Critical Reading Essay

Cody Brotter’s essay Immigration, and What it Means to be an American analyses two pieces of literature that describe the same thing but they are written practically two centuries apart.  Both describe immigration but Crevecoeur’s describes the immigrant much more favorable than Fallows does.  He reveals through rhetorical strategies how Crevecoeur’s What is an American? And Fallows’ Immigration: How It’s Affecting Us are practically contradicting themselves because of how time has changed the view on immigration in America.

     These two pieces show how immigration has changed greatly from the nineteenth century to the twentieth century.  Brotter shows how Crevecoeur depicts the American immigrant as someone who has done everything possible to get to American and that their life outside of America was an atrocity compared to their life in America.  On the other hand he show’s how Fallows depicts the immigrant as someone that was more resourceful than most Americans and that would benefit America with their resourcefulness.  According to Brotter this change in attitude had simply occurred because of the great changes that took place between a couple of centuries.  

Although the author is not as credible on the subject as Crevecoeur or Fallows is but he certainly provides enough evidence to seem credible to the reader.  He uses many quotes from both pieces and this shows that he has closely read both passages.  From his constant reference back to the two texts makes the reader feel knowing and comfortable with the subject even though they could have never read either of the texts or have no idea about the subject.  The author therefore proves his credibility and is able to write an essay that the readers will believe and accept.

     The author’s language also plays a vital role in the essay itself.  Diction like differentiation, assimilation, and ample subsistence are used throughout the passage. This type of elevated language gives his essay even more credibility that the author is well read and has a wide and diverse vocabulary.  Although the language is slightly elevated it is still perceivable by the audience and gives the essay more depth.

     The views on immigration and on immigrants themselves have changed greatly and Brotter makes this apparent in his essay.  Immigration, and What it Means to be an American shows how time truly changes everything.

           

           

      

 http://www.studentpulse.com/articles/176/immigration-and-what-it-means-to-be-an-american