The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman · Chapter
Chapter XVI explained
Walter Shandy, in a petulant mood, travels down to the country with Mrs.
What happens
Walter Shandy, in a petulant mood, travels down to the country with Mrs. Shandy, fretting over the expense of the journey, the loss of a son he had counted on as a second staff for his old age, and the condolences of friends. His vexation leads him to torment his wife with satirical descriptions of their appearance at church, and he becomes obsessed with the idea that she has deceived him, leading to a series of syllogisms about weakness. Mrs. Shandy finds the journey uneasy and complains to Uncle Toby.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Hobbyhorses
Walter's obsessive fretting over expense, the loss of a son, and his wife's supposed weakness drives his behavior throughout the journey.
Family and Heredity
Walter's disappointment over the loss of a son and his reliance on Bobby as a 'second staff' highlights family dynamics and expectations.
Characters to notice
- Walter Shandy
Travels down to the country in a pettish humour, fretting over expense, the loss of a son, and his wife's supposed deception.
- Mrs. Shandy
Endures Walter's vexations during the journey, laughing and crying by turns, and later complains to Uncle Toby.
- Uncle Toby
Mentioned as the recipient of Mrs. Shandy's complaint about Walter's behavior.
- Bobby
Referenced as the son who might fail Walter, prompting Walter's disappointment.
Key passages
“Had he been whistled up to London, upon a Tom Fool's errand, in any other month of the whole year, he should not have said three words about it.”
If he had been called to London on a foolish errand in any other month, he would not have complained.
Walter's irritation is specifically tied to the timing of the journey in September, when his fruit was ripe.
“the heavy blow he had sustain'd from the loss of a son, whom it seems he had fully reckon'd upon in his mind, and register'd down in his pocketbook, as a second staff for his old age, in case Bobby should fail him.”
He was deeply upset by the loss of a son he had mentally counted on and noted in his pocketbook as a backup for his old age if Bobby should disappoint him.
Walter's grief is not for a living child but for a hypothetical son he had planned for.
“From Grantham, till they had cross'd the Trent, my father was out of all kind of patience at the vile trick and imposition which he fancied my mother had put upon him in this affair”
From Grantham until they crossed the Trent, my father was completely impatient, believing my mother had played a vile trick on him.
Walter's suspicion of his wife's deception escalates during this leg of the journey.