The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman · Chapter
The Story of Le Fever explained
My uncle Toby, while at supper with Corporal Trim, learns from the landlord of a nearby inn about a poor, gravely ill army officer who has taken a sudden fancy for a glass of sack and a thin toast.
What happens
My uncle Toby, while at supper with Corporal Trim, learns from the landlord of a nearby inn about a poor, gravely ill army officer who has taken a sudden fancy for a glass of sack and a thin toast. The landlord's compassion moves Toby, and he sends Trim to gather more information. Upon learning the sick man has a young son who has not left his bedside, Toby resolves to visit him despite the cold and rainy night, and despite Trim's warnings about his own health.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage is the dramatic climax because it depicts the precise moment the corporal’s long-standing resista…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Obsession and Hobbyhorses
Toby's mind wanders to military fortifications even while thinking of Le Fever, illustrating his hobbyhorse of siegecraft.
- Digression and Narrative Form
The narrator digresses on the squabbles between Toby and Trim about standing versus sitting, and comments on his own pen's governance.
- Time and Mortality
The chapter deals with illness, the fragility of life, and the compassionate response to a dying man.
Characters to notice
- Uncle Toby
Shows deep compassion for the sick stranger, sending wine and planning a visit despite his own frail health.
- Corporal Trim
Attends Toby at supper, is sent to reconnoitre the inn, and warns Toby against venturing out in the cold.
- Le Fever
The poor army officer lying ill at the inn, who asks for a glass of sack and a thin toast.
- The Stranger
The landlord who brings news of Le Fever, showing great concern and compassion.
Key passages
“I think, says he, taking his hand from his forehead, it would comfort me.”
The sick man believes a glass of sack and a thin toast might bring him some relief.
Le Fever's first expressed desire for comfort after days of illness.
“Thou art a good-natured soul, I will answer for thee, cried my uncle Toby; and thou shalt drink the poor gentleman's health in a glass of sack thyself,—and take a couple of bottles with my service, and tell him he is heartily welcome to them, and to a dozen more if they will do him good.”
Toby praises the landlord's kindness and sends wine for both the landlord and the sick man, offering more if needed.
Toby's immediate generosity and empathy.
“I have a project in my head, as it is a bad night, of wrapping myself up warm in my roquelaure, and paying a visit to this poor gentleman.”
Toby decides to brave the cold and rain to visit the sick stranger himself.
Toby's resolve to personally offer comfort despite the weather and his own health.
