In the given quote, a writer reflects on their personal connection with learning French through an anecdote about their father-in-law's experience during World War II. The father-in-law, named Barney Rawlings, was forced to stay hidden in France for several months and had to quickly learn some basic French phrases so he could pretend to be a local resident.
The deeper meaning of this quote lies in the contrast between the urgency of Barney’s situation and the writer's own more leisurely approach to learning French. While Barney was under pressure due to wartime circumstances, the author took up studying French voluntarily through formal classes, inspired by their father-in-law's story but without experiencing the same level of peril or urgency. This comparison highlights how different contexts can shape one's motivation and engagement in language learning or other pursuits.
Bobbie Ann Mason is an American writer known for her works set in the rural areas of Kentucky, where she often explores themes related to everyday life and family dynamics. Her writing style is characterized by its authenticity and straightforwardness, which are evident in this quote from one of her books. Through her stories, Mason provides a rich insight into the lives of people living in small-town America during different periods, including personal anecdotes that resonate with readers on an emotional level.
