1. English 10 – American Literature
This year we are going to read various things written by American authors.
We will focus on a central question:
What does it mean to be an American?

2. What do you think of when you think about the Statue of Liberty?
To answer this question, let’s start by thinking of a famous American landmark…
What do you think of when you think about the Statue of Liberty?

3. The New Colossus
Emma Lazarus, 1849 – 1887
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. “Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

4. The New Colossus (Modern English Version)
Instead of the old conquerors guarding their land,
We will have a welcoming woman at our shores.
She will be a mighty woman with a torch, a beacon to lead people here.
She is the mother of exiles; she cares for those without a home. From her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome.
To those countries who have sent their people out she says, “Keep all your ancient exaggerated tales of greatness!”
“Instead, Give me your tired people, your poor people, Your crowded masses of people wanting to breathe free. Give me the people you think are trash. Send these, the homeless, those who’ve had bad luck, to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door [of opportunity]”

5. What does it mean to be American?
Throughout this year, we will be focusing on 4 main themes to help us answer our guiding question:
Opportunity
Rights
Heritage
Personal Experiences

6. Opportunity
Opportunity means “When events/things in life make it possible to do something”
Examples:
By graduating high school, you will have more opportunities to find a good job
Moving to the United States gave her more opportunity to have a good life for her family

7. Opportunity
The U.S. likes to call itself “The Land of opportunity.”
1. Do you think people living in the United States have more opportunities than people living in other parts of the world? Why or why not?
2. Do you think everyone has equal opportunities here? Why or why not? No
Yes

8. Rights
Rights are freedoms that the government cannot take away from you
In the United States these freedoms are protected by part of the Constitution called the Bill of Rights
The freedom to peacefully assemble is protected by the 1st Amendment of the Bill of Rights

9. Rights Examples of some of your rights in the United States:
You are free to express your opinions (Freedom of speech)
You are free to choose your own religion
You are guaranteed a trial
No cruel or unusual punishment is allowed

10. Heritage
Heritage means where you come from; your culture, race, family history, etc.
The United States
history is full of
immigration
There are lots of
different people
and cultures within
the United States

11. Heritage
Why do you think Heritage is important to Americans?

12. Experiences
Experiences are things that have happened in your past; things you have lived through and been a part of
Authors tend to write about their experiences- feelings or situations that are familiar to them because they have lived through it and know how it feels
The Vietnam War and The Things They Carried
Discrimination and A Raisin In The Sun
1920’s parties & The Great Gatsby
Unfair trials and The Crucible

13. Experiences
For our intro assignment, you will be using your own personal experiences to help you answer the question, “What does it mean to be an American?”
Directions: With a partner, use the space provided on your packet to brainstorm ideas about our 4 themes that can help you to write an essay which explains what you think it means to be American.