Mary Antin

Mary Antin, The Promised Land
1) This document describes the story of a Russian immigrant family. The story is narrated at the angle of Mary, one of the family members. Marya, which originatellywas Maryashe, explains the changes she had when moving to New York, US. Marya is impressed by the basic services the US provides her. She mentions that in America everything is free including freeeducation, lightning, music and the opportunity for clothing was also provided. The fact she is impressed with these basic services, makes me assume that back in Russia there was a cost for them.2) They consider the US to be the land of opportunity because education was free and the opening of a business was possible. Mary’s dad describes free education as the treasure that no thief couldtouch, not even misfortune or poverty. This makes me realize how much these immigrants valued education. It is also described that her dad had a business which sold basic aliments. Even though Mary’smom didn’t speak English she had the basic mathematical skills a store requires and was able to help his husband.
3) As all immigrants, they had to adapt to the American way of life and culture.Even though Mary didn’t complained of how English was a challenge, by seeing the difficulties the family faced in their business and the changing of their names to English easy- pronounced names readerscan assume that the language was a hardship they had to deal with. Another hardship would be money. Since they were poor, they had to hardily begin a new life in New York. Lastly, the changing oftheir names, and changing of the way they dressed were also hardships they had to deal in order to adapt themselves to the American lifestyle.
4) I believe the greatest American President was GeorgeWashington because he was truly devoted to his country.

Washington's tenure in office set the nation on a path that has endured now for over 200 years, longer than any other republic in history....