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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 8, which character makes a battle plan with Toby to approach the Widow Wadham?

2. With whom does Trim fall in love?

3. In Volume 5, what does Walter Shandy do while his son's wound is being tended?

4. Who plans on spying on Toby through a keyhole?

5. What concern does Widow Wadham express about Toby Shandy in Volume 8?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What inconsistencies exist in Tristram's friendship with Eugenuis?

3. What are the "beds of justice"?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

From what type of death is Tristram trying to escape? How is death used to create humor? What insight into Tristram's character does the theme of death give the reader?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

How does the setting of the novel affect the mood of the story? Describe the differences between Sterne's masculine and feminine settings. Why does the masculine setting dominate the novel?

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