Laurence Sterne: Master of Tristram Shandy

Honoring the Overlooked Satirists and Thinkers Who Altered Our Perspectives #35

Conrad T Hannon

Jul 26, 2024

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Preface

Welcome to the 35th edition of our series, "Honoring the Overlooked Satirists and Thinkers Who Altered Our Perspectives." In this installment, we explore the life and work of Laurence Sterne, an English novelist and clergyman whose inventive narrative style and whimsical satire have left a significant mark on literary history. Best known for his novel "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman," Sterne's works continue to captivate readers with their humor, originality, and deep human insights.

Introduction

Laurence Sterne, born in 1713, was a seminal figure in 18th-century literature whose innovative works continue to fascinate readers and scholars alike. His magnum opus, "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman," revolutionized the novel form with its unconventional structure, digressive narrative, and playful experimentation with the very fabric of storytelling.

Sterne's ability to blend sharp satire with deep philosophical musings set him apart from his contemporaries. His work challenged the literary conventions of his time, paving the way for future generations of writers to explore new narrative techniques and push the boundaries of what a novel could be.

Beyond "Tristram Shandy," Sterne's other notable work, "A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy," further showcased his talent for combining humor with poignant observations on human nature. These works, along with his sermons and letters, have secured Sterne's place as one of the most innovative and influential writers of the 18th century and beyond.

Early Life and Influences

Laurence Sterne's early life was marked by instability and frequent moves, factors that would later influence his unique perspective on the world. Born on November 24, 1713, in Clonmel, Ireland, Sterne was the son of Roger Sterne, an ensign in a British regiment, and Agnes Sterne (née Nuttle). The family's military lifestyle meant that young Laurence spent his childhood moving from place to place, experiencing a variety of social environments and cultural contexts.

This peripatetic upbringing exposed Sterne to diverse characters and situations, providing rich material for his future literary endeavors. However, it also meant that his early education was fragmented and inconsistent. His father's death in 1731 marked a turning point in Sterne's life. Left with limited means, he was sent to live with his wealthy uncle, Richard Sterne, in Halifax, Yorkshire.

Under his uncle's care, Sterne received a more formal education. He attended Hipperholme Grammar School before enrolling at Jesus College, Cambridge, in 1733. Sterne immersed himself in classical literature, philosophy, and theology at Cambridge. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1737 and his Master of Arts in 1740. This period of study laid the foundation for his later literary and clerical careers, exposing him to the works of classical authors, contemporary philosophers, and religious thinkers.

Sterne's education at Cambridge coincided with the height of the Enlightenment, a time of great intellectual ferment in Europe. The emphasis on reason, individualism, and skepticism that characterized this period would greatly influence Sterne's writing style and worldview. His exposure to the religious and philosophical debates of the time and his personal experiences shaped his satirical approach to writing and his keen insight into human nature.

Following his ordination in the Anglican Church in 1738, Sterne was appointed vicar of Sutton-on-the-Forest, Yorkshire. This position provided him with a stable income and allowed him to observe and interact with a wide range of parishioners, further enriching his understanding of human behavior and social dynamics.

Sterne's early experiences - from his nomadic childhood to his formal education and clerical career - all contributed to the formation of his unique literary voice. His ability to blend high and low culture, to find humor in the mundane, and to explore the complexities of human nature can all be traced back to these formative years.

Literary Career

Laurence Sterne's literary career began relatively late in life, but when it did, it took the literary world by storm. Before his debut as a novelist, Sterne had primarily been known for his sermons and wit in local Yorkshire society. His first major publication was a collection of sermons, "The Sermons of Mr. Yorick," published in 1760. These sermons, while well-received, gave little hint of the literary revolution Sterne was about to unleash.

In 1759, at age 46, Sterne began writing "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman." The first two volumes were published in York in 1759 and London in 1760. The novel's immediate success catapulted Sterne from obscure country parson to literary celebrity almost overnight.

"Tristram Shandy" was unlike anything the reading public had encountered before. Its unconventional narrative structure, digressive style, and metafictional elements were groundbreaking and controversial. The novel defied the traditional linear storytelling of the time, instead presenting a fragmented and whimsical account of the protagonist's life and thoughts.

Sterne published the novel in installments over several years, with the final volume appearing in 1767. This serialized publication allowed Sterne to respond to his critics and adjust his narrative based on public reaction, adding another layer of complexity to the work.

