1. Michel- Guillaume Jean de Crevecoeur
What is an American?
Michel- Guillaume Jean de Crevecoeur

2. de Crevecoeur
Written in the mid-1700s, at a time when many people were leaving Europe and making new lives for themselves in America
De Crevecoeur
French immigrant, arrived in New York in 1759
Published a series of letters/essays in 1782 illustrating his impressions of America

3. Compare and Contrast The essay defines America and Americans
Contrasts with Europe and Europeans
(Contrast: to state or show how two things are dissimilar)
De Crevecoeur contrasts Europe and America on the following criteria:
Government
Work
Quality of Life
Ethnic Background
Religion

4. Consider while Reading
What is the theme of the essay?
(theme: the central idea the writer shares with the audience)
How does De Crevecoeur portray Europe and America?
How might your own views relate or differ to his?
How does the essay fit within the Rationalist Literary Movement?
Focus, Style, Philosophy?