1. Read pages 176 - 237. Make
notes on the following: [I may opt to collect your notes or to give
a quiz in which you can use your notes.]
a) a modern example of what is described in
the middle paragraphs of page 185
b) "Heat is in proportion to the want of true
knowledge." (191)
c) the meaning of the "Ode" ( 195)
d) the themes of Slawkenbergius' tale
e) why Walter decides to name his son Trismegistus
(Ch. VIII)
f) Chapter XIII (206-207)
g) how Tristram got his name
h) "A dwarf who brings a standard along with
him to measure his own size -- take my word, is a dwarf in more articles
than one...." (221)
i) "It is curious to observe the triumph of
slight incidents over the mind...." (226)
j) "the mother is not of kin to her child."
(230)
2. Much of this novel is satirical. Name one object
of satire in this Volume, and explain how it is being satirized.
3. This Volume includes many references to
"chance," even including a chapter on chances. It also includes a direct
reference to predestination and free will. (218) Can you explain the controversy
on predestination?
An interesting paper topic would be to examine how Slawkenbergius' tale
fits into the novel as a whole, i.e., does it themes, symbols, characterizations,
etc. echo other parts of the novel, or is it simply inserted with no --
or slight -- connection?