My Four Weeks in France · Question
How does My Four Weeks in France develop the theme of American Identity Abroad?
Answer
My Four Weeks in France by Ring Lardner develops American Identity Abroad across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book explores what it means to be an American in Europe during WWI, contrasting American informality and practicality with European formality and bureaucracy, and noting soldiers' dislike of the nickname 'Sammies.'
The soldiers reject the nickname 'Sammies,' and the narrator writes a poem asserting their right to choose their own name.
The narrator contrasts American and British habits (bridge playing, meal schedules, driving on the right) and feels the monotony of the voyage differently from the British passengers.
Evidence in the book
- IV: Finally I Get to the American Camp; What I Find There
The soldiers reject the nickname 'Sammies,' and the narrator writes a poem asserting their right to choose their own name.
- VIII: Back in Old "O Say"; I Start Answering Questions
The narrator contrasts American and British habits (bridge playing, meal schedules, driving on the right) and feels the monotony of the voyage differently from the British passengers.
