How was social class significant in 1742, when the novel was published? How were ideas about social class changing at this time? Why do you think Fielding included upper-class, middle-class, and lower-class characters in his story? What was Fielding trying to say about class structure?

Fielding uses comedic situations and characters throughout the novel. Why does he use satire rather than a different literary style, such as romance? What purpose does humor serve in the novel?

How would a typical 18th-century reader have responded to this novel versus a reader today? Which religious principles and cultural norms have changed since then, and which have not?