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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 5, why does Mrs. Shandy eavesdrop on her husband?

2. Who is Lieutenant Le Fever?

3. Who does Bridget plan to seduce?

4. How do the abbess and the novice make their mules move?

5. Why does Tristram relieve himself out the window in Volume 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. What could Bobby's death symbolize to Tristram?

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

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

4. How does Toby plan to approach Widow Wadham about his affections?

5. How does the Shandy household react to the news of Bobby's death?

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

7. Why does Walter Shandy write Toby a letter in Volume 8?

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

9. How does communication among the characters disintegrate in Volume 8?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is time used in the novel? What inconsistencies are evident in Tristram's perception of time? What explanation does Tristram give for his perception of time and how does this explanation relate to Sterne's theme of individuality?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Describe the protagonist and antagonists of the novel. How is Tristram an "anti-hero"? What conflicts does he endure? How are the conflicts of the novel resolved?

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