At times I have used Hemingway's "grace under pressure" as a modern
equivalent to 'sprezzatura'. The 'pressure' being one's desire to impress
the social group watching the performance, while making them believe that
no effort at all was used in making the presentation.
To draw upon popular culture, the writers of 'The West Wing' write with
this concept in mind. Josh, CJ, and Sam (before he resigned) can
extemporize a speech, a news-bite or a quip with apparent aplomb (yuppie,
I guess). What makes the ease of response possible (we are meant to
believe) is years of education, a native intelligence and a fervently
passionate belief in the justness of their cause. All are part of the
'spezzaturian' package; as true for Duke Urbino's court as Jeb Bartlett's
(not George W's) White House.
Linda Vecchi Dept. of English Memorial Univ. of Newfoundland
On Mon, 2 Jun 2003, Charles Butler wrote:
> I was asked by a student what the English for 'sprezzatura' is. Having
> explained that it was one of those notoriously untranslatable words, it
> struck me that 'cool' comes pretty close. It has the same implications of
> effortless accomplishment, unfazedness, caring deeply about impressing
> people while affecting not to care, etc. But it seems such a
> quintessentially 20th century word that I hesitate to suggest it. Any
> thoughts?
>
> Charlie Butler
>
> "Run mad as often as you chuse, but do not faint!"
>
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