Readers are challenged to materialize their own mental image of the character. The reader is invited to become actively involved with not only the story but the visualization of the story as well. ––– Sit down, Sir, paint her to your own mind ––– as like your mistress as you can ––– as unlike your wife as your conscience will let you – ’tis all one to me – please but your own fancy in it’ ‘To conceive this right – call for pen and ink – here’s paper ready to your hand. The reader is asked to draw his or her own visualization of the character the Widow Wadman. The most peculiar example of Sterne’s visuals combining with the text occurs in chapter 38 when the reader is encouraged to physically mark in the book. More than most novels, it is imperative that a reader has access to the physical book when reading Tristram Shandy in order to experience the story fully. Sterne masterfully employs visual tricks and cues throughout the novel to assist in both plot and character development. The visual aspect of The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman is equally as important as the words themselves. Laurence Sterne famously interweaves the story of Tristram Shandy with words and images.
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