In Margaret Atwood’s essay, A letter to America, her expression of disappointment, confusion, and regret is vividly expressed as she wonders where is the America she knew so well.
Atwood`s purpose for the essay is to ask some tough questions, which are directed to the American people about their values as a nation and how these values seem to have changed in a very short period of time. These values were at one time envied by the world. She uses bold statements like “You're torching the American economy” and “You’re gutting your constitution”. These statements question the heart and soul of America.
In the beginning of the letter, Atwood reminisces on how she once felt about America culture and how much fun it was. She focuses on the achievements of America, and how it has been an immense influence to all other nations. As neighbours, their accomplishments became our accomplishment and it filled us with pride. We sat quietly by and watched and safe beside them. Atwood then turns her attention to the negative changes that America as undertaken and how their once strong relationship with other countries has deteriorated because of their decline in values. She has been affected by this personally, and questions the decisions they have made, although she seems embarrassed to do so.
She achieves the purpose of her letter by examining the path in which America is heading. “If you proceed much more down the slippery slope, people around you will stop admiring the good things about you.” She relates them to the fallen USSR, as well as talks about their diminishing resources. In my opinion, the best example is she when she asks “how did you get so scared”.
In Margaret Atwood’s, A Letter to America she examines the reputation of America and how a great nation like America has deteriorated in the hearts of minds of us all. A once well respected nation has seen their decisions hurt its economy, their reputation on an international level and their own people
Could what happened in America happen to a well respected nation like Canada?
Margaret Atwood's letter can be viewed at: http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/America/Letter_America_Atwood.html
Margaret Atwood's letter can be viewed at: http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/America/Letter_America_Atwood.html
Hi Mark,
ReplyDeleteI wondered if you wanted to put a link to the letter in your blog since you've got some followers. They might want to read the letter.
Laurie
Though i couldn't picture it now, I do believe that what has happened to America could happen to a respected nation like Canada. It's poor choices. Poor choices followed by more poor choices. American leaders are not intentionally letting their country go down the toilet. After all, the USA was once a very respected country too right?
ReplyDeleteI also thought Atwood's comment about "how did you get so scared" was awesome. Maybe you could elaborate a little bit more on that.