# The Story of Le Fever explained — The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman

> Chapter companion for The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne.

## What happens

My uncle Toby, while at supper with Corporal Trim, learns from the landlord of a nearby inn about a poor, gravely ill army officer who has taken a sudden fancy for a glass of sack and a thin toast. The landlord's compassion moves Toby, and he sends Trim to gather more information. Upon learning the sick man has a young son who has not left his bedside, Toby resolves to visit him despite the cold and rainy night, and despite Trim's warnings about his own health.

## Themes in this chapter

### Obsession and Hobbyhorses

Toby's mind wanders to military fortifications even while thinking of Le Fever, illustrating his hobbyhorse of siegecraft.

### Digression and Narrative Form

The narrator digresses on the squabbles between Toby and Trim about standing versus sitting, and comments on his own pen's governance.

### Time and Mortality

The chapter deals with illness, the fragility of life, and the compassionate response to a dying man.

## Character check-ins

### Uncle Toby

Shows deep compassion for the sick stranger, sending wine and planning a visit despite his own frail health.

### Corporal Trim

Attends Toby at supper, is sent to reconnoitre the inn, and warns Toby against venturing out in the cold.

### Le Fever

The poor army officer lying ill at the inn, who asks for a glass of sack and a thin toast.

### The Stranger

The landlord who brings news of Le Fever, showing great concern and compassion.

## Key lines

> I think, says he, taking his hand from his forehead, it would comfort me.

The sick man believes a glass of sack and a thin toast might bring him some relief.

_Le Fever's first expressed desire for comfort after days of illness._

> Thou art a good-natured soul, I will answer for thee, cried my uncle Toby; and thou shalt drink the poor gentleman's health in a glass of sack thyself,—and take a couple of bottles with my service, and tell him he is heartily welcome to them, and to a dozen more if they will do him good.

Toby praises the landlord's kindness and sends wine for both the landlord and the sick man, offering more if needed.

_Toby's immediate generosity and empathy._

> I have a project in my head, as it is a bad night, of wrapping myself up warm in my roquelaure, and paying a visit to this poor gentleman.

Toby decides to brave the cold and rain to visit the sick stranger himself.

_Toby's resolve to personally offer comfort despite the weather and his own health._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/vi-the-story-of-le-fever
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tristram_shandy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters