American National Identity in Crèvecoeur’s Letters From an American Farmer Letter Three as a Case Study
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Date
2018-06
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The present dissertation is intended to examine the theme of American National Identity
in Crevecoeur’s Letters from an American Farmer. It aims at providing a historical
background about the era in which the work was achieved. It focuses on portraying
Crevecoeur’s view of major enlightenment principles. In addition to that, this study reflects a
positive image given by the author concerning the new man “American” by tackling the
meaning of Personal and National Identity. Throughout the letters, the sense of nationalism
for European Countries had disappeared, so American Nationalism as a concept is discussed
as well as in this work. Moreover, a deep analysis is given to the third letter “What is an
American”, all the way through giving much importance to how American National Identity
was built in the new found land by applying New Historicism theory. In order to find answers
to the proposed research questions, Historical and Analytical approaches are to be used. The
result of this study shows that John de Crevecoeur’s third letter is a true representation of the
reflection of the American Enlightenment basis: Deism, liberation, republicanism and
toleration. As a writer, Crevecoeur really succeeded in his presentation of depicting American
National Identity along with Nationalism during the Enlightenment era. Besides, the research
proves that Crevecoeur celebrates the perfection of America.