Question

(a) Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative meanings. In paragraph 1 of “A Quilt of a Country,” the author uses a simile, or a comparison. She says that the United States “was built of bits and pieces … like the crazy quilts that have been one of its great folk-art forms, velvet and calico and checks and brocades.” What does the comparison mean about the United States?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

Anna Quindlen uses a simile in her article "A Quilt of a Country", comparing the United States to a quilt "built of bits and pieces..." This comparison means that the United States, just like the quilt, is formed by parts that do not originally match, that are dissimilar. However, once put together, those parts end up forming a beautiful mosaic of people. While the quilt has a thread to unite its parts, the United States has its ideals and dreams to unite the different people who form its population. Therefore, no matter what origin and cultural background people may have, they are still parts of an important and beautiful whole.