The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman · Chapter
Chapter XXVIII explained
Tristram reflects on the gathering misfortunes of his father, Walter Shandy, as he begins to write this part of his story with a heavy heart and uncharacteristic solemnity.
What happens
Tristram reflects on the gathering misfortunes of his father, Walter Shandy, as he begins to write this part of his story with a heavy heart and uncharacteristic solemnity.
Themes in this chapter
Time and Mortality
Tristram's pensive mood and physical reaction to writing reflect the weight of time and the inevitability of misfortune.
Digression and Narrative Form
The narrator comments on his own writing process, contrasting his usual style with the current solemnity.
Characters to notice
- Tristram Shandy
Narrator, writing with melancholy and noting his changed demeanor.
- Walter Shandy
Subject of the growing tide of troubles and distresses.
Key passages
“From the first moment I sat down to write my life for the amusement of the world, and my opinions for its instruction, has a cloud insensibly been gathering over my father.”
Ever since I began writing my autobiography for the world's entertainment and education, a shadow has gradually been falling over my father.
Tristram introduces the theme of his father's accumulating misfortunes.
“Lord! how different from the rash jerks and hair-brain'd squirts thou art wont, Tristram , to transact it with in other humours—dropping thy pen—spurting thy ink about thy table and thy books—as if thy pen and thy ink, thy books and furniture cost thee nothing!”
Good heavens! How unlike the impulsive, reckless way you usually write, Tristram, flinging your pen and splattering ink as if nothing mattered!
Tristram contrasts his current solemn writing style with his usual carefree manner.