9.
You must bear in mind, in order to do justice to Rabelais and Sterne, that by right of humoristic universality each part is essentially a whole in itself. Hence the digressive spirit is not mere wantonness, but in fact the very form and vehicle of their genius. The connection, such as was needed, is given by the continuity of the characters.
Instances of different forms of wit, taken largely:
1.
Why are you reading romances at your age?" "Why, I used to be fond of history, but I have given it up, it was so grossly improbable."
2.
"Pray, sir, do it! although you have promised me."
3.
The Spartan mother's
"Return with, or on, thy shield."
"My sword is too short!" "Take a step forwarder."