50 pages • 1 hour read
J. Hector St. John de CrèvecœurLetters From An American Farmer
Nonfiction | Collection of Letters | Adult | Published in 1782A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Key Figures
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
BetaEssay Topics
James’s wife and the minister have opposing views on James’s letter writing, but in what ways do their disparate positions both reflect their respect for the humble lives of American famers?
What, according to James, are the principal differences between European and American cultures?
In the earlier letters, James presents an idyllic and optimistic picture of life in America. How does his understanding develop and change, and what causes these changes?
In what ways does Andrew represent the potential and promise of America for poor Europeans?
James suggests that the environment in which a person lives can shape their character. In what literal and symbolic ways does he demonstrate this?
What characteristics does James believe to be central to American identity?
James’s perception of Native Americans changes towards the end of the book. How absolute are these changes, and how do they relate to the wider themes of the book?
James speaks out in favor of both the civilizing effects of society and the virtues of a “natural” life. How does he reconcile these sometimes-contradictory interests?
In what ways does Nantucket serve as a symbol for what is best in America, and in the American character?
