Tristram Shandy

Definition

Tristram Shandy is a novel by Laurence Sterne, first published in nine volumes between 1759 and 1767, known for its unconventional narrative style and digressive structure. The novel explores the life and thoughts of Tristram Shandy, who tells his story in a non-linear fashion, emphasizing the complexities of storytelling and the nature of time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tristram Shandy is notable for its playful use of language, including puns, anecdotes, and asides that disrupt the flow of the narrative.
2. The novel is characterized by its digressive style, where the protagonist often goes off on tangents rather than following a straight storyline.
3. Sterne's work was groundbreaking for its time, influencing later authors like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf with its innovative narrative techniques.
4. The novel’s opening lines famously state that Tristram is born at a time when his father is preoccupied with a philosophical discussion about the importance of names.
5. Tristram Shandy challenges traditional notions of time and causality in storytelling, making readers question how stories are constructed.

Review Questions

• How does Sterne's use of digression in Tristram Shandy contribute to the overall themes of the novel?
  • Sterne's use of digression in Tristram Shandy allows him to explore various themes, such as the nature of time and storytelling itself. By intentionally straying from the main plot, he emphasizes that life is often non-linear and filled with interruptions. This approach invites readers to engage more deeply with the narrative and reflects the chaotic nature of human thought.
• Analyze how Tristram Shandy's narrative style differs from traditional novel structures of its time.
  • Tristram Shandy stands out due to its unconventional narrative structure, which breaks away from chronological storytelling typical of 18th-century novels. Instead of following a linear path, Sterne employs digressions, playful language, and meta-narrative elements to challenge readers' expectations. This innovative style encourages a more reflective reading experience, inviting readers to consider not just what is being told but how it is being presented.
• Evaluate the impact of Tristram Shandy on future literary movements and styles.
  • Tristram Shandy had a profound impact on later literary movements, particularly Modernism, by influencing writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf. Its experimental narrative techniques laid groundwork for stream-of-consciousness writing and self-reflexive literature. By defying conventional storytelling methods, Sterne opened up new possibilities for authors to explore complex themes related to consciousness and identity in more fragmented or non-linear ways.

Related terms

Stream of Consciousness: A narrative technique that attempts to capture the flow of thoughts and feelings as they occur in a character's mind.

Meta-narrative: A narrative that self-consciously comments on the nature of storytelling itself, often breaking the fourth wall.

Picaresque Novel: A genre of fiction that follows the adventures of a roguish hero, typically in a humorous and satirical way.