Analyzing The American Dream In The 1830's

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The 1830’s was full of hopes and dreams, according to John Downe America in his letter to his wife. Downe explains to his wife what it's like to be living the American Dream. He portrays America as a place of “equality” and “liberty”. He reassures his wife that it is a safe place, as he is the one experiencing the United States himself. Downe also attempts to convince his wife by assuring her of the most basic need, food for herself and her kids. Downe uses food to assure that their family won’t go starving, like they are in England. Through the attempts of persuasion Downe attempts to convince his wife to move to America by assuring security for the kids, even though it is a far and dangerous journey. We all want what is best for our loved ones. …show more content…

Even when Downe moves to America he is still living in poverty, but he explains to his wife how the people of America are more kind hearted towards him than the people in England. Downe begins his letter to his wife, beginning with how he was invited to dinner by a kind farmer. Downe says “they had on the table pudding, pyes...and everything that a person could wish” by saying “everything that a person could wish” he explains the various amounts of food on the table while there, showing they aren’t starving. By beginning with “pudding” and “pyes” he is able to show how as farmers, these people are far from starving because deserts are a luxury, even though farmers typically are poor. This appeals to the mothers human instinct of protecting and feeding her children. Also when raising children, they want to raise their kids to see others as equal, like Americans do. Downe has adapted to this way of life and wants his kids to see it