American Identity

1
American Identity

• Introduction to American Literary Movements

2
What is the true meaning of America? Read and
think about each quotation.

• It is the manners and spirit of a people which
  preserve a republic in vigor.Thomas Jefferson
• What does Jefferson mean by this? What are the
  manners and spirit of the American people?

3
What is the true meaning of America? Read and
think about each quotation.

• Ours is the only country deliberately
• founded on a good idea.John Gunther
• Is Gunther right? What is this good idea?

4
Directions

• In co-ed groups of 3please discuss your answers
  and answer the following questions.
• Assign the following roles in your group
• Leader to lead your discussion
• Secretary to record your ideas in complete
  sentences
• Presenter to later present your ideas to the
  class.
• Indicate your group roles in your heading.
• Be prepared to share your ideas in class at the
  end of the period or the beginning of the period
  tomorrow.

5
Questions

• What are the manners and spirit of the American
  people?
• What is the good idea America was founded on?
  Where can you find that idea today?
• What are the essential qualities of being an
  American?
• How are these essential qualities expressed in
  modern life?
• What is the true meaning of America? Where do
  you find it?
• What is the American experience? What makes it
  different than other countries?
• How have you seen the American experience
  expressed in literature? In other art? How does
  Americas unique experience influence its
  literature, poetry, and other arts?