On The Rhetorical Devices of an American Farmer

Introduction

J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur's work, "Letters From an American Farmer," has garnered acclaim for its profound exploration of the American way of life. Within this collection, Crevecoeur endeavors to address the fundamental question of "What is an American?" One notable excerpt from this collection, "On the Situations, Feelings, and Pleasures of an American Farmer," delves into the essence of being a farmer in colonial America, while also juxtaposing this rustic existence with the urbanity of European city life. Throughout this essay, Crevecoeur skillfully employs a range of rhetorical devices to bolster his argument that the life of a farmer in America is intrinsically more fulfilling than that of a city dweller.

The Pinnacle of Agricultural Life

At the heart of Crevecoeur's essay is the contention that a life as a farmer surpasses that of an urban dweller, and he artfully seeks to persuade his audience by drawing upon personal anecdotes and experiences. He commences by vividly describing the farm, house, and barn he inherited from his father, setting the stage for a contemplation on the deep sentimental value of such an inheritance. Crevecoeur derives immense satisfaction from the notion of treading in his father's footsteps, resonating with the sentiment,

"I am now doing for [my son], I say, what my father formerly did for me" (Hector St.John de Crevecoeur, J.).

This personal touch imbues his argument with emotional resonance, effectively fostering a connection between the reader and his narrative. Consequently, the audience is more inclined to embrace his assertions as they resonate with their own emotional experiences.

In addition to leveraging personal experiences, Crevecoeur undertakes a poignant contrast between the two divergent lifestyles of rural and urban existence. He expounds upon the exhilarating sense of "freedom of action, freedom of thoughts" (Hector St.John de Crevecoeur, J.) that pervades his rural life, consistently reinforcing the notion of his profound contentment in the countryside. In contrast, he elucidates the encumbrances of city life, where one often finds oneself beholden to landlords. This theme permeates the essay as Crevecoeur elaborates on the prevailing materialism among city dwellers. By drawing this dichotomy, the author successfully highlights the inherent superiority of a rural existence.

Metaphors serve as another potent rhetorical strategy deployed in the essay. In one instance, Crevecoeur equates soil to life, emphasizing their inextricable connection, as both are indispensable. He elucidates how "[soil] feeds, it clothes us; from it we draw even a great exuberancy, our best meat, our richest drink." This metaphor underscores the significance of fertile soil to American farmers, drawing a parallel between the vitality of the land and the vitality of life itself. It subtly implies that city dwellers are bereft of the profound joys derived from nurturing and relying on the rich, nurturing earth. This metaphor allows Crevecoeur's audience to envisage the intrinsic value of the soil to farmers and, by extension, the unparalleled worth of a farming life.

Later in the essay, Crevecoeur introduces another metaphor that likens bees to life, accentuating their shared traits and components. Drawing parallels between societies and bee colonies, he illustrates how both are influenced by "their government, their industry, their quarrels, their passions." Bees, in this instance, serve as symbols of diligent labor, mirroring the industrious individuals who toil on farms. This metaphor, replete with symbolism, enables readers to vividly visualize Crevecoeur's ideas and underscores the multifaceted nature of his argument.

The adept employment of rhetorical strategies is pivotal to the essay, facilitating the author's effective communication of his viewpoint to the audience. Crevecoeur masterfully employs personal experiences, comparisons, and metaphors to substantiate his thesis that a farmer's life in America surpasses that of an urban dweller. Beyond their functional utility, these strategies imbue the essay with a literary flourish, elevating it to a persuasive and emotionally resonant narrative.

Literary and Historical Corroborations

J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur's central thesis in "On The Situation, Feelings, and Pleasures of an American Farmer" underscores the inherent rewards of leading a simple life. This assertion carries substantial validity and finds support in both literature and historical accounts. The juxtaposition of rural and urban life, as exemplified in Elizabeth Gaskell's "North and South," corroborates Crevecoeur's perspective. Moreover, while certain cities like ancient Rome fostered innovation and cultural exchange, historical records, such as Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle," reveal the grim realities of urban existence in most cases.

Elizabeth Gaskell's novel "North and South" provides a literary testament to Crevecoeur's ideas. In this narrative, a character transitions from a rural setting to an industrialized city, offering a vivid portrayal of the disparities between urban and rural life. The protagonist perceives city dwellers as cold and aloof, in stark contrast to the warmth and compassion experienced within her rural community. This literary portrayal serves to underline the dichotomy between urban and rural lifestyles, lending credence to Crevecoeur's perspective.

However, it is important to acknowledge that certain cities, such as ancient Rome, have functioned as centers of progress, innovation, and culture. Ancient Rome, in particular, stood as a beacon of intellectual activity and the convergence of diverse talents. As the hub of commerce, politics, culture, and military might, it provided fertile ground for independent thinkers to collaborate and inspire each other. This exceptional case demonstrates that urban life can indeed be superior when it nurtures creativity and intellectual exchange. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that such exceptional cities are rare, and the majority of urban centers throughout history have been plagued by poverty and squalor, as vividly depicted in Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle." This novel chronicles the hardships endured by a foreign family that relocates to an American city in search of better opportunities, only to be ensnared by exploitative business owners and subjected to dire living conditions. These harrowing experiences underscore the prevailing grimness of urban life in most instances, thereby affirming the validity of Crevecoeur's argument.

Contemporary Relevance

Evidently, Crevecoeur's claims are substantiated by both literary and historical evidence, reinforcing the value of a simple farming life over an industrialized one. Renowned authors who echo his sentiments lend weight to his assertions. Moreover, contemporary professionals concur with the principles elucidated in "On The Situation, Feelings, and Pleasures of an American Farmer." Psychologists, for instance, widely acknowledge the positive impact of working on a farm or tending to a small garden on one's mental health. This consensus resonates with the historical and literary evidence, further affirming the benefits of a rural existence.

Historical records also validate Crevecoeur's perspective, particularly regarding the adverse conditions prevalent in cities during his time. The corruption and hardships faced in urban areas have been well-documented by historians. A historical account from the 1700s acknowledges that while cities did foster innovation, they were rife with unethical practices such as piracy, smuggling, and privateering. This historical context substantiates the argument that a traditional farmer's life was undoubtedly preferable to the urban life described in such accounts.

Moreover, Benjamin Franklin's famous quote emphasizing agriculture as the "only honest way" to acquire wealth underscores the desirability of a simple farming life. His view aligns with Crevecoeur's perspective and finds resonance with historical assessments of city life's ethical challenges.

In the contemporary context, the consensus among psychologists and the personal experiences shared by individuals like Kim Hermanson, who cherishes her memories of farming and the solace it brings, further reinforce the enduring appeal of rural living. Such deeply rooted connections to nature, as emphasized by Hermanson, echo the sentiments expressed by Crevecoeur through his metaphorical use of soil as a symbol of life.

Conclusion

Overall, the amalgamation of literary and historical evidence, alongside contemporary expert opinions, strengthens the validity of Crevecoeur's claims regarding the rewards of a simple farming life over urban existence. The enduring resonance of his ideas is underpinned by the consistency of perspectives across different eras and fields of expertise, lending credence to the enduring appeal of rural living.