How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Zdrastvuyte kak pozhivaete horosho spasibo" Entwistle rattled off in excellent imitation of Russian speech—and indeed he rather resembled a genial Tsarist colonel in mufti. "One night in Paris," he went on, his eyes twinkling, "at the Ougolok cabaret, this demonstration convinced a group of Russian revelers that I was a compatriot of theirs—posing as an American, don't you know." "In two-three years," said Pnin, missing one bus but boarding the next, "I will also be taken for an American," and everybody roared except Professor Blorenge. (2.2.18)
Ah, prejudice. The basis of all our favorite jokes. (Can you feel the sarcasm? If not, we're going to feel some prejudice against you.) Think about why the people around Pnin have such different reactions to this joke, and to Pnin's attempt at one? It's because some people like Entwistle basically believe they can't be foreign no matter what country they go to. Even if they don't speak the language at all. On the other hand someone like Pnin who can speak the language, albeit with some difficulty, can never get the sacred title of being American.
Quote #5
Ten days passed—and suddenly he began to enjoy the new gadget. It was a revelation, it was a sunrise, it was a firm mouthful of efficient, alabastrine, humane America. At night he kept his treasure in a special glass of special fluid where it smiled to itself, pink and pearly. (2.4.2)
In case you weren't aware, lots of people think Americans are obsessed with their teeth. So it makes sense that Pnin sees his new false teeth as a symbol of America. They are perfect, clean, and white.
Quote #6
He and Serafima, his large, cheerful, Moscow-born wife, who wore a Tibetan charm on a long silver chain that hung down to her ample, soft belly, would throw Russki parties every now and then, with Russki hors d'oeuvres and guitar music and more or less phony folk songs—occasions at which shy graduate students would be taught vodka-drinking rites and other stale Russianisms… (3.5.3)
Is it us, or does this strike you as some kind of idealized American version of Russia? Why do you think this couple plays into this false idea of their homeland? What's in it for them?