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A Sentimental Journey; Lawrence Stern (About the novel (The novel was…
A Sentimental Journey; Lawrence Stern
The major character
Yorick often defines himself in relation to a rival writer, Tobias Smollett, who appears in the novel via his respective alter-ego, Smelfungus.
As a travel writer, Yorick takes on the role of providing the kind of literature Sterne himself values.
It is commonly accepted that he is a thinly-veiled alter-ego for the book’s actual author, Lawrence Sterne.
Yorick is the narrator of A Sentimental Journey.
About the novel
The novel was written while Sterne was gravely ill, his health failing after years of affliction from tuberculosis.
His novel was influenced by a journey he made to France and Naples.
Although A Sentimental Journey was intended to extend over four volumes, Sterne died before the entire project could be finished: there is no “Italy” section, only a section on France.
It received favorable reviews when it was first published,although -- given some of the sexual innuendo in the later parts of the work -- some reviewers were disconcerted to find the author a Reverend.
Travel writing stressed the observation and description of manners, customs, and character.
A Sentimental Journey is sometimes construed as a response to the travel writings of Tobias Smollett.
it is one of the earliest entries in the genre of travel writing, which became prominent in the 18th century.
A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy was published in two volumes by Lawrence Sterne in 1768.
Themes
Self-awareness
He forms quick judgments and acts spontaneously, but tries to assure his readers that there is a larger framework of ideas behind what he is thinking and doing.
Although Yorick claims to be open and receptive in his travels, he nonetheless claims now and then that he prefers the English way of doing things and asserts that the English are superior to foreigners.
He does not seem to be particularly perspicacious but occasionally does exhibit a tendency to reflect on himself.
Yorick is a complicated character where self-perception is concerned.
Imagination
Yorick is a man who lives in his head just as much as he lives in the real world.
Yorick lets his mind wander, imagining full conversations and musing over how he would behave in certain situations.
While Yorick narrates episodes and conversations, he also gives way to ruminations, fears, dreams, and flights of fancy.
Clearly, the activity of the mind is as valuable as one's perambulations in the physical world.
A Sentimental Journey deals primarily with Yorick's perspective, so that readers naturally experience its events as they unfold in Yorick's mind.
Sex
For Yorick, sexual pleasure seems to derive not only from physical touch, but also from the reveries that accompany his amorous adventures.
His encounters are characterized by the incomplete, by the unfulfilled -- witness the very last scene.
Yorick engages in several flirtations with young women.
The interruption of romantic and perhaps sexual escapades is not a source of despair.
Sex is alluded to throughout the novel, though sexual concerns are never explicitly articulated.
After all, he is a reverend, and cannot be too inappropriate.
Travel
Occasionally, Sterne is critical, comparing the French unfavorably with the English, but such harshness is a minor note.
Sterne also has Yorick embody his authorial view of how travelers should be -- receptive, open, spontaneous, enthusiastic.
Sterne celebrates the French and seeks to observe French character and behavior.
Travel can be an educating, uplifting, and moral experience, at least according to Sterne.
Travel writers have adopted a variety of guises, perspectives, and styles, ranging from the critical (Smollett) to the enthusiastic and benevolent (Sterne).
Travel writing has always been a mainstay of literature, but Sterne's novel popularized this genre significantly during the 18th century.
Translation and Language
In fact, Yorick explains that translation is more than just words: it is watching people's mannerisms and actions.
That is how he forms a bond with the French veteran at the Opera, and how in many cases he flirts with women.
Yorick experiences both pleasantly sympathetic and remarkably muddled conversations with the French.
Sometimes, though, Yorick's "translations" are slightly skewed, allowing Sterne to subtly comment on our inability to truly understand anyone else.
Communication between people of different languages can be even more difficult with the potential for mis-translation and misunderstanding.
However, language can become slippery in any encounter between two human beings, since the words spoken and the message conveyed and the intent behind the words may all be very different.
Part of venturing to another country is the thrill of observing and interacting with the inhabitants.
Sentimentality
He does not shy away from expressing his feelings, whether they be wonderment, delight, amusement, fear, appreciation, or approbation.
Yorick's sentimental adventures are meant to rouse within the reader feelings of tenderness and sympathy.
Yorick acts benevolently towards people, and (mostly) tries to act philanthropically as well.
In Yorick's travels and encounters with new people, a premium is placed on manners, gentility, understanding, and sympathy.
His tale can be taken as a reminder of the inherent goodness in human nature and of the human capacity for love and mutual understanding.
Humor
The novel is deliciously witty, its protagonist occasionally unwittingly pompous, hypocritical, and absurd.
Humor is depicted as a component of the sentimental, since humor and sentiment are both traits that promote tolerance, kindness, and sympathy.
Sterne portrays Yorick in a way that allows the reader to laugh along with Yorick, and sometimes at him.
He pokes fun at himself, admits his own foibles, and delights in both other people and the events that befall him.
Yorick has a few serious encounters and conundrums, but overall he maintains a sense of humor and travels in an open, benevolent, and cheery fashion.