Analysis Of Quindlen's A Quilt Of A Country

The United States of America is globally known as a dominant world power and overall, a success-- considering the likelihood of a country made up of such disparate parts to even exist. The overall good fortune of this diverse country can only be accredited to tenacious patriotism incited by occurrences such as tragedy or a proud victory.
A reason the U.S. is so successful is the nationalism brought about by trials and tribulations like natural disasters and acts of terrorism have the power to bring the country closer together during those times of distress. Quindlen addresses this in her article, “A Quilt of a Country: Out of Many, One?” when she suggests that “terrorism has led to… unity”(5) because these tragic events cause these many parts, or individuals, to be “held together by a common enemy"(5). The article also suggests that the

time following a tragedy calls for a “reflection on enormous blessings”(Quindlen, 2).

The author skillfully uses logos to show the reader her reasoning from personal experience as a woman, a “product of a mixed marriage”(Quindlen, 3), and an individual in the United States who has witnessed tragic events and how they bring people together. When terrible things happen in the world, people find common ground by relating to the situation of those affected because trauma has the tendency to bring about nationalistic feelings. Furthermore, Abraham Lincoln gave his “Second Inaugural Address” during a “terrible war”(Lincoln, 2) that caused turmoil in each part of the country. In his speech, Lincoln uses ethos by utilizing his position of authority as the man holding “presidential office”(Lincoln, 1) and his faith in “a living God”(Lincoln, 5) to advocate for the kind treatment of others during that critical time. The tragic circumstances during the civil war prompted Abraham Lincoln to address the people of the united states to bring to light the condition of the country and urge everyone to

have "charity for all"(Lincoln, 6) in order for the country to be united again. In essence, unfortunate events act as uniting forces when people relate to each other and get to know people for who they really are rather than who they appear to be, making it one of the ways America succeeds despite being a melting pot of clashing cultures.
The public spirit of pride following a victory or other national accomplishment also has the power to move the country to become more united, making this another means by which America has not balkanized. The painting “Washington Crosses The Delaware” by Emanuel Leutze is a fine example of this, depicting a glorious Washington, the man who represented the country at that time, sailing beyond the dim colors towards the light, from despair to hope. This piece of propaganda applies pathos, giving off an air of patriotism following the revolutionary war that likely lifted the spirits of the American people-- then and now. These proud moments in history can be celebrated by anyone, no matter the background, which is crucial for a country made up of many different parts. Quindlen’s article reiterates the fact that America "consist[s] entirely of refugees"(6) and basically concludes that this is a feat in itself and it deserves praise. The optimistic tone towards the end of the article is evidence of pathos because it sparks proud feelings in the readers because the people of America are of “one spirit”(Quindlen, 8) and go by “one name”(Quindlen, 8). This pride in America’s heritage has kept it unified despite numerous issues, one of those being intolerance of anything different from what is familiar. Consequently, when all can find fulfillment in a shared triumph as one people, they will certainly grow closer. This is another reason how America has stayed one country while also being an amalgam of ethnicities and backgrounds.
All things considered, America is an unlikely concept due to thousands of years of conflict between people of different upbringings, but still continues to succeed and defy all odds. This country was founded on the patriotism stemming from tragic events and subsequent victories in history, which is what makes this country possible nonetheless.