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Crevecoeur's Letters From An American Farmer

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In Crevecoeur’s Letters from an American Farmer, he argues that a man’s relationship with the land defines his masculinity. His language and tone towards the animals portrays the argument that the land was created for human’s benefit, and they have the right to intervene when needed. However, Crevecoeur’s use of intellectual vocabulary diminishes the persuasion of that argument because it creates a discrepancy between his character, farmer James, and Crevecoeur himself. These letters were made for the intent of advocating for a masculine, patriarchal view of the land around us. With all of these elements added together, despite the usage of vocabulary, Crevecoeur makes a compelling argument. Throughout the piece, Crevecoeur describes a logic …show more content…

Crevecoeur’s character, farmer James, is ploughing the land with his son, during that time he mentions that “I am now doing for him, I saw, what my father formerly did for me…he may perform the same operations for the same purposes when I am worn out and old” (Crevecoeur 52). James’ father had that masculine relationship with the land, and so does farmer James; he is advocating for men to have a patrilineal view of the land. According to Crevecoeur, men are the ones who take what they need to provide for their family, whether that is by killing animals or growing crops. In comparison, he believes the women should be the caregivers and clean the house. He even goes as far as to compare the relationship to a hen, in which he states that “[the] useful hen leading her chicken with a care and vigilance which speaks shame to many women” (Crevecoeur 52). Women, to Crevecoeur, are the caregivers who look after the young whereas the father is the bread winner. With these beliefs instilled in James himself because of his father, James wishes to carry these on to his son so the family tradition would live on. In another example, James says that “the father thus ploughing with his child, and to feed …show more content…

Crevecoeur states “The law is to us precisely what I am in my barnyard, a bridle and check to prevent the strong and greedy from oppressing the timid and weak” (Crevecoeur 54). He believes that he is allowed to determine any outcome of the situation. For instance, he allows the quails to stay in his barn during the winter and feed them. He says “Instead of perfidiously taking advantage of their great and affect distress when nature offers nothing… I permit them to feed unmolested (Crevecoeur 53). He is going against their natural order, which is to survive in the harsh winter by any means necessary. He is ensuring their safety by going against the land. He believes to be in control of the landscape around him and by that, he can save and help the animals he admires and respects. He has that same view towards his cattle; he states that they “strive to encroach on their neighbours; unsatisfied with their portion…have an opportunity of taking what is given to others, expect when they are prevented” (Crevecoeur 54). He goes on to explain that for the repercussions he “some[times] I chide; others, unmindful of my admonitions, receive some blows” (Crevecoeur 54). He also intervenes with the fight of the bees and king-birds. He intervenes because he has respect and admiration for the

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