How we cite our quotes:
Quote #4
My brother does it, quoth my uncle Toby, out of principle.—In a family way, I suppose, quoth Dr. Slop.—Pshaw!—said my father,—'tis not worth talking of. (2.13.1)
For Walter, sex is about procreation—it's a family duty that he does systematically and according to a rigid schedule. You have to wonder if he was always this way, or if his nasty attitude killed his ability to enjoy love-making.
Quote #5
He would shake her by the hand, or ask her lovingly how she did,—or would give her a ribban,—and now and then, though never but when it could be done with decorum, would give Bridget a— (3.24.4)
Just what is Trim giving Bridget with decorum? We'll never know, because, like most of the mentions of sex, Tristram cuts us off right at the good part. We're left to imagine the worst (or the best), even though Tristram continually tells us to keep our minds clean. We're sure he's a perfect saint.
Quote #6
Can you tell me, Gastripheres, what is best to take out the fire? (4.28.1)
Before penicillin, a bout of syphilis, a very common STD back in the day, could be really nasty. When a hot chestnut lands on the scholar Phutatorius's lap, it makes his crotch burn with fire: in other words, he's got the pox. These high-falutin' scholars are whoring around with everyone else, and Tristram gets to make an extended dirty joke about it.