1. American Literature A Unit Two-Part Two The Right To Be Free
Essay
“What Is an American?”
By: Michel-Guillaume Jean De Crevecoeur

2. Thematic Link
Writing around the time of the Revolution, de Crevecoeur describes America as a refuge for people who were poor and oppressed in Europe.
In America, people of all ethnic backgrounds can prosper and enjoy their natural right to be free. They can work hard and enjoy freedom, opportunities, prosperity, and new ideas.
Written in the 1700’s, at a time when many people were leaving Europe to make new lives for themselves in America.

3. Reading and Analyzing Literary Analysis: Theme
According to de Crevecoeur the poor in Europe are affected by the hardships in their lives by:
“want, hunger, and war” (pg. 290)
Unable to prosper or feel fully alive and feel no attachment to their country
Conditions in America affect the lives of formerly poor Europeans:
They flourish as citizens of the new country.

4. Reading and Analyzing
Active Reading
Compare/Contrast Structure to convey his picture of America
First paragraph: Contrasts between Europe and America
In Europe the poor have no country because the countries where they live provide nothing for them.
By contrast, America provides “new laws, a new mode of living, a new social system” (pg. 290).
Able to flourish as citizens in America, whereas in Europe they wilt and die

5. Questions-Pg. 293
1. Impressions of America and Americans from de Crevecoeur’s essay:
Characterizes America as a land of freedom and opportunity for poor and oppressed immigrants.
Americans are portrayed as ambitious, hardworking people open to new ideas
Comprehension Check
What does Crevecoeur say life was like for the poor of Europe?
The poor of Europe did not own land, had no political rights, and were often treated unfairly by those who were rich and powerful.
According to de Crevecoeur, why should Americans love their country?
They can own land and support their families; they need not fear tyranny.

6. Questions Pg. 293
2. What is the main reason de Crevecoeur prefers America to Europe?
Economic, social, and religious freedom
Chances for prosperity
Exciting new experiences
Diversity of population

7. Questions Pg. 293
3. Why de Crevecoeur feels that the American must be a “new man”?
An American leaves behind “ancient prejudices and manners” to join a new society, governed by new principles and new ideas.
Americans are also “new” because their mixture of ethnic backgrounds is truly unique.

8. Questions Pg. 293
4. To what extent does de Crevecoeur ‘s definition of an American still apply today?
Americans are still known for their ideals of freedom and individual prosperity and for ethnic diversity.

9. Writing Option 2 (p. 294)
Using “What is an American?” as a model, write a short letter to a friend who lives in another area defining what it means to be a resident of your area (Birmingham or the Metro-Detroit Area).