English 015 - Americans Abroad
A Time to Shine
A Time to Shine
Category: 04B: Autobiography of ABT | Andrew Plowman
Confidence can mask even the greatest fears, or do the moments of great fear create the essence in which confidence is derived? In The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas show tremendous confidence when they enter “an entirely different Paris,”(p.168) and decide to drive a little ford, called “Auntie,”(p.172) to transport the French wounded and be medically available. Gertrude Stein’s confidence becomes so relevant that Alice becomes inspired. Alice sees an opportunity to make a difference in the well being of others and says, “you will drive the car and I will do the rest”(p.168). Gertrude through her travels has created a sense of comfort and order in the face of fear, which Alice has gradually acquired. This is then reflected on to Alice’s life as a new sense of confidence.
In The Sun Also Rises Romero has an overpowering sense of confidence. This confidence like Gertrude Stein’s is created through experience. Romero may be in utter terror before he enters the bullfighting arena, but is portrayed by his viewers as elegant and confident in his performance. Although, Romero is not an American living abroad he emphasizes confidence throughout human nature. Individuals derive confidence from themselves and the setting of a foreign country is just a single concept that gives confidence and Gertrude Stein a time to shine.
Posted by aplowman on October 14, 2003 at 02:24 PM