https://padlet.com/milnel/ENGL214_US INSTRUCTIONS: One of the terms that emerged at the end of the 19th century was “American exceptionalism,” which describes how the U.S. holds itself up as unique (or exceptional) in its ideals of democracy, individualism, and so on. Using any of our texts so far (Dickinson, Twain, Harte, Jewett, Howells, Lazarus), find at least one example that either endorses or complicates this belief. Cite the example and note how it responds to this concept. en-us 2018-08-04 21:23:48 UTC 2026-01-10 03:20:02 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Dartstarget.png https://padlet.com/milnel/ENGL214_US/wish/1154481081 In Howells "Editha," you see this idea of American exceptionalism with Editha and George. In the early part of the story, Editha is speaking to George and states, "And I call any war glorious that is for the liberation of people who have been struggling for years against the cruelest oppression." (Belasco 126). This gives an example of the ideals the people in this time had. These people were not oppressed, and yet they believed that they were and that they needed to fight in a war against peoples who were actually oppressed. These were the ideals of American exceptionalism for many people in the time period.]]> 2021-02-02 16:15:53 UTC https://padlet.com/milnel/ENGL214_US/wish/1154481081 https://padlet.com/milnel/ENGL214_US/wish/1154549362 In Emily Dickinson's poem "I'm Nobody! Who are You?," readers can view the concept of American Exceptionalism by viewing the tone of the poem as insulted or offended. The speaker could be upset that someone would dare consider themselves a somebody. This view can be seen through the lines "How dreary-to be- Somebody! How public-Like a Frog-"(Dickinson 260). This portrays the idea of American exceptionalism because it shows the idea that someone is better than someone else and needs to prove/show that they are better and are more important than the rest of society.]]> 2021-02-02 16:26:42 UTC https://padlet.com/milnel/ENGL214_US/wish/1154549362 https://padlet.com/milnel/ENGL214_US/wish/1154575657 The Statue of Liberty was compared to the The Colossus of Rhodes, which was a huge statue. It was basically calling America the new Greece with Democracy. ]]> 2021-02-02 16:30:52 UTC https://padlet.com/milnel/ENGL214_US/wish/1154575657 https://padlet.com/milnel/ENGL214_US/wish/1154613271 We see in The New Colossus a great deal of American Exceptionalism. The poem is inspired by the Statue of Liberty, being described and personified in a way that glorifies America. She describes the statue as being the welcoming party to those who may want to immigrate into America, being described as "Mother of Exiles" (Lazarus line 6), as well as giving her dialogue asking other countries to "Give me [America] your tired, your poor" (Lazarus line 10) as well as describing America as having a "golden door" (Lazarus line 14) while asking for these countries to send their homeless to her.]]> 2021-02-02 16:37:00 UTC https://padlet.com/milnel/ENGL214_US/wish/1154613271 https://padlet.com/milnel/ENGL214_US/wish/1154738322 The idea presented here in this piece is that while there are bountiful opportunities in America for business or wealth, those places are not always the most ideal / conducive for other situtions / circumstances. American Exceptionalism does not always follow through with what is promised, which challenges the innate idea of an ideal/perfect/all-encompassing America. We see this with how women and children were treated in this "ideal" spot / hub for business. In other words, Cherokee was treated as a second rate citizen to the men at the camp. She and her son also die in this camp, which prsents a layer of challenges as well.]]> 2021-02-02 16:57:17 UTC https://padlet.com/milnel/ENGL214_US/wish/1154738322