Questions and Answers
How is the United States similar to a quilt?
It is patched together from dissimilar parts.
What ideals are in constant conflict in the United States?
Community and Individualism.
How did the two world wars and the Cold War unite the people of the United States?
They provided a common enemy upon whom Americans could focus.
Why do many Americans accept new immigrants to this country?
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Which word is an antonym for discordant?
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What gives the most accurate description of a pluralistic society?
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What is the best example of diversity in a town?
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What point is the author making about her father's old neighborhood?
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What is the main message the writer is trying to communicate?
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How does Quindlen link the citizens and the new immigrant populations?
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What effect does Quindlen create by repeating the word enormous?
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What is the author's main purpose in 'A Quilt of a Country'?
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How does the author use her own experience to illustrate a key point about American identity?
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What difficulty or contradiction in American identity does the analogy of the quilt capture?
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What is the most likely purpose for Quindlen's offering the analogy of a quilt during September 11 attacks?
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How does the Latin prefix dis- affect the meaning of a word?
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What is the most likely meaning of the verb discredit?
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Choose two precise nouns from the sentence that are most precise: 'there is that Calvinist undercurrent in the American psyche that loves the difficult...'
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What are two vivid words in the excerpt 'mixed marriage, Italian girl, Irish boy'?
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What idea does Quindlen convey by using the precise noun 'mongrel'?
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Study Notes
Quilt of a Country Overview
- The United States is compared to a quilt, symbolizing its diverse and dissimilar parts that come together harmoniously.
- Community and individualism are ideals in constant conflict within American society.
Historical Context
- World War I, World War II, and the Cold War unified Americans by providing common enemies to rally against.
- Acceptance of new immigrants often stems from their resemblance to the immigrant ancestors of many Americans.
Pluralism and Diversity
- A pluralistic society is characterized by a mix of religions, cultures, and traditions.
- Examples of diversity can be seen in towns with residents from various continents, such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Immigrant Experiences and Encounters
- Historical divisions between immigrant groups, such as Jewish and Irish communities, illustrate ongoing conflicts.
- Quote highlights that the coexistence of different immigrant groups varies over time, reflecting historical tensions.
Main Themes
- Overall message emphasizes America’s remarkable unity in diversity.
- Struggles and tragedies, such as the September 11 attacks, reinforce a collective identity among the diverse population.
Quotations and Support
- Use of personal experiences, like being from a mixed marriage background, enhances the narrative about American identity.
- The analogy of a quilt symbolizes comfort and home, showcasing how immigrants have contributed to building the nation.
Language and Literary Devices
- Repetition of "enormous" shifts focus from tragedy to blessings, creating a powerful contrast.
- The prefix "dis-" alters words to imply oppositeness, exemplified by "discredit," which means to damage someone's reputation.
Reflection and Pride
- Patriotism in America involves taking pride in the ability to unify diverse groups under one nation despite differences.
- The term "mongrel" conveys a humorous pride in American diversity, highlighting the mix of cultures that define the nation.
Visual Representation
- Assembling photographs of the fallen from the World Trade Center portrays a tapestry of skin colors and features, symbolizing the global fabric of American society.
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Description
Explore the concept of the United States as a quilt, representing its various cultures and ideals of community versus individualism. This quiz delves into the historical context of American unity during major conflicts and examines the diversity and immigrant experiences throughout history.
