This was an interesting question that was posed in class a few days ago, so I just wanted to extend the discussion. Personally, I feel that Crevocoeur does consider himself somewhat of an American, as evidenced by his use of the "we" device. However, at other times his pronoun usage is questionable which leaves me to wonder just how strongly he feels about his identity. What do you guys feel about this?
-Bryce C.
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I feel like Crevecoeur likes the idea of an American very much, but I got the impression that he didn't consider himself a true American. Even if he used the we-device, he could just mean all the people living in America at the time, but I think if someone were to ask him if he truly considered himself an American, he would say no.
ReplyDelete-Alexa
I agree with you, Bryce. I believe Crevecoeur considers himself to be an American because he decided to travel here, live the "American dream" by working hard and acquiring his own land, and because he defined an American as any European man who decides to leave behind his troubled past ties with Europe and start a new, free, and independent life.
ReplyDeleteHe switches up on the "you" and "we" device, I believe, because he considers himself an American through his *choice* to travel to the New World and obtain a new identity, yet still understands that his original home was in France. Although his nationality defines him significantly, his decision to travel to American and live the "dream" also significantly defines him.
-Chloe Martianou
I say he's an American. I think his confusing pronoun usage is an attempt to appear objective, but his American enthusiasm leads to his use of the we device.
ReplyDelete-Colin
I have to agree with Alexa in saying that Crevecoeur didn't really see himself as an American. While I believe that he shared many of the same ideals and characteristics as the Americans he describes, it also seems as though Crevecoeur sets himself apart in his letter.
ReplyDelete-Tara