Beveridge American Dream

The required reading material has made an attempt to convince the reader as to why they should essentially believe in the “American Dream.” Throughout the reading there are countless mentions and references to moments in which America had its back against the wall. However, the common denominator seen in each essay is how democracy prevailed. Each speech is so infused with patriotism that the reader, upon reading both to completion, is led to believe if someone were to lacerate each speech with the most minor of cuts, the documents would bleed red, white, and blue. In other words, each essay is attempting to convince the reader why it is so great to be an American.
When it comes to the motivation behind each speech, it is fairly easy for the reader to find the source. As mentioned earlier,
Do not misinterpret this insert for a lackluster attempt at persuasion. It does indeed rile up the reader for the speakers cause but the reader can be dissuaded at the Beveridge’s initial remarks that question the readers patriotism. William Jenning Bryan includes a similar passage in his speech when he states, “The hour of temptation has come but temptations do not destroy, they merely test the strength of individuals and nations; they are stumbling blocks or stepping stones; the lead to infamy or fame” (Bryan 13). He reinforces his topic by including how “Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen served together in Continental army and both were offered British gold. Arnold yielded to the temptation and made his name a synonym for treason; Allen resisted and lives in the affections of his countrymen” (13). Essentially Beveridge and Bryan are stating very similar things, yet Bryan appears more persuasive. While Beveridge questions the reader and asks whether or not the reader is on the American side or not, Bryan increases his intensity within the similar statements by given the reader an ultimatum, “Us or the