The reason behind the hobby-horse.

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                                                                                                                               Brown

                                                                                                       Patty Brown

                                                                       ENL 4230

                                                                                                   Dr. Cowlishaw

                                                                                                       August 3, 2003                                                                                                

The Reason Behind the Hobby-Horse

                                                                                                       

        Literature of the Eighteenth Century is characterized by reason, moderation, good taste and simplicity. In addition, the ideals of impartial investigation and scientific experimentation were influential in the development of clear and simple prose as an instrument of rational communication. This dominant and persistent faith in a systemic approach to life, however, does not apply to Laurence Sterne’s novel, Tristram Shandy. 

Sterne, through his digressive narrative style and cast of solipsistic characters, satirizes the scientific and philosophical opinions of his time that rational discourse is the only means by which human communication can exist.  

         The story itself, written as a fictitious autobiography, is of secondary importance to how it is told. Where traditionally novelists construct their details to achieve a consistent verisimilitude, Sterne’s aim is toward coherent disorder. Tristram Shandy deviates from the linear nature of traditional discourse by allowing digressions to obtrude themselves into the novel as naturally as it does into one’s mind. In his “chapter upon chapters,” Tristram addresses the unorthodox style in which his novel is being constructed by declaring, “is a man to follow rules-----------or rules to follow him?” (204)  This declaration is in obvious contrast to the Eighteenth century’s perception of  the rationality and order that shaped the literature of the time.  

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        Tristram informs the reader he will begin the story of his life “ as Horace says, ab Ovo,” even though he assumes Horace would disagree with this narrative design. He defends his decision by taking a satirical jab at the Augustan writers who believe in a return to the Classics as a model for worthy literature. “For in writing what I have set about,” Tristram states, “I shall confine myself neither to his rules, nor to any man’s rules who ever lived” (4).  Staying true to his word, Tristram goes on a series of narrative detours involving names, Lockean learning ...

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