Yorick

Yorick is the village parson and a friend of the Shandy household. He is an oddly humorous man, with many idiosyncracies. Yorick's unfortunate wit makes many foes. It is important to note that Yorick is often identified as Sterne's self-portrayal‹ or, more specifically, the public figure of Sterne as a clergyman, while Tristram would be Sterne, the personality. Yorick is a jocular character, who does not care for seriousness and gravity. He mocks serious individuals‹only to anger his enemies. Although he never accepts that a joke can cause animosity, revenge of those who held grudges delivered him to an early grave.

Yorick's quirky behavior, and the tale of his pathetic horse, offer a Cervantic suggestion. Indeed, in his telling of Yorick's story, Sterne makes many allusions to Don Quixote and his horse, Rocinante. Additionally, Yorick is also the name of the dead jester in Shakespeare's Hamlet. Upon going to London, Sterne assumed Yorick's name and behavior.

Click here for the first passage on Yorick in Volume I.
Click here for the first passage on Yorick in Volume II.

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Last modified May 12, 1996. Maintained by Keith Earley.
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