Based on Steinbeck’s essay, “America & Americans”, independence describes a journey for the American people in order to reach a goal. In the text it states, “We trample friends, relatives, and strangers who get in the way of our achieving it” (Steinbeck). This quote is an example of the rhetorical strategy of a hyperbole:an exaggerated statement. In this quote, Steinbeck is stating that people are selfish and would do anything to reach the goal. Whether it is friends, or relatives, Americans could care less about who they might have to go through as long as they reach their goal. Therefore, on the path of trying to meet the goal, Americans are going on an independent journey. Americans have different goals in their mind; therefore, to achieve
