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 3…please 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 1. What are the manners and spirit of the American people? 2. What is the “good idea” America was founded on? Where can you find that idea today? 3. What are the essential qualities of being an American? 4. How are these essential qualities expressed in modern life? 5. What is the true meaning of America? Where do you find it? 6. What is the American experience? What makes it different than other countries? 7. How have you seen the American experience expressed in literature? In other art? How does America’s unique experience influence its literature, poetry, and other arts?