How we cite our quotes: 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.
Quote #4
I prayed for the city to be cleared of people, for the gift of being alone--a-l-o-n-e: which is the one New York prayer that rarely gets lost or delayed in channels, and in no time at all everything I touched turned to solid loneliness. (4)
Jean is all about creating his own reality. He feels lonely and adjusts the world around him to fit his feelings. Most people do that to some degree or other.
Quote #5
[…] we gradually discovered that we were both in love with the same deceased woman […] (5)
These two men are both experiencing a rapid change in identity. Growth and change is often an uncomfortable, and embarrassing process. It's natural that they would have difficulty going through it together.
Quote #6
"Non, non, madame--merci!" I said I never ate eggs. (26)
This extreme eager-to-please side of Jean seems to manifest itself only with the Yoshotos. It presents a contrast to the rudeness he exhibits to other people in the story. At the same time, he's not being himself with them, and therefore missing the possible opportunity to connect with them.
Quote #7
I also thought over my plans to visit Sister Irma, and wondered if it might not be a good idea to pick up my train reservations later that same evening. (81)
This highlights Jean's adventurous spirit. He might be a bookworm and an artist, but he's not afraid to jump headlong into the world. Do you think he should have gone to see Irma in the long run?