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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. How does Tristram travel to Paris?

2. How old is Tristram when he is injured by a falling window sash?

3. How does Tristram travel through the southern region of France?

4. How does Tristram escape death?

5. What does Trim inherit from Lieutenant Le Fever?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Lieutenant Le Fever?

2. What dispute arises over Tristram's injury in Volume 6?

3. What irony exists in Walter Shandy's attempt to write a child-rearing book?

4. How is Tristram injured at the age of five?

5. How does Toby become Billy Le Fever's guardian?

6. Why does Tristram decide to travel abroad in Volume 7?

7. Why does Tristram's mother eavesdrop on Walter and Toby's conversation in Volume 5?

8. What position does Toby recommend Billy Le Fever assume in the Shandy household?

9. Describe the farcical nature of the story of the abbess and the novice.

10. How does Toby discover his love for Widow Wadham?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the symbolism evident in the novel. What is the significance of Bobby's death and Tristram's journey through France? How are symbols or symbolic imagery used to advance the plot?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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