[I found this image on Wikipedia, an image of the Battle at Torbay, during the Glorious Revolution. This picture depicts the events leading up to, and occurring in Tristram’s life. The picture is dark and gloomy, and the waters are raging, this can be compared to the disastrous events of Tristrams life.]
After reading the first volume of Tristram Shandy, Sterne wants the readers to understand the severity of his misfortunes, and why Tristram keeps reiterating the importance the series of unfortunate events leading to is conception and following him through his entire life. In Volume I, Tristram explains the actions of his parents during his conception, and describes the importance the circumstances have on who he would become. He describes that his life didn’t have much potential because during his conception his parents weren’t even focused on the act of sexual intercourse. They were more concerned with the routine of winding the clock, which would usually occur consistently before the act of intercourse on Sundays. In Chapter V, Tristram reveals the date of his birth as November 5, 1718. He even expresses that his date of birth was a horrible one, because of the series of other prominent events that happened that day in England. Sterne’s footnote explains that this date has a negative significant meaning because of two reasons. The first reason is that it is the day that the Gunpowder Plot took place in 1605. Guy Fawkes, plotted to blow up the first of the Stuart Kings of England, James I, because he was intolerant of Catholics. He has ordered all Catholic priests to leave England. Amidst storing gunpowder in a house next door, Guy Fawkes and his entourage were caught. This day is celebrated by a bonfire, in which the people of England celebrate the failed attempt on King James I death. Tristram is using the reference to describe the severity of bad luck following his conception to his birth and thereafter. For Tristram to be born on a date where such a heinous crime was planned to be committed towards the leader of his country, is yet another sign of the outcome of his life; and the reason he feels he needs to explain how disastrous his life has turned out. Also in November of 1688, according to the footnote, the Glorious Revolution took place, in which William of Orange landed in Torbay and overthrew King James II of England. This is yet another day signifying the demise of the English government. In reading these footnotes, the readers understand early in the novel the tone of Tristram’s storytelling. Sterne portrays Tristram’s self-pity, and Tristram is very accepting of his unsuccessful destiny. The circumstances during his conception, cause Tristram to give up hope that he would ever amount to anything in life; despite having a resourceful family, holding the Shandy name. The repetition, of the causes, of what Tristram refers to as his misfortunes, show that that is a main theme of the book. The extreme references in the beginning of the novel to his date of birth, help the reader better understand the severity of events that happen throughout the novel. Tristram describes that these events are directly a result of the circumstances of his conception and birth. The confusion of Tristram’s method of storytelling, make it important for readers to remember this theme while reading the novel. While his method of storytelling may seem random and unorganized to readers, it is crucial to read the footnotes to see the importance of certain references he makes. In reading the novel further, readers can better understand the plot. Keeping in mind that Tristram’s main focus is to reiterate the unfortunate circumstances that have caused his life to be a less than desirable one.
Sources:
“The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 – History Learning Site.” History Learning Site. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2016. <http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/stuart-england/the-gunpowder-plot-of-1605/>
“Guy Fawkes Night.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2016. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes_Night>
“Glorious Revolution.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2016. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glorious_Revolution>