire to her room whilst her aunt castigates Squire We stern for his rude country manners ââ¬â and at the same time suggests to Blifil that perhaps he can visit Sophia again in the afternoon. Blifil now quite rightly, as the narrator points out, suspects that Mrs Western may have turned against his cause. Lady Bellaston sees Lord Fellamar and advises him to have Jones somehow pressed and sent on board a ship. She then meets Mrs Western (they are cousins), and the former tells the latter about Lord Fellamar's attachment to Sophia.It is agreed they will pursue his case. Mrs Western refers to Blifil as ââ¬Ëa hideous kind of fellow' with nothing but fortune to recommend him. Jones pays a visit to Mrs Fitzpatrick, who encourages him to make a sham address to Mrs Western (just as Fitzpatrick did) in order to win Sophia; but he outrightly declines the undertaking, just as he does the advances now Mrs Fitzpatrick now makes towards him. Fitzpatrick has now come up to London from Bath and sees Jones coming out of his wife's house. Having s uspicions about Jones and Mrs Fitzpatrick, he draws his sword, but Jones manages to stab him with his.He ââ¬Ëâ⬠¦ sheathed one half of his sword in the body of the said gentleman' ââ¬â but is arrested by the gang employed by Lord Fellamar and taken before a magistrate who commits him to Gatehouse. Here, he receives a letter from Sophia stating she has seen his letter with his proposal of marriage to Bellaston. Book XVII Mr Allworthy is informed by Mrs Miller of how kind-hearted Tom has been towards her and her family. However, Blifil informs his uncle that Tom has killed a man, but the conversation is interrupted by the entrance of Mr Western who complains to his neighbour about Lord Fellamar.Mr Allworthy, commenting on Sophia's good character, tells Western he will not have Sophia forced into a marriage. After finding out the true inclinations of Sophia towards Blifil, Mr Allworthy informs Western that the marriage will not proceed. Mrs Western now tries to persuade Sophi a to marry Lord Fellamar, but she tells her aunt how he tried to force himself on her in Lady Bellaston's house. Thus a truce is called, and her aunt is in a better temper. Mrs Miller visits Sophia and tells her how well Tom has behaved towards her penniless cousin, Mr Anderson.She manages to make Sophia read his letter, but it does not change her attitude towards him. Fellamar pays a visit to Sophia, but she rejects his love and is berated by her aunt after the lord has left for receiving letters from Tom (she has learnt this from Mrs Miller). The action now switches to Tom in prison. Nightingale visits him and informs him that the only witnesses to the fight were from a man-of-war crew lying at Deptford; and they said that Tom had struck the first blow. Mrs Waters hen visits Tom telling him to cheer up and giving him the good news that Fitzpatrick is not dead and is likely to recover. Having lived with Fitzpatrick as his wife in Bath, she is also doing so in London so she knows ex actly what is happening. Book XVIII Partridge now visits Tom and, seeing Mrs Waters's face for the first time, informs Tom that he has been a-bed with his own mother, that Mrs. Waters and Jenny Jones are one and the same. Whilst he is dispatched by Tom to find her, Tom receives a letter from her that she has a matter of high importance to communicate to him.Mrs Miller and Jack Nightingale speak to Mr Allworthy about Tom's merits, and the latter says he might start to think better of the young gentleman. Mr Allworthy then receives a letter from Mr Square stating that he is dying and saying that Tom was innocent and that this young man hath the noblest generosity of heart, the most perfect capacity for friendship, the highest integrity, and indeed every virtue which can ennoble a man. Mr Partridge is now summoned before Mr Allworthy's presence, and he tells him his history since the time he lost his school.He also tells him about Tom's sleeping with his mother, at which Allworthy expr esses shock, but Mrs Waters enters the room desiring to speak with him. She states that Partridge was not the father of the child but a young man named Summer, the son of a clergyman who was a great friend of Allworthy's. Summer came to reside at Allworthy's house after completing his studies and died shortly afterwards. Allworthy's sister became pregnant by him and bore the child found between the sheets in his bed.It turns out that Miss Bridget went to the house of Mrs Waters' mother, and it was arranged that mother and daughter would attend her (with Mrs Wilkins being sent to