Question

What is the central idea of Quindlen’s essay? Do you feel your American identity relates to her central idea?

Answer 1

The central idea that Anna Quindlen focuses in her essay “Homeless” is that of the importance of a home and its importance in one’s life. How a person feels when he losses his home and has to relocate to some sheltered place have a great significance in the essay. She also lays emphasis on the importance of memories and the tangible things which may get lost in the future. Her emphasis is not just on the broad picture of having or not having a home rather a detailed picture of it. Home for her signifies a place which is symbolic of stability, certainty and predictability which marks a person’s freedom and importance in his own hometown.

The identity of Americans can be seen closely linked with that of the central idea of the essay. As the Americans had to struggle to gain their own ‘home’ in their own motherland so is the main idea of the essay. What a ‘home’ is for a homeless person and his desire to attain his home and place back is the same issue which the Americans are still facing today.

Answer 2

Quindlen’s central idea is that although the United States is a mix of cultures, an event like the September 11 terrorist attacks unites the population. This idea takes into account relevant social issues such as national community and harmony. I could identify with her central idea because I have friends at school whose families came to the United States from all over the world—Mexico, Guatemala, and Vietnam. My father is from Mexico and my mother was born in the United States. While we have different traditions and beliefs, we see ourselves as American kids who have similar interests and goals. When there is a major world event, we usually talk about it from our perspective as Americans.