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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 falls after Walter realizes Tristram has been named incorrectly?

2. What opinion does Tristram have about time?

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

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

5. Who delivers a fine sermon while the other characters wait for Tristram's birth?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Tristram's face deformed?

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

3. Why is Dr. Slop offended by the midwife's request to attend the birthing?

4. Describe Tristram Shandy.

5. What is Slawkenburguis' story?

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

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

8. How does Yorick assist the midwife?

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

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

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

How are philosophies expressed in the novel? Describe the purpose Sterne may have had for Walter Shandy's philosophical ramblings. What philosophies does Tristram express and how do these ideas affect the action of the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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