The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman · Chapter
Chapter XXXVII explained
Walter Shandy pores over Erasmus's dialogue on long noses, seeking a deeper allegorical meaning.
What happens
Walter Shandy pores over Erasmus's dialogue on long noses, seeking a deeper allegorical meaning. He attempts to scratch a better sense into the text with his penknife, but Uncle Toby points out he has marred a word, causing Walter to tear out the leaf in a passion.
Themes in this chapter
Knowledge and Philosophy
Walter's obsessive search for hidden meaning in Erasmus's text illustrates the comic futility of over-interpretation.
The Absurdity of Systems
Walter's attempt to force a deeper allegorical sense from a simple dialogue highlights the absurdity of rigid intellectual systems.
Characters to notice
- Walter Shandy
Father, who studies Erasmus's dialogue on long noses and tries to amend its sense with a penknife.
- Uncle Toby
Brother Toby, who observes Walter's efforts and remarks that he has marred a word.
Key passages
“Nihil me poenitet hujus nasi, quoth Pamphagus; that is—'My nose has been the making of me.'”
Pamphagus says he has no regrets about his nose, meaning it has benefited him greatly.
Opening quotation from Erasmus's dialogue, setting up Walter's interpretive quest.
“I've got within a single letter, brother Toby, cried my father, of Erasmus his mystic meaning.—You are near enough, brother, replied my uncle, in all conscience.”
Walter claims he is one letter away from Erasmus's hidden meaning, but Toby says that is close enough.
Shows Walter's obsessive precision and Toby's practical dismissal.
“But you have marr'd a word, replied my uncle Toby.—My father put on his spectacles—bit his lip—and tore out the leaf in a passion.”
Toby points out that Walter has ruined a word, prompting Walter to angrily tear out the page.
Climax of the scene, illustrating Walter's frustration and the failure of his critical method.