The success of "Tristram Shandy" allowed Sterne to travel extensively in France and Italy. These travels provided material for his second major work, "A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy," published in 1768. This novel, while more conventional in structure than "Tristram Shandy," still showcased Sterne's innovative narrative techniques and ability to blend humor with poignant observations on human nature.

Throughout his literary career, Sterne continued to write and publish sermons, which were popular in their own right. He also maintained extensive correspondence, much of which has survived and provided valuable insights into his life and work.

Sterne's literary career was relatively brief - spanning just under a decade - but intensely productive. His works challenged contemporary notions of what a novel could be and influenced generations of writers to come. Despite suffering from tuberculosis in his later years, Sterne continued to write until his death in 1768, leaving behind a literary legacy that continues to captivate and intrigue readers to this day.

Major Works and Themes

1. "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman" (1759-1767):

This nine-volume novel is Sterne's magnum opus and a cornerstone of 18th-century satire. Sterne critiques the conventional novel form through its non-linear narrative, extensive digressions, and playful use of typographical elements and explores themes of identity, memory, and human folly.

The novel purports to be the autobiography of Tristram Shandy, but the narrative is so filled with digressions and asides that Tristram isn't even born until the third volume. The story encompasses the lives and opinions of Tristram's family members, particularly his father, Walter, and his Uncle Toby, each with their own eccentricities and obsessions.

Key themes in "Tristram Shandy" include:

- The nature of narrative and storytelling: Sterne constantly draws attention to the act of writing itself, questioning the ability of language to accurately convey experience.

- Time and memory: The non-linear structure reflects the chaotic nature of memory and human experience.

- Hobby-horses: Sterne uses this term to describe the obsessions or fixations that dominate his characters' lives, serving as a metaphor for human irrationality.

- The relationship between body and mind: Sterne explores how physical experiences shape mental states and vice versa.

The novel's innovative techniques, such as blank pages, marbled pages, and unconventional use of punctuation, serve not just as gimmicks but as integral parts of the narrative, enhancing the reader's experience and underscoring the work's experimental nature.

2. "A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy" (1768):

This travel narrative follows the journey of Yorick, a thinly veiled alter ego of Sterne, through France and Italy. Unlike traditional travel literature of the time, which focused on describing places and monuments, Sterne's novel is more concerned with the emotional responses of the traveler to the people and situations he encounters.

Key aspects of "A Sentimental Journey" include:

- Exploration of sentiment: Sterne examines the nature of emotional responses and human connections, often finding profound meaning in small, everyday interactions.

- Critique of Grand Tour culture: The novel gently mocks the conventional European tours undertaken by young British gentlemen of the time.

- Character studies: Through Yorick's encounters with various individuals, Sterne creates vivid character sketches that reveal much about human nature.

- Humor and pathos: The novel skillfully blends comedic situations with moments of genuine emotion and insight.

"A Sentimental Journey" is notable for its exploration of its characters' inner life and emotions, anticipating the later development of psychological fiction. It remains unfinished due to Sterne's death, adding a layer of poignancy to the work.

3. Sermons:

While often overshadowed by his novels, Sterne's sermons were popular in their own right and showcased his skill as a preacher and moral philosopher. These works, published in several volumes, including "The Sermons of Mr. Yorick" (1760-1769), demonstrate Sterne's ability to blend religious instruction with wit and literary flair.

The sermons cover a wide range of topics, from Christian virtues to social issues of the day. They are characterized by:

- Accessible language and relatable examples

- Humor and dramatic flair

- Emphasis on moral and ethical behavior rather than strict doctrine

- Insights into human nature that parallel those found in his novels

Literary Style

Sterne's literary style is characterized by originality, wit, and playfulness. His use of digression is perhaps his most distinctive feature, as he frequently interrupts the main narrative to explore tangential topics, characters, and anecdotes. This technique adds humor and depth to his stories and reflects the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life and human thought processes.

Key elements of Sterne's style include:

1. Digression:

Sterne's narratives are rarely straightforward, instead meandering through various topics and anecdotes. These digressions are not mere asides but integral to the work's meaning and structure.

2. Metafiction:

Sterne frequently acknowledges the artificiality of the narrative, addressing the reader directly and commenting on the process of writing. This self-awareness invites readers to reflect on the nature of storytelling itself.

3. Typographical innovation:

Sterne uses various visual elements to enhance his narrative, including:

- Blank pages to represent death or silence

- Marbled pages as a visual metaphor for the unpredictability of life

- Unconventional punctuation and layout to mimic speech patterns or emotional states

4. Intertextuality:

Sterne's works are filled with references to real and invented texts, creating a rich tapestry of allusions and parodies.

5. Stream of consciousness:

While this term wasn't coined until much later, Sterne's style anticipates the stream-of-consciousness technique used by modernist writers, mimicking the flow of thoughts and associations in the human mind.

6. Humor:

Sterne's wit ranges from subtle wordplay to broad comedy, often using humor to explore serious themes or critique social norms.

7. Sentimentalism:

Particularly in "A Sentimental Journey," Sterne explores the nature of emotional responses and human empathy, blending humor with genuine pathos.

Sterne's unique style challenged the conventions of 18th-century literature and anticipated many techniques that would become hallmarks of modernist and postmodernist writing. His ability to blend high and low culture, to find profundity in the mundane, and to explore the complexities of human nature through innovative narrative techniques has secured his place as one of the most influential writers in the English language.

Influence and Legacy

Laurence Sterne's influence on literature is profound and far-reaching. His innovative narrative techniques and irreverent approach to storytelling have inspired countless writers across various literary movements and continue to resonate with contemporary authors and readers alike.

1. Impact on the Novel Form:

Sterne's experimental approach to the novel "Tristram Shandy" challenged and expanded the possibilities of the genre. His non-linear narrative, metafictional elements, and typographical innovations paved the way for future experimentation in fiction. Writers such as James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and Samuel Beckett acknowledged Sterne's influence on their work, particularly in their use of stream-of-consciousness techniques and fragmented narratives.

2. Influence on Modernist and Postmodernist Literature:

Sterne's playful deconstruction of narrative conventions in "Tristram Shandy" anticipates many of the concerns of 20th-century literature. His self-reflexive style, questioning of authorial authority, and exploration of the limitations of language all resonate with modernist and postmodernist sensibilities. Writers like John Barth and Thomas Pynchon cited Sterne as an important precursor to their experimental works.

3. Development of Psychological Fiction:

"A Sentimental Journey" is often seen as a forerunner of the psychological novel. Sterne's focus on his characters' inner life, emotional responses, and the subjective nature of experience laid the groundwork for later developments in psychological realism and stream-of-consciousness writing.

4. Humor and Satire:

Sterne's unique blend of wit, humor, and pathos has influenced generations of comic writers. His ability to use humor to explore serious themes and critique social norms has been emulated by many subsequent authors in the satirical tradition.

5. Visual Storytelling:

Sterne's innovative use of visual elements in "Tristram Shandy," such as the marbled page and various typographical experiments, has influenced literature, graphic design, and visual arts. His work anticipates later developments in concrete poetry and visual novels.

6. Academic Interest:

Sterne's works continue to be the subject of extensive scholarly research and debate. The complexity and richness of his writing provide fertile ground for literary criticism, with new interpretations and analyses continually emerging. The Laurence Sterne Trust, established in 1967, promotes the study and appreciation of Sterne's works.

7. Adaptations and Popular Culture:

Sterne's works have been adapted into various media, demonstrating their enduring relevance and appeal:

- Michael Winterbottom's 2005 film "Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story" offers a metafictional take on adapting the "unadaptable" novel.

- Various stage adaptations of "Tristram Shandy" and "A Sentimental Journey" have been produced.

- References to Sterne and his works appear in numerous literary works and popular culture, from T.S. Eliot's poetry to modern television shows.

8. Influence on Travel Writing:

"A Sentimental Journey" revolutionized travel writing by focusing on the traveler's emotional responses rather than mere descriptions of places. This approach has influenced subsequent travel literature, encouraging a more personal and reflective style.

Legacy in the 21st Century:

In our digital age, Sterne's work feels surprisingly modern. His non-linear storytelling and interactive elements resonate with digital literature's hypertext and interactive narratives. The fragmented nature of "Tristram Shandy" mirrors how information is consumed in the internet era, making Sterne's work perhaps even more relevant today than in his own time.

Sterne's legacy extends beyond literature into philosophy and cultural theory. His exploration of the relationship between language, meaning, and reality has been of interest to poststructuralist thinkers. His playful deconstruction of narrative conventions and exploration of the limits of representation continues to be relevant in discussions of postmodern culture.

As a pioneering figure in literary history, Sterne's legacy is significant and multifaceted. His contributions to the development of the novel form, his innovative narrative techniques, and his profound insights into human nature ensure that his works remain essential reading for anyone interested in the evolution of narrative fiction and the enduring power of satire.