# VII: The Story of Le Fever Continued 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

Corporal Trim returns from the inn and recounts to Uncle Toby the plight of Lieutenant Le Fever and his son. The lieutenant is gravely ill, and his devoted son cares for him. Trim describes the son's grief, the lieutenant's prayer, and his poignant recollection of his wife's death. Uncle Toby is deeply moved and expresses concern for the boy's future.

## Themes in this chapter

### Time and Mortality

The lieutenant's impending death and the fragility of life are central, with the deathwatch and the son's grief emphasizing mortality.

### Modesty and Obscenity

Uncle Toby's modesty is highlighted when he recalls the ensign's story and notes the omission of a circumstance; the curate's cynical remark about soldiers' prayers touches on hypocrisy.

## Character check-ins

### Uncle Toby

Listens to Trim's account with deep sympathy, blowing his nose and sighing; wishes he could help the young Le Fever.

### Corporal Trim

Returns from the inn and narrates the story of Lieutenant Le Fever and his son, showing compassion and defending the piety of soldiers.

### Le Fever

The dying lieutenant who recalls his service with Uncle Toby and the tragic death of his wife; kisses a ring tied with a black ribbon.

### Mrs. Shandy

Mentioned indirectly as the landlady reports hearing the deathwatch and the lieutenant's prayers.

### Mr. Yorick

His curate is present in the kitchen, smoking a pipe and making a skeptical comment about soldiers praying.

## Key lines

> I despaired at first, said the corporal, of being able to bring back your honour any kind of intelligence concerning the poor sick lieutenant

Trim initially doubted he could learn anything about the ailing lieutenant.

_Trim begins his report to Uncle Toby._

> I wish, said my uncle Toby, with a deep sigh,—I wish, Trim, I was asleep.

Uncle Toby, overwhelmed with emotion, wishes he could escape into sleep.

_Uncle Toby's emotional response to the sad story._

> Then what is to become of his poor boy? cried my uncle Toby.

Uncle Toby worries aloud about the fate of the lieutenant's son.

_Uncle Toby's concern for the orphaned child._

## Links

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