Analysis Of Letters From An American Farmer By De Crevecoeur

What differentiates America from Europe? In this passage adapted from Letters from an American Farmer, de Crevecoeur attempts to develop this contrast for the purpose of convincing his audience not only to immigrate to America but also to see themselves as a nation separate from their former homelands. De Crevecoeur primarily engages pathos in order to support his assertion that the notion of a solely American national identity should develop based on America’s defining characteristics of equal opportunity, diversity, and work ethic, all which allow for the abolishment of traditional social hierarchies. One of de Crevecoeur’s primary intentions in his comparison of Europe and America is to play on the emotions of his audience. He does this …show more content…
De Crevecoeur additionally establishes a connection to his reader with the level of emotion he displays, thus unifying his audience in a shared experience. However, the mood of this piece switches with the introduction of another rhetorical question allowing him to identify his primary claim and end the passage on a patriotic note: “What then is the American, this new man?” (line 45-46). In the lines that follow, de Crevecoeur takes an assertive stance on defining the American population as “one of the finest systems of population,” once again conveying a sense of pride for the nation he calls home. Although each of these rhetorical questions have various uses in the passage, the overall function of this rhetorical strategy is one and the same: to add a dramatic flair to what de Crevecoeur most desires to emphasize, which, in this case, is the hope and renewal America itself