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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. In Volume 4, why does the man with the big nose travel to Strasborg?

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

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

4. What do Walter and Toby do after Dr. Slop leaves the parlor?

5. What explanation does Toby give for Mrs. Shandy's reluctance to employ Dr. Slop?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Tristram's face deformed?

2. Why does Trim deliver a sermon in Volume 2?

3. How does Toby's hobby assist in his recovery?

4. What misunderstanding does Toby have about bridges in Volume 3?

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

6. How does Walter Shandy attempt to change Tristram's name?

7. Whom does Dr. Slop blame for his injury?

8. With what hobby is Toby Shandy obsessed?

9. How does Yorick assist the midwife?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What lessons does Sterne impart about communication? How do the characters express ideas to each other? What element of communication is missing from their dialogue and how does this affect character development?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Sterne's Yorick with Shakespeare's Yorick. How are both characters tragic? What role does Sterne's Yorick play in Tristram's life compared to the role Shakespeare's Yorick plays in Hamlet's life? Why might Sterne have chosen Yorick to deliver the last line of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

What impact does superficial and self-serving behavior have on the characters in the novel? Do any of the characters demonstrate growth or emotional development? What point might Sterne be making about human behavior?

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