AMERICANS: A DEFINITION by John Steinbeck
American Literature/Mr. Mendelsohn/Verdugo Hills Multimedia Magnet HS
DIRECTIONS: Complete the following activities based on the essay, Americans: A Definition by John Steinbeck. Do all work in MS Word or in blue or black ink only. Identify each section of your work using the headings below.
Read the attached article at least twice: read through it once for general ideas, and then read more slowly and closely for meaning after researching the terms below. Highlight or underline any ideas, quotes, or other examples of supporting evidence you think are important.
A) VOCABULARY WORDS/TERMS: Look up the definitions of the words below and copy them down. Add any other words or terms of Steinbeck’s that you did not fully understand.
1. generality 6. overbearing 11. paradox 16. affluence 21. arrant
2. bridle 7. reverent 12. myth 17. puritan 22. detest
3. intemperate 8. self-reliant 13. implicit 18. profligate 23. abstract
4. virtue 9. dependent 14. heir 19. puberty 24. blatant
5. turmoil 10. complacent 15. endowment 20. impotent
B) SUMMARY PARAGRAPH: In your own words, write a brief paragraph (3-5 sentences maximum)
summarizing Steinbeck’s thesis and other main ideas.
C) SHORT-RESPONSE QUESTIONS: Answer the questions below in complete sentences. Include
a CD (direct quote/concrete detail) from the essay where needed. Use specific examples when giving your
opinion.
1. Which statement serves as Steinbeck’s thesis in this essay? Where is it located? (¶ and sentence #)
2. Which CD does Steinbeck use to show that Americans are “restless and dissatisfied?”
3. In your opinion, what are two modern-day examples of Americans acting “restless and dissatisfied?”
Be specific and briefly explain your choices.
4. Which CD does Steinbeck use to show that Americans are in a “state of turmoil all the time?”
5. In your opinion, what are two modern-day examples of Americans being in a state of turmoil?
Be specific and briefly explain your choices.
6. Which CD does Steinbeck use to show that Americans “function by paradox?”
7. In your opinion, what are two modern-day examples of Americans functioning by paradox (you might
interpret this as hypocrisy)? Be specific and briefly explain your choices.
8. Which CD does Steinbeck use to show that Americans are “a nation of public puritans and private
profligates?”
9. In your opinion, what are two modern-day examples of how Americans behave differently in public and
in private? Be specific and briefly explain your choices.
10. Which CD does Steinbeck use to show how Americans respond to advertising and consumerism?
11. In your opinion, what are two modern-day examples of how Americans respond to advertising or exhibit
signs of blatant consumerism? Use specific examples from your own observations or experiences.
12. Based on your reading of the essay and your personal experience, to you tend to agree or disagree with
Steinbeck’s thesis? Briefly explain why.
Revised 1/2015