How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
The American wife stood at the window looking out. (2)
"The American wife" pretty much functions as the woman's name in this story, but it's worthwhile asking yourself why Hemingway makes this choice? Why does he so insist on reminding us that she is American? You'd think she was Voldemort (He-who-must-not-be-named) or something by the way Hemingway avoids giving her a name.
Quote #5
"Si, si, Signora, brutto tempo. It's very bad weather." (10)
The padrone repeats his Italian phrase in English here, but it's interesting to see that he does this specifically in response to the Signora's attempt at Italian. He is acknowledging that she tried, but also making sure that they are really communicating. A real gentleman, isn't he?
Quote #6
When she talked English the maid's face tightened. (21)
Here is a characteristically Hemingway description for you. He doesn't say that speaking English makes the maid uncomfortable, or that she doesn't understand it, or even that she grimaces or frowns. Her face simply "tightens." What do you imagine that looks like? Is it even a categorizable facial expression? Why does Hemingway leave it so open to interpretation? And why (it has to be asked) does that word "tight" appear here again, in this context?