Its origins Its evolution Its relations with the characters in the book

1st by James Truslow Adams The Epic of America, 1931

Introduction

"Since its founding in 1776, the United States has regarded and promoted itself as a beacon of liberty and prosperity"

Ideas of :

Freedom

SuccessHappiness

Origins

Map of the "New England"

Women working on a field

Indian massacres

Evolution Idea which has changed today Opportunity to achieve prosperity & success To grow up & receive a good education & career without artificial barriers Industrial Revolution → Americans becoming rich and immigration from Europe because of :

- Religious persecution (Jews)- Poverty (Italians)- Starvation (Ireland)

Money not important → Living a "simple" life

[…] to every man, regardless of his birth, his shining, golden opportunity […] the right to live, to work, to be himself, and to become whatever thing his manhood

and his vision can combine to make him.

“

”Thomas Wolfe (American Writer – 1990 - 1938)

Bill Clinton42th President of the USA

(1993-2001)

Barack Obama44th President of the USA

(since 2009)

Evolution

Relations with the characters

Cándido América

Kyra Delaney

Attracted by the USA → For work, to become richer, to start a family

Man in search of the American Dream, but failed

→ Same for América

Name referring to the USA ?

– NOT ACHIEVED –

Have a big house in a rich neighborhood, a car, a family.

→ Same for Delaney, and he also has his car.

Has a simple but joyful life → Prosperity.

Works very hard, to earn money and live well. Symbol of the hard worker.– ACHIEVED –