GL 350, Week 6

                Before I started reading Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley, I had heard several students say that it was a boring read.  I, on the other hand, am somewhat intrigued by it.  This is because the novel takes place in Italy and now I can envision almost every event the author creates; from catching bus rides from Naples to simply saying “ciao” to someone, I can relate it to my own experiences.

            “He doesn’t act like an American, does he?  Most Americans are so noisy.  He’s terribly serious.”  This line was stated near the end of chapter six, which was a conversation that two women had after observing Tom.  After being here for six weeks, I have learned that stereotyping is never a good thing, because a lot of them are incorrect.  For instance, a few weeks ago when I traveled to Paris with the six others, the French were so kind and helpful.  I expected to go there and be shunned simply because I was American, but it was the complete opposite.

            Also, I understand why people say that Americans are loud and obnoxious.  It is simply because we are when we are in the presence of friends; however, I have witnessed several Italians being just as loud and obnoxious as Americans back at home.  Riding the train back to Castel Gandolfo with several teenage Italians is never enjoyable.  They are always shouting at each other and laughing obnoxiously, listening to music, and so on.  Also, when we traveled to both Florence and Sorrento, we took the fast train.  Before we entered each time, Danilo stated that these were business people, and they will not be afraid to tell you to be quiet if they hear anything at all.  Again, it was the complete opposite.  People were loud; talking to each other, on the phone, or even just typing obnoxiously on their laptops.  The major lesson that I have learned is to never judge someone solely by where they come from.  Chances are it is wrong.

            Another point in the novel that I found I connected with was when Dickie  and Tom were sitting in Naples, and all of the sudden they decided to travel to Rome.  One of the greatest opportunities about studying abroad is that you can choose to go wherever you would like.  The last free weekend we had Katie Dodds and I randomly decided to spend a night in Rome.  Before we even planned that, we were looking up cities to travel to our last weekend here, just because we have the opportunity.  Another thing that has changed about my outlook on life is that I desperately want to travel to more places.  Being here has made me realize how much of the world I have yet to see.  There are more than just beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.