In the essay “What Is American History?” by Judith Ortiz Cofer, the author explores the complexities of American history and what it means to be an American. Cofer begins by acknowledging that America is a melting pot of cultures and languages, with a diverse history that cannot be contained in a single narrative.
Throughout the essay, Cofer uses various stylistic elements to emphasize her points and engage with her audience. One such element is bold text, which she uses to highlight important concepts and ideas.
For example, she writes: “America is not a pure culture, if such a thing exists.” This statement emphasizes the diversity of American culture and challenges the notion of an exclusively “American” identity.
Cofer also incorporates lists into her writing to organize her thoughts and make them more accessible to readers. She lists several cultural traditions that have contributed to American history, including Native American languages, African rhythms, and European literature. By breaking down these complex ideas into simple bullet points, Cofer makes them easier for readers to understand.
Additionally, Cofer uses subheaders throughout the essay to signal shifts in topic or emphasis. For example, she uses
tags for major sections like “The Language We Speak,” while using
tags for subsections within those sections like “The Language of Politics.” These subheaders help guide readers through her essay and make it easier for them to follow her arguments.
Finally, Cofer incorporates underlined text into her writing for emphasis. She underlines phrases like “the national myth” and “the immigrant experience” to draw attention to their significance in American history. This technique helps readers focus on specific ideas and reinforces their importance within the larger context of the essay.
In conclusion, Judith Ortiz Cofer’s essay “What Is American History?” is a thoughtful exploration of America’s complex cultural heritage.
Through her use of bold text, lists, subheaders, and underlined text, Cofer engages with her audience and makes her ideas more accessible. By incorporating these stylistic elements into your own writing, you too can create engaging and informative content that captures the attention of your readers.