Dorsetshire to be out of the way). Having given birth, Mrs Waters was instructed to take the child to Allworthy's bed. Once her story is complete, Mr Allworthy recollects that his sister had a liking for Summer but that she had expressed the highest disdain for his unkind suspicion ââ¬â so he had let the matter drop. Mrs Waters then mentions to Mr Allworthy that she had been visited by a entleman who, ta king her for Fitzpatrick's wife, informed her she would be financially assisted by a worthy gentleman if she wanted to prosecute Jones. She found out from Mr Partridge that the man's name was Dowling. Mr Western now appears, berating that fact that a lord now wants to marry Sophia; and Allworthy says he will try to speak with her once more. Mrs Waters then says she was ruined ââ¬Ëby a very deep scheme of villainy' which drove her into the arms of Captain Waters, whom she lived with as a wife for many years even though they remained unmarried.Dowling then appears, and Mr Allworthy confronts him in the presence of Mrs Waters. He learns the truth that it was Blifil who sent him to talk to her. Dowling also reveals that he was given a letter by Blifil's mother on her deathbed, and he also was instructed by her to tell Allworthy that Jones was his nephew. However, as Allworthy had been ill at the time, he delivered the letter into Blifil's hands who said he would convey it to Allworth y. Allworthy leaves to have his interview with Sophia at Western's house.After assuring her that she will not have to marry Blifil owing to his villainy, he proposes to have another young man visit her. Sophia is bemused but, on being informed that it is Jones, refuses outright to meet him, saying it would be as disagreeable as a meeting with Blifil. Squire Western bursts into the room and, on being informed by Allworthy that Tom is his nephew, now becomes as eager for Sophia to marry Jones as he was about Blifil. Allworthy returns to his lodgings and his reunion with Tom now takes place.To compound his joy, Tom is also informed by Mrs Miller that, after speaking with her son, she has told Sophia all about the Bellaston letter and that Tom had also refused a proposal of marriage from a pretty widow called Hunt (which occurs earlier in the novel). Tom informs Mr Allworthy that his liberty had been procured by two noble lords, One of these was Lord Fellamar who, on finding out from Fi tzpatrick that he took all the blame and that Tom was the nephew to a gentleman of great fortune, went with the Irish peer to obtain Tom's release.Mrs Miller asks Allworthy about Blifil, and the latter replies that I cannot be easy while such a villain is in my house. Tom pleads with him to be lenient, but Allworthy sends him to Blifil's room. Tom tells him he has to leave but that he will also do everything in his powers to help his younger brother, ââ¬Å"and would leave nothing unattempted to effectuate a reconciliation with his uncle. â⬠Jones, now fully kitted-out as a young gentleman of wealth, then accompanies his uncle to Mr Western's house.Sophia is also decked out in all her finery, and the two are left alone by the uncle and father and are eventually reconciled when Tom kisses her on her dear lips. Western once more bursts into the room, and Sophia says she will be obedient to her father by agreeing to marry Tom. The pair are privately married the next day in the cha pel at Doctors' Commons but a joint wedding feast is held afterwards at Mrs Miller's house with Nightingale and his bride, Nancy (who have been reconciled with old Mr Nightingale through the mediation of Mr Allworthy). So, the story reaches its conclusion.The narrator informs his reader of the fate of his characters. Allworthy refused to see Blifil; but he settled an annual income of ? 200 on his nephew. The latter moved to one of the northern counties, hoping to purchase a seat in the next parliament and turning Methodist in the hope of ensnaring a rich wife. Mrs Fitzpatrick divorces her husband and maintains a close friendship with the Irish peer who aided her escape from Ireland. Mr Nightingale and his wife purchase an estate in the neighbourhood of Jones. Mrs Waters receives a ? 60 annual pension from Allworthy and marries Western's Parson Supple.Partridge sets up a school and a marriage to Molly Seagrim is on the cards. Mr Western moved out of his country seat into a smaller ho use, liking to play with his granddaughter and grandson, while Tom and Sophia love Mr Allworthy as a father. And, as for Tom: ââ¬Å"Whatever in the nature of Jones had a tendency to vice, has been corrected by continual conversation with this good man, and by his union with the lovely and virtuous Sophia. He hath also, by reflection on his past follies, acquired a discretion and prudence very uncommon in one of his lively parts. â⬠Film, TV, operas, and theatrical adaptations 963 saw the release of Tom Jones, a film directed by Tony Richardson and starring Albert Finney as Tom. The book was also three times used as the basis for an opera, by Francois-Andre Philidor in 1765 (see Philidor's opera), by Edward German in 1907 (see German's opera), and by Stephen Oliver in 1975. A BBC adaptation was broadcast in 1997 with Max Beesley in the title role, dramatised by Simon Burke. Release details Fielding (28 February 1749) (First ed. ), UK: A Millar. ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âà ¢â¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â (1809) (Two volumes hardback ed. ), St. Paul's Church Yard, London, ENG, UK: J Walker, Paternoster Row and J Harris. ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â (1950) (hardback ed. , UK: Modern Library. ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â (February 1973) (hardback ed. ), UK: William Collins, ISBN 978-0-00-423529-5. ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â (1975) (paperback ed. ), USA: Wesleyan University Press, ISBN 978-0-8195-6048-3. ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â (May 1992) (paperback ed. ), UK: Wordsworth Editions, ISBN 978-1-85326-021-6. ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â (2 February 1998) (paperback ed. ), USA: Phoenix Press, ISBN 978-0-460-87833-3. ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â (30 September 2002), Modern Library (paperback ed. ), USA: Random House, ISBN 978-0-8129-6607-7. à ¢â¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â (2004), Classics (paperback ed. ), USA: Barnes & Noble, ISBN 1-59308-070-0. ââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬âââ¬â (28 April 2005) (paperback ed. , UK: Penguin Books, ISBN 978-0-14-043622-8. See also Portal icon Novels portal Illegitimacy in fiction Notes ^ Yardley, Jonathan (9 December 2003). ââ¬Å"ââ¬ËTom Jones,' as Fresh as Everâ⬠. The Washington Post: p. C1. Retrieved 2006-12-31. ^ Fielding, H (1950), ââ¬Å"Introductionâ⬠, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, New York: Modern Library, p. viii. References Tom Jones, Wordsworth Classics, Introduction and Notes Doreen Roberts, Canterbury: Rutherford College, University of Kent, 1999 [1992], ISBN 1-85326-021-5. Words, Words, Words: From the Beginnings to the Eighteenth Century, La Spiga languages, 2003. Battestin, Martin.The Providence of Wit: Aspects of Form in Augustan Literature and the Arts. Oxford: Clarendon, 1974. Hunter, J. Paul. Before Novels: The Cultural Context of Eighteenth-Century English Fiction. New York: WW Norton and Co. , 1990. McKeon, Michael. The Origins of the English Novel, 1600ââ¬â1740. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1987. Paulson, Ronald. Satire and the Novel in the Eighteenth Century. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1967. Richetti, John. ââ¬Å"Representing an Under Class: Servants and Prolatarians in Fielding and Smollett. â⬠The New Eighteenth Century: Theory, Politics, English Literature. Eds. Felicity Nussbaum and Laura Brown.London: Routledge, 1987. Richetti,
Thursday, January 9, 2020
Essay about The Ocean Environment - 2941 Words
Ocean Environment nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The sea is the most obvious feature of the earths surface. Approximately seventy percent of this surface is covered by water, in one way or another. Beneath this water are the familiar sands of the beaches, bottoms of bays, and the inshore ocean. Farther offshore this water covers an amazing submarine topography of underwater canyons, trenches, mountains, and plains. Unlike the continents, which are physically separated from one another, the oceans are continuous and interconnected. Since the quot;world ocean is continuousquot;(M.J. Keen) it has similar characteristics throughout. In the early 1870s oceanographers collected seawater samples from all of the seas of the world at a varietyâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦They all have crests, troughs, wave heights, lengths, and periods. Also, water particles that make up the waves all move in identical orbital patterns. The orbital pattern is up and forward in the crest and down and back in the trough. It is only when the wave becomes unstable that the orbital motion is destroyed. The water particles then begin to move at the same speed as the moving wave form. