Virtuosos of a One Man Band

Paul Hofmann is the author of the book, "That Fine Italian Hand", chapter 10 is titled, "Virtuosos Without Orchestra" and it is a piece that is as witty as it is insightful and descriptive of his topic, the individualism that is Italian culture. A seemingly simple observation about the lack of lines and competitive driving in Italy is used to display an insightful commentary on Italian individualism; "Any first-time visitor to the country will notice many telltale signs of its inhabitants' exuberant individualism. Like the Italians' distaste for lining up in orderly queues, their driving habits are a symptom of their self-interest and their need to excel". The piece is very informative but equally insightful; Hofmann is particularly persuasive though because he presents the reader with his insight then logically supports it with verifiable information.
The piece taught me a lot about Italian culture in general and their political culture more specifically, he references the notion of competition as an ever-present example of the tension in life. As I mentioned earlier Hofmann uses the topic of driving to convey several aspects of culture. We see an example of this when he discusses driving in Italy; "Driving on Italian highways and in the congested cities is a highly competitive undertaking in which motorists continually muster all their skills and cunning, always prepared for the worst from everyone else on the road".
This type of writing is also an example of Hofmann's descriptive style and good use of relatable comparisons, one in particular that he carries throughout the piece is musically based; "Players in an Italian musical body - always referred to as the 'professors of the orchestra' - dislike being subordinate to the conductor as much as local soldiers detest having to obey their sergeant or lieutenant". He continues this idea referencing it throughout the piece with insightful remarks like, "There seems to be no desire, in or outside the country, for a national Italian 'orchestra'".
He successfully utilizes the title, using it as a recurring theme that he carries throughout the piece, specifically referencing it at one point saying, "The fine Italian hand has forever to grope for new supports and crevices, like a climber on a rock face. This all may sound perilous, yet for most italians the need for continual maneuvering - at the wheels of their car, at the office or on the shop floor, in their love lives - seems to add zest to their existence". He ties this idea and cultural insight neatly back into the conclusion referencing both the comparison that occurs in the title as well as the implications it has for their cultural climate closing with, "There are drawbacks, as this book has shown. But the Italians are virtuosos at coping with them".

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