Laurence Sterne Gets Chatty

Laurence Sterne Gets Chatty

The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman is a seminal work of modern English literature in many aspects. In previous literary works, there is a distinct line drawn between the author and the reader. However, Laurence Sterne makes no such distinction in his flagship novel. In fact, Sterne is so consumed with the nature of communication between an author and his readership, that the idea drives the story and is prevalent throughout the entire work. Furthermore, Sterne often provides hints and cues in the novel to guide the reader in the direction that the author feels he or she should be heading.
It is quite clear in reading Tristram Shandy that Laurence Sterne feels an intricate aspect of the novel form is constant interaction by the author with the reader. In volume II, chapter XI, Sterne writes, “Writing, when properly managed, (as you may be sure I think mine is) is but a different name for conversation” (Sterne 96). Ther...