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Breaking waves release a tremendous amount of stored energy on a beach face. This energy moves the sand about and changes the configuration of the bottom. As the bottom configuration is changed by the waves, it changes the characteristics of incoming waves. This interaction between the waves and the bottom results in the beach face having an everlasting wave pattern. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Everything in the universe is composed of extremely small paritcles called atoms, which are often bonded together to form molecules. Molecules are formed as the result fo the transfer of electrons between atoms. The complete loss and gain of electrons results in the formation of ionic molecules, which have completely positive and negative vegions. Unequal sharing of electrons, on the other hand, characterizes the polar covalent molecules, which have only partially positive and negative regions. TheShow MoreRelatedThe Environment Of The Oceans1438 Words à |à 6 Pagesââ¬Å"46,000 pieces of plastic trash float in every square mile of oceanâ⬠¦the whole ocean is now infected with plastic. Itââ¬â¢s impossible to get it outâ⬠(Ellingwood). The public and the government continues to deny this statistic, as they claim it is too expensive to clean up the oceans. However such people take the ocean for granted. It is essential for them to realize that the ocean is an important part of our ecosystem, and therefore impacts all of humanity. Furthermore, not only do people harm themselvesRead MoreOcean Acidification And Its Effects On The Environment1429 Words à |à 6 PagesOur Oceans are a vital bloodline carrying humans, water, and different types of animals and plants. Now more than ever our oceans are in peril due to the disastrous effects of Ocean Acidification. According to, NOAA Director Dr. Jane Lubchenco (2016), ââ¬Å"Ocean Acidification is often referred to as global warmingââ¬â¢s equally evil twinâ⬠(The Osprey pg.1). Ocean Acidification is an issue that the general public knows very little about yet is just as dangerous. Our Oceans are like a gigantic beaker withRead MoreOcean Acidification And Its Effects On The Environment Essay1220 Words à |à 5 Pagespeople are familiar with the probability that looks reefs to submerged rainforests. Coral reefs orchestrate the most biodiverse living spaces in the ocean, and their closeness is crucial to the survival of a clearing number of other marine species - an awe-inspiring piece of which we rely on upon for support. To understand carbon developing in ocean water we need to appreciate the carbon condition. Right when CO2 segregates in seawater to go on watery CO2 (CO2(aq)) it moreover shapes carbonic dangerousRead MoreThe Environment Of The Sea Ocean1871 Words à |à 8 Pagesunderwater world known as the Ocean and water also is the main reason us, humans, are alive. We need water to live, without water humans would not be able to survive. With this being said water runs our lives. Humans which live on land also rely on life from the ocean for food. Humans must keep the water pollution levels at normal levels or else the water will taint the animals they use for food. The animals are not the only thing they have to worry about polluting in the Ocean. Other pollutants like CO2Read MoreThe Effects of Ocean Pollution on the Environment1650 Words à |à 7 Pages Our oceans take a large beating every day by the extremely large amount of pollution humans produce. Our society easily dumps their waste into the oceans to dispose of the excessive amount of garbage, sewage, and chemicals, but this small and simple solution is creating an even bigger problem. The way humans dispose of their wastes is causing the death of our beloved marine life. Not only are we killing off our animals, our food source, and our resources, we are also minimizing our usable waterRead MoreOcean Acidification And Its Effect On The Environment1084 Words à |à 5 Pagesimportant role in the processes within the ocean, having a huge influence over the chemistry of seawater carbonate and its equilibrium process (Hopkins 2010). One way it impacts the ocean is via a process called ocean acidification. Carbon dioxide is a compound that can be found in nature, but the elevated carbon dioxide levels caused by humans can have a lot of unintended consequences, partic ularly to the seawater carbonate chemistry (Hopkins 2010). Ocean acidification can be explained by a seriesRead MoreOcean Acidification Is Destroying Our Environment1122 Words à |à 5 PagesEvelyn Yang Nick