Papa's Conversation With Friends Analysis

Though talkative during his earlier years, Papa outgrew it and became more of a listener later on in life. Danny suggested it was “[s]omething in the family,” as he and Papa’s father were the same way, though he also acknowledged “[w]orry can do it too.” (D. Cinfio). During a special occasion, or just about any occasion, family members would converse loudly. They embodied the Italian stereotype of rowdiness, tossing insults around with a playful cackle and a mischievous smile. He did not. Other than the occasional tomfoolery directed towards his doting wife, Papa did not match the typical Italian criteria. Though, by description of grumbling, he comes across as somewhat of a barbarian, he was far from it. He watched, listened to, and understood
When Papa spoke, he liked to reference history’s great thinkers and inspire an enlightened dialogue. “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people” is a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that he casually reminded his grandchildren of when the conversation got petty or gossipy (Eleanor). However, not everyone so eagerly accepted his social habits. As a society, much importance is placed on contribution, and someone more private is often regarded as disrespectful. That translates into conversation. Words in their simplest form need clarification, and the lack of words has potential to be misinterpreted even more, which is why Papa was a frequently misunderstood man. People tended to question his quietness because it could be so easily mistaken for anger or rudeness. But those who gave him a chance learned to understand his reserved behavior. In fact, I understood it quite expertly because it was a quality that I also had, ergo giving me someone to relate to and to be inspired
Scientifically, whether extroverted or introverted, every human benefits from social connections. Connection is a form of validation or approval that provides likability and proves that people aren’t as “alone” in their thinking and tendencies as they assume they are. Hence the reason why the Chameleon Effect, or the inadvertent mimicking of others, is as prevalent as it is. It’s a sign of compassion (Barco). Perhaps that’s why many people are uncomfortable with the less talkative types like Papa. The less that is said, the less there is to relate to, and without the ability to relate, people are left feeling as if the person they are interacting with is cold and emotionless. Papa’s wife Barbara, Nana to me, experienced the judgment others had of Papa’s talking habits first hand. During their earlier years as a couple, her friends would often ask, “How do you get along with him, he barely speaks?” (B. Cinfio). Though Nana’s friends likely meant no harm by their comments, the recurring question demonstrates the squeamish nature of people in situations with little