A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy
Jul 2020 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
104
Pages
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About this ebook
It is the story of Sterne's fictional travel through borh countries, particularly France. Sterne made two trips within the continent, in 1762-64 and 1765-66, but the book is not about his errands, but those of parson Yorick's (a character in "Tristram Shandy"). With a less acid and outrageous humor than in his previous work, Sterne anyway mixes the picaresque with an ironic and, frequently, hilarious philosophical irony. Yorick begins by trying to get a passport, since technically England and France are at war, although no bellicose action takes place at the moment. The first part tells of Yorick's adventures in Calais, where he meets a strange monk with whom he exchanges snuff boxes (which will later play a significant role), and a beautiful woman travelling with her brother. Later on, in the town of Montriul (Montreuil), he picks up a peculiar servant, La Fleur, who will solve some problems and create others. Through several towns, and in Paris, Yorick has funny encounters with different characters, especially women, and more especially still, a cute little maid with whim he has a short romance.Along the book, Yorick consistently makes fun of French habits, so liberal and different from England's. He is a master of deceit and understatement, and behind the proclaimed "sentimentalism" of the journey it is not hard to see a trip much more in search of adventures and romance than education or cultivation. The bok is a privileged window into a pre-Revolutionary France, full of beggars, prostitutes, and assorted criminals, from the amused and advantageous point of view of a cynical and mischievous parson from York. What little is "sentimental" in the journey is more in the imposture and luridness of the characters, in particular the narrator, than in any process of Romantic apprenticeship, since Romanticism was still not realized, nor would it be possible to imagine a Romantic Sterne. (Amazon)
About the author
Laurence Sterne (1713-1768) was an Anglo-Irish novelist and clergyman whose innovative narrative techniques and irreverent humor left an indelible mark on the literary world. Born in Clonmel, Ireland, Sterne's early life was marked by instability, moving frequently due to his father's military career. He attended Jesus College, Cambridge, where he was ordained as a clergyman, a role he maintained throughout his life despite his often controversial writings.Sterne's most famous work, "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman," revolutionized the novel with its digressive style, breaking the fourth wall and addressing the reader directly. This groundbreaking approach influenced a plethora of writers, from James Joyce to Virginia Woolf, and is often seen as a precursor to modernist and postmodernist literature.Sterne's personal life was as unconventional as his writing. His flirtations and rumored affairs, particularly with younger women, scandalized his contemporaries. His health was a constant battle; he suffered from tuberculosis, which ultimately claimed his life at the age of 54.Despite his clerical position, Sterne's works often challenged the moral and social norms of his time, blending wit and sentimentality in a manner that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. His exploration of human emotions, combined with his satirical edge, provided a fresh perspective that resonated with readers and critics alike.Laurence Sterne remains a pivotal figure in literary history, celebrated for his daring creativity and his ability to blend humor with profound human insight. His legacy endures, inspiring writers and captivating readers with his unique voice and visionary storytelling.
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