The Innocents Abroad

Twain is a bit contradictory in his opinions of the French. Outline Twain's opinions and theorize why he might feel that way.

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Twain is very impressed with the French service, especially in restaurants. The waiters and waitresses are polite and ready to please. However, he is thoroughly annoyed by how long it takes one simple meal to be served and eaten. Instead of rushing through a meal as the Americans do, the French have several courses accompanied by a large amount of wine. The guides, one in particular, come across as shifty and crafty. They seem to be on commission in several of the shops frequented by tourists, and one in particular even causes the group to miss the Louvre because he is more interested in showing them silk shops. Hygiene is sorely lacking, and Twain complains continuously about the lack of soap available to the travelers.