The proverb in three works of Laurence Sterne A sentimental journey, a journal to Eliza, and a political romance: a compilation and commentary

Abstract

The present thesis deals with proverbial usage in A Sentimental Journey, A Journal to Eliza, and A Political Romance. It consists of three compilations of proverbs, three commentaries, and a listing of the proverbial expressions cited in each work. In the 'Compilations', those parts of the text in which proverbs occur are quoted followed by the proverbs as they are cited in both modem and contemporary dictionaries. The 'Commentary' deals with the significance of the proverb in each work. In chapter 1, the different devices employed by Sterne when manipulating proverb lore are categorised and examined. In chapters 2, 3 and 4 the different ways in which proverb lore reflects upon the principal themes and ideas, in the three works, are analysed. In the 'Lists of Proverbs' following the commentary, all the proverbs, and the repeated proverbs, cited in Sterne's three works are listed in the order in which they occur in the different texts. The 'Compilations', the 'Commentary' and the 'Lists of Proverbs' complement one another: while the first part of the thesis testifies to Sterne's familiarity with his tradition and the degree of his reliance upon it, the third comprises a synopsis of Part I, and the second deals with the significance of proverb lore in each work. The present endeavour highlights an important aspect of Sterne's writings and makes a contribution to the corpus of literary criticism about the author.