te
74
Excursions into the literature of a foreign country much re-
semble our travels abroad. Sights that are taken for granted by
the inhabitants seem to us astonishing, however well we seemed
to know the language at home, it sounds differently on the lips
of those who have spoken it from bhirthJabove all, in our desire
to get at the heart of the countryre seek out whatever, it may
be that is most unlike/what we re used to! and declaring this
to be the very essence of the French or American genius pro-
ceed to lavish upon it a credulous devotion, to) build up upon it
a structure of theory| which may well amuse," annoy, or even
momentarily enlighten those who are French or American by
birth.
- VIRGINIA WOOLF, The Moment