Theme Analysis
Confidence
is a trait worth having, but over-confidence is where trouble occurs. This idea
is present throughout the entire book because the author tells the reader that
he should have second guessed himself and stayed in one place instead of
traveling to different places. “I headed west to California. There was a storm
building in the Sierras when I crossed the mountains, but it was nothing
compared to the whirlwind of crime I was soon to create myself. (PG 115)” The
author is explaining that his decisions should have been made more carefully
but he was confident in himself and that he would not get caught if he kept
moving. “Montpellier. That was my safe haven, I finally decided. And having
made the decision, I didn’t give it a second thought. I should have. (PG 214)” The
other idea was that if he settled down the FBI would not find him as easily. In
some cases, this worked, but staying in one place caused him to get caught and
go to jail. He became confident and comfortable and thought he could stay.
Confidence is a great trait to have, but over-confidence is where trouble
begins. If Frank Abagnale Jr. had played it safe, he would not have gotten
caught, at least not as easily. Over-confidence causes people to make stupid decisions.