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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. Which famous poet does Tristram quote in Volume 1?

2. What does Phutatoruis exclaim when he is injured?

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

4. What happens to Bobby at the end of Volume 4?

5. How is Toby wounded in Volume 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Dr. Slop.

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

3. To what does Uncle Toby attribute to Tristram's problems before entering the world?

4. What is Slawkenburguis' story?

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

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

7. What topics do the men discuss in Volume 2 while waiting for Tristram's birth?

8. Why does Obidiah ride to Dr. Slop's residence twice?

9. What declaration does Tristram make about his narration in Volume 1?

10. How does Walter Shandy react to Tristram's deformity?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the perception Sterne's characters have about responsibility. Which characters take responsibility for their actions and which are always denying or ignoring their responsibilities? What point might Sterne be making about responsibility and compassion?

Essay Topic 2

Of what importance is Tristram's name in the novel? What significance does Walter Shandy place on names and why does Tristram's name disturb him? Why does Diduis refuse to change Tristram's name?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of irony in the novel. What ironies result from Uncle Toby's hobbies? What is the purpose of the ironies evident in the novel? Is irony an effective tool to change behavior?

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