De Daumier-Smith's Blue Period Identity Quotes Page 1
Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)
| Quote #1 A year later, in the Wall Street Crash, Bobby lost everything he and mother had, with the exception, apparently, of a magic wand. (2) |
There is emphasis on reinvention in the story. By reinventing himself from stock-broker to art dealer and appraiser, Bobby shows Jean that identity is not stable, but rather a flexible tool that can use to effect success, or failure in life.
| Quote #2 It was the move back to New York, nine years later, three months after my mother died, that threw me, and threw me terribly. (2) |
This is probably the single event that most impacts Jean's identity. It creates a new identity, and simultaneously pushes him to expand his child's identity into something more
| Quote #3 I informed him, in French, that he was a rude, stupid, overbearing imbecile, and that he'd never know how much I detested him. (3) |
This moment foreshadows his later highbrow rudeness to his art students, though the mildness of Jean's French curse suggests he isn't comfortable with being so negative. Maybe he becomes a grumpy guy because he is frustrated, sad, and lonely.
