At this stage I was «Barthian,» I suppose, although in my anger at what I saw as illegitimate linkages between Christianity and literature, «graduate
student cockiness» might be a more accurate appellation (the review of the book in The Christian Century was titled «Charming Audacity»).
And, sometimes, only the job mentor can truthfully answer the
student who asks, «What's the difference between confidence and
cockiness?»