The Discovery of What is Means

1
Lesson 12
The Discovery of What is Means to Be An American
2
Pre-Text Questions
What type of writing is this one?
What is the essay mainly about? Is it really
about being an American?
What is your first impression of the
authors writing style?
What is the theme of this essay?
3
About the author
Henry James
Why does the author begin his writing by a
quotation?
having or composed of many different or clashing
elements heterogeneous
motley
What is the main idea of the first
paragraph? What is its chief function in the
essay?
4
a seemingly contradictory statemetnt that may
nonetheless be true
paradox
What is the paradox about?
go across, esp. in order to shorten ones route
break through
cut across
Why is the phrase made it a quotation?
a psychotic disorder characterized by delusions
of persecution or grandeur, often strenuously
defended with apparent logic and
reason extreme, irrational distrust of others
paranoia
5
tunnel
the sky
I began to see the sky for what seemed to be
the first time
pocket
a small area or group of a specific type
a pocket of poverty
Pigalle
Neuilly
a poinion/conception formed in advance of
full/adequate knowledge/experience
preconception
Whats your understanding of freedom, dangers
and responsibilities?
Albert Camus
Algerian
6
Little Rock
Why does Baldwin claim that the day is
both personal and terrible?
a temporary stay a brief period of residence
sojourn
What does the anything refer to here?
its after Samuel Maverick, Texas rancher who
did not brand his cattle
maverick
an unbranded animal, esp. a strayed calf
What is your understanding of a dense society?