Question

In about 100 words, analyze Crevecoeur’s seemingly ambivalent attitude toward European qualities and civilization. Cite examples in the text to show how he both dislikes and admires European qualities.

Answer 1

Answer:

Clearly Crèvecoeur believes that America is superior to England because Americans are free in so many ways that Englishmen are not, despite living in a free land. Crevecoeur speaks of America with pure excitement. It is like he has found a utopia that seems to be too good to be true. He draws a contrast of life in America to the one he has left in Europe. According to him, people are deprived to own a land in England. In Europe, there's a clear division between the rich and the poor. Europe, he says, is full of displaced poor people without jobs or even a country which they can call their own because no one acts on their behalf.In Europe, these people were outcasts, left to whither and die from "want, hunger, and war." However, towards the end of his later letter describing Charles-town, Crevecoeur regrets to admit some displeasure in America. He has come to realize the relationship between the wealthy and the slaves is similar to the life he left behind in Europe. The slaves are forced in subservience to the wealthy. Crevecoeur, unfortunately, had to learn utopias do no exist… at least not for very long.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Clearly Crèvecoeur believes that America is superior to England because Americans are free in so many ways that Englishmen are not, despite living in a free land. Crevecoeur speaks of America with pure excitement. It is like he has found a utopia that seems to be too good to be true. He draws a contrast of life in America to the one he has left in Europe. According to him, people are deprived to own a land in England. In Europe, there's a clear division between the rich and the poor. Europe, he says, is full of displaced poor people without jobs or even a country which they can call their own because no one acts on their behalf.In Europe, these people were outcasts, left to whither and die from "want, hunger, and war." However, towards the end of his later letter describing Charles-town, Crevecoeur regrets to admit some displeasure in America. He has come to realize the relationship between the wealthy and the slaves is similar to the life he left behind in Europe. The slaves are forced in subservience to the wealthy. Crevecoeur, unfortunately, had to learn utopias do no exist… at least not for very long.