Module 1: Class & Theme Introduction: What Is an American?

In lines 58-71, how does the author define "the American, this new man"? Choose all that apply, according to these lines.

Correct answer: The American leaves behind old prejudices and manners in favor of new American ones, The American should love his new country better than his old country, Correct answer: The American is a pilgrim who carries eastern industry to the west.

Line 58 begins with a question: "What then is this American, this new man?" Which of the following is NOT one of the answers provided by the author?

One who believes he will strike it rich and never have to labor again

Identify the rhetorical device that is most clearly found in line 97: "... the provisions of Ireland, the grain of Egypt, the indigo, the rice of China."

Parallel structure

Fill in the blank: de Crèvecoeur explains that religion in America is

less demanding

Why does de Crèvecoeur argue that America is a better place for "men of middle stations, or labourers" (line 116-117) than for the rich?

He argues this because a little bit of money can go a long way in America.

Do you agree with de Crèvecoeur that self-interest is the most powerful motivator for working hard? Why or why not? What is one possible downfall of a society made up of mainly self-interested citizens?

I kind of agree with de Crèvecoeur that self-interest can push people to work hard and better their lives. But, I think passion, kindness, and working towards common goals can also be strong motivators. If everyone is only focused on themselves, it could harm trust and teamwork in a community, causing divisions and unfairness.

Identify the rhetorical device that is most clearly found in line 123: "Thus Europeans become Americans."

Neither

Which rhetorical device is most clearly found in line 123: "Thus Europeans become Americans."

Neither

Identify the rhetorical device that is most clearly found in lines 62-64: "He is an American, who, leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced, the new government he obeys, and the new rank he holds."

Parallel structure

Which rhetorical device is most clearly found in line 97: "the provisions of Ireland, the grain of Egypt, the indigo, the rice of China."

Parallel structure

Which rhetorical device is most clearly found in lines 62-64: "He is an American, who, leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced, the new government he obeys, and the new rank he holds."

Parallel structure

Identify the rhetorical device that is most clearly found in lines 45-47: "Can a wretch who wanders about, who works and starves ... call England or any other kingdom his country?"

Rhetorical question

Which rhetorical device is most clearly found in lines 45-47: "Can a wretch who wanders about, who works and starves ... call England or any other kingdom his country?"

Rhetorical question

Which of the statements below best represents what de Crèvecoeur means in line 100 when he declares that there is "room for everybody in America"?

There are many means of employment.

Fill in the blank: The author holds a strong conviction that this new American society will be ultimately responsible for

great changes in the world

Fill in the blank: "The American ought therefore to love this country much better than that wherein either he or his forefathers were born. Here the rewards of his industry follow with equal steps the progress of his labour; his labour is founded on the basis of nature,

self-interest

A metaphor is a comparison between two things that does not use the words "like" or "as" to introduce the comparison, instead directly using one thing to represent another thing.A simile is a comparison between two things that does introduce the comparison using the words "like" or "as."The comparison between the group of people in this passage and "useless plants" is presented as a

simile