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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What book does Walter Shandy hand Dr. Slop after he cuts his thumb?

2. What is Trim's true name?

3. Which famous engineer do Toby and Walter discuss while waiting for Tristram's birth?

4. On which night does Walter Shandy always wind the clock?

5. Tristram interrupts his story about Toby with an anecdote about which author?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Walter Shandy help his brother after he returns from war?

2. How does Yorick assist the midwife?

3. Why is Dr. Slop angry with Obidiah in Volume 3?

4. How is Phutatoruis injured in Volume 4?

5. What unusual literary element is placed in the middle of Volume 3?

6. With what hobby is Toby Shandy obsessed?

7. Describe Toby Shandy.

8. Why does Tristram's mother give birth in the country?

9. What distracts Walter Shandy from his ire at the end of Volume 4?

10. What differing opinions do Walter Shandy and his wife have about childbirth?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Sterne use stream of consciousness to develop Tristram's narration? What elements of Tristram's character can be seen through the use of this literary device? What effect does this form of narration have on plot development and how does it bring to light the important themes Sterne expresses?

Essay Topic 2

What views are expressed about "modern" (as in the current 18th century practices) medicine as compared to folk medicine in the novel? How does the midwife's practical experience compare to the doctor's formal medical training? What concerns are raised about each character's medical abilities and how are these concerns addressed in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

What elements of foreshadowing are present in the novel? How does foreshadowing motivate the action of the plot? How does Sterne use foreshadowing as a marketing tool?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 962 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample