Contingency and its consequences in Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne Cover Image

Contingency and its consequences in Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne
Contingency and its consequences in Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne

Author(s): Tomasz Umerle
Subject(s): Theatre, Dance, Performing Arts
Published by: Fundacja Pro Scientia Publica
Keywords: Sterne; Tristram Shandy; contingency; novel; narration

Summary/Abstract: My paper proposes a new approach to the famous novel by Laurence Sterne Tristram Shandy. In my reading of this work I use the category of contingency which I define by referring to the German philosopher Odo Marquard and literary theories of a monographer of the contigency in literature and film Rafa􀃡 Koschany. These are the basic inspirations for reflections on Tristram as a character, and simultaneously, narrator in the novel. In my view contingency manifests itself in Sterne's work in a two-fold manner it affects Tristram's life and narration. I will try to focus on the different ways in which these manifestations relate to each other.

  • Issue Year: 1/2010
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 70-83
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: English