Grossenbacher Essay Writing A July 6, 2015 Ocean Acidification: How the Oceanââ¬â¢s Declining pH is Destroying Our Environment Sometimes called ââ¬Å"climate changeââ¬â¢s equivalently destructive twinâ⬠, ocean acidification is becoming more and more noticeable as the seawaterââ¬â¢s changing chemistry begins to cause environmental and economical problems. When the Industrial Revolution began around 1760, fossil fuelââ¬âpowered machines gained an immense amount of accessibility and popularity. Since thenRead MoreThe Ocean Has Been My Favorite Environment972 Words à |à 4 PagesFor as long as I can remember, the ocean has been my favorite environment. It s the only place that I constantly feel at one with the earth and my surroundings. From an early age I always had an idea on what I wanted to pursue as my career. I would read books about the oceanic world below and The Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It wasn t until I encountered a wild dolphin at Clearwater beach, Florida that I decided to be a marine biologist. The dolphin was so friendly and welcoming, swimmingRead MoreOceans: The Impor tance of Preserving this Delicate Marine Environment1083 Words à |à 5 PagesThe Oceans are the most diverse biomes in the world, for they cover 71% of the planet. Life in the ocean evolved 3 billion years prior than land, and it still has over à ¾ of all the habitats on Earth. Humans have always posed threats to the delicate marine environment, yet it still is thriving. Without the marine biome humans and other animals alike would not be in existence, for evolution of the first life would never have occurred, and we would not have a strong enough atmosphere to support lifeRead MoreGlobal Climate Change Causes And Effects On The Environment And The World s Oceans916 Words à |à 4 Pagesa negative impact on the environment and the worldââ¬â¢s oceans. Global climate change causes many problems for the planet. The population growth of earth is 7.125 billion. Can anybody imagine how much greenhouse gas we produce in the atmosphere? Because they re more people on the earth, we need more natural resources in daily life. People destroy more natural resources like trees to live. Human beings produce more man-made pollution on the land and the ocean environments. For example, coal powered
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Bambiraptor - Facts and Figures
Name: Bambiraptor (Greek for Bambi thief, after the Disney cartoon character); pronounced BAM-bee-rap-tore Habitat: Plains of western North America Historical Period: Late Cretaceous (75 million years ago) Size and Weight: About four feet long and 10 pounds Diet: Meat Distinguishing Characteristics: Small size; bipedal posture; feathers; relatively large brain; single, curved claws on hind feet About Bambiraptor Seasoned paleontologists spend their entire careers trying to discover the fossils of new dinosaurs--so they must have been envious when a 14-year-old boy stumbled upon the near-complete skeleton of Bambiraptor in 1995, in Montanas Glacier National Park. Named after the famous Disney cartoon character, this tiny, bipedal, birdlike raptor may have been covered with feathers, and its brain was almost as big as that of modern birds (which may not seem like much of a compliment, but still made it smarter than most other dinosaurs of the late Cretaceous period). Unlike the cinematic Bambi, the gentle, sloe-eyed friend of Thumper and Flower, Bambiraptor was a vicious carnivore, which may well have hunted in packs to bring down bigger prey and was equipped with single, slashing, curved claws on each of its hind feet. Which isnt to say that Bambiraptor was at the top of its late Cretaceous food chain; measuring only four feet from head to tail and weighing in the vicinity of five pounds, this dinosaur would have made a quick meal for any hungry tyrannosaurs (or larger raptors) in its immediate vicinity, a scenario that youre unlikely to see in any forthcoming Bambi sequels. The most important thing about Bambiraptor, though, is how complete its skeleton is--it has been called the Rosetta Stone of raptors by paleontologists, who have studied it intently over the last two decaes in an attempt to puzzle out the evolutionary relationship of ancient dinosaurs and modern birds. No less an authority than John Ostrom--the paleontologist who, inspired by Deinonychus, first proposed that birds evolved from dinosaurs--raved about Bambiraptor shortly after its discovery, calling it a jewel that would confirm his once-controversial theory.
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