American Identity: Themes of Unity and Democracy
The poem explores themes such as the American Dream, unity, democracy, and love. Gorman emphasizes the importance of standing together as a nation, beyond differences of religion, class, or skin color. She insists that love and empathy are essential to securing freedom and democracy, stating that unity is crucial for the country’s survival.
The poem uses metaphors, like that of a deeply rooted tree, to symbolize the strength of unity and collective identity. The tone is patriotic and inspiring, encouraging everyone to be worthy of the American Dream by actively participating in democracy, especially through voting. Gorman concludes that the American Dream is not just a dream but a challenge to be taken on together.
The poem inspires readers to face challenges with hope and to build a democracy that is humane and loving.
make happen faster: expedite – accélérer
2.take office: come to office – entrer en fonction
3.vote (laws): pass (laws) – voter (des lois)
4.a period of office: term – mandat
5.spend a period of time doing a job: serve – exercer, servir
6.struggling: floundering – en difficulté
7.the candidate to vice presidency: running-mate – colistier, candidat à la vice-présidence
8.
reductions: cuts – réductions
9.be nominated: be appointed – être nommé
10.have faith in: trust – avoir confiance en
11.a U.S. 25 cents coin: quarter – pièce de 25 cents
12.management, control: administration – gestion, administration
13.capitulation: surrender – capitulation
14.stand for (a term): run (for a term) – se présenter (pour un mandat)
a set of related measures: package – ensemble de mesures
16.the art of government: politics – la politique
17.decline: refuse – refuser
18.lose: fail – perdre
19.mend and improve: overhaul – réformer, améliorer
20.defend, advocate (2): support, promote – défendre, promouvoir
21.a written proposal for a new law: bill – projet de loi
22.an overwhelming success: landslide victory – victoire écrasante
.incrimination of a public official: impeachment – mise en accusation
24.quit (2): retire, resign – prendre sa retraite, démissionner
25.big company: corporation – grande entreprise
A. Abraham Lincoln (2) – Republican from Illinois, opposed slavery, became President in 1861 as Civil War started, abolished slavery in 1862, assassinated in 1865.
2.B. George H.W. Bush (7) – Born in a wealthy family, served in WWII, made a fortune in oil, became Vice-President, then President, popular after the Gulf War but lost re-election due to economic issues.
3.C
. George Washington (10) – Virginian, led colonists in the War of Independence, first U.S. President (1789), did not live in the White House, known as “Father of Our Country.”
H. Bill Clinton (6) – Born in Arkansas, studied law at prestigious universities, became Governor of Arkansas, elected President in 1993, focused on economic and social issues.
5.I. Harry S. Truman (1) – Worked various jobs, became President after Roosevelt’s death, ordered atomic bombs on Japan, unexpectedly won election in 1948.
J. Barack Obama (4) – First African-American President, elected in 2009, passed economic stimulus and healthcare reform, reelected in 2012.
7.D. Franklin D. Roosevelt (8) – Born into wealth, joined politics despite polio, elected four times, introduced the “New Deal,” led the country through WWII after Pearl Harbor.
E. Thomas Jefferson (11) – Brilliant mind, drafted the Declaration of Independence, 3rd President, purchased Louisiana, retired to build the University of Virginia.
9.F. Woodrow Wilson (5) – Princeton scholar and President, led the U.S. into WWI reluctantly, promoted the League of Nations, but the U.S. didn’t join.
K. John F. Kennedy (12) – Youngest President, from wealthy Irish family, faced Cuban Missile Crisis, assassinated in 1963 in Dallas.
11.L. Dwight D. Eisenhower (14) – WWII hero, oversaw end of Korean War, promoted missile programs, enforced desegregation in Little Rock.
12.M. Richard Nixon (13) – Studied law, lost 1960 election to Kennedy, elected President in 1968, opened relations with China, resigned after Watergate.
G. Lyndon B. Johnson (9) – Became President in 1963, passed civil rights laws, unpopular due to Vietnam War, retired without running for re-election.
14.N. Ronald Reagan (3) – Former actor, Governor of California, elected President in 1980, strong anti-communist stance, reduced inflation but cut aid programs.
