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