Questions and Answers
Crevecoeur wrote his letter in?
1782
In his letter, Crevecoeur points out what an American is: ________.
one of new manners, one of a new continent, cultivator, one who works for himself
Crevecoeur points out the mixture of these 'Americans':
English, Scotch and Irish, French and Dutch, German and Swedes
Crevecoeur outlines the circumstances of those who come pouring into America, which include all of the following EXCEPT:
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The writer says that an American ought to love this country much better than the country he or his forefathers were born in.
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Crevecoeur, again, says that the American is a 'new man,' who does all of the following EXCEPT:
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According to Crevecoeur, the most useful acquisition an American can make is _____.
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Crevecoeur defines the differences he sees in the people/settlers, and he addresses the barbarity he sees. He says that the 'bad people' are:
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The characteristic that most defines Crevecoeur's writing is his focus on ________.
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At the letter's end, Crevecoeur says that to prosper, one must be just, grateful and ___.
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Early American pastor Jonathan Winthrop wrote sermons in clear, unadorned prose, and his concern is service to God whereas:
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The author of the letter is?
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The document is a?
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What is the narration style used in the letter?
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What makes the 'new American' different from individuals, families and groups from European society?
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What new ideas and beliefs does the new American have?
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In America, Crèvecoeur states that 'the rich and the poor are not so far removed from each other as they are in Europe.' What does Crèvecoeur mean by this statement?
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Explain 'What is an American?'
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Study Notes
Background of the Letter
- Written in 1782 by J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur.
- Composed as a fictional correspondence from a farmer in Pennsylvania to a British gentleman.
Definition of an American
- An American represents new manners, a new continent, and is a cultivator working for himself.
- Characterized as a blend of various nationalities: English, Scotch, Irish, French, Dutch, German, and Swedes.
Circumstances of Immigration
- Immigrants primarily seek opportunities but notably exclude those aiming to rise to power.
- The new American should have a deeper love for the new land than that of their ancestral homeland.
New Identity of the American
- The American is defined as a "new man," who retains some aspects of his past but does not forget his old religion.
- The most valuable possession for an American is a good name.
Society and Characterization
- Critique of “bad people”: those who are half cultivators and half hunters have devolved into a primitive state.
- Focuses on the "newness of America" as a key theme in Crevecoeur's writing.
Principles for Prosperity
- To achieve success, one must embody the qualities of being just, grateful, and industrious.
Comparison with Winthrop’s Writing
- Jonathan Winthrop emphasizes service to God in straightforward prose, contrasting with Crevecoeur’s vision of the American Dream.
Distinctions of New Americans
- New Americans differ from Europeans; they come from mixed national backgrounds leading to diverse familial structures and new societal beliefs.
- Hard work is the pathway to advancement, allowing individuals to transition from poverty to wealth without the constraints of a rigid class system.
Views on Social Class
- In America, socioeconomic classes are less rigid than in Europe, supporting the idea of equal opportunity regardless of background.
- The American landscape promotes individuality and the potential for significant societal changes through labor.
Summary of "What is an American?"
- An American embodies a mixed European heritage, holds progressive ideas, and believes in the possibility of overcoming previous social limitations.
- There is no strict class distinction; progress depends on personal effort and determinism, paving the way for a unique identity and cultural evolution in America.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Letter III of 'Letters from an American Farmer' by J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur. This quiz explores the defining characteristics of an American as described in the letter, including historical context and key concepts. Challenge yourself with these flashcards to understand Crevecoeur's perspective on American identity.
