Dr. Slop
Dr. Slop symbolizes the imperfections of the medical profession. Readers expect Dr. Slop to be perfect in executing his duties, but he is depicted as a forgetful doctor who does not take everything into detail. For instance, when Dr. Slop is called upon to help Susannah deliver, he forgets his medicine bag! The act of forgetting the medicine bag signals the possibility of medical professionals neglecting the basics of their duties as caretakers. Additionally, Dr. Slop accidentally breaks the newborn baby's nose. Therefore, Dr. Slop is a symbol of medical imperfections.
Tristram Shandy’s Nose
Tristram Shandy is the main narrator of this book, and he has a large nose. The large nose is a result of the accidental break up when he was born under the care of Dr. Slop. Tristram's large nose symbolizes the unfortunate misfortunes that affect an individual without a wish. Tristram does not understand why he has a large nose, and people make fun of him, which makes him very uncomfortable. However, self-acceptance is the only cure for self-denial.
Mr. Shandy
Mr. Shandy symbolizes parental challenges people undergo as they try to give their families the best. Mr. Shandy has a child with a deformed nose, and he is thinking about giving him a proper education. However, Mr. Shandy gets so consumed in his writings and forgets that his child, Tristram needs him most. Most parents are consumed with their jobs and other duties, thus, forgetting that their children need their utmost attention.
Accidental circumcision
Tristram's accidental circumcision represents his miserable life. Despite being born in an unfortunate condition, Tristram is having an ill-health, and he spends most of his life traveling from one country to the other seeking medical care. As he narrates his story, Tristram says that his best moment during the medical trips is when he could dance with the village girl when he visited southern France. Consequently, the accidental circumcision symbolizes the suffering of Tristram in his entire life.
Shandy’s impotent bull
The impotent bull symbolizes the unfruitful romantic relationship between Toby and Widow Wadman. When Toby first stayed in Wadman’s house, he realized that the widow fell in love with him. Toby was confused, but he later realized that he loved her too. Toby got married to Widow Wadman. Unfortunately, Toby later realized that Widow Wadman was attracted to him only for sexual satisfaction. Therefore, there was no true love between Toby and Wadman because the primary motive for the marriage is sexual satisfaction and nothing else.
