Chapter XXVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• The Absurdity of Systems

  The absurd focus on constructing a false bridge for Tristram's nose highlights the futility of imposing order on chaotic events.

• Obsession and Hobbyhorses

  Walter's immediate distress over the nose injury reflects his obsessive concern with physical and philosophical systems.

Characters to notice

• Walter Shandy

  My father, who reacts with horror upon learning of Tristram's nose injury.

• Uncle Toby

  Brother Toby, whom Walter asks to lead him to his room.

• Corporal Trim

  Trim, who explains the situation about the bridge and the nose injury.

• Susannah

  Susannah, whose stays provide the whalebone for the false bridge.

Key passages

• “This unfortunate drawbridge of yours, quoth my father⁠⸺⁠God bless your honour, cried Trim , ’tis a bridge for master’s nose.”

  My father called it an unfortunate drawbridge, but Trim corrected him, saying it is a bridge for the master's nose.

  Trim clarifies that the bridge is not a drawbridge but a prosthetic for Tristram's crushed nose.

• “In bringing him into the world with his vile instruments, he has crushed his nose, Susannah says, as flat as a pancake to his face, and he is making a false bridge with a piece of cotton and a thin piece of whalebone out of Susannah’s stays, to raise it up.”

  According to Susannah, Dr. Slop's instruments have flattened Tristram's nose, and a false bridge is being made from cotton and whalebone from Susannah's stays.

  Trim relays Susannah's account of the nose injury and the makeshift repair.

• “Lead me, brother Toby , cried my father, to my room this instant.”

  My father urgently asked Uncle Toby to take him to his room immediately.

  Walter's distress prompts him to retreat to his room.