America Quote by Ishmael Reed
“If the British prose style is Churchillian, America is the tobacco auctioneer, the barker; Runyon, Lardner, W.W., the traveling salesman who can sell the world the Brooklyn Bridge every day, can put anything over on you and convince you that tomatoes grow at the South Pole.”
About This Quote
A vivid metaphor comparing American prose to a flamboyant salesman who can sell impossible things.
In simple terms: American writing is bold, persuasive, and often exaggerated.
Critically assess persuasive language.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- marketing
- political speech
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When does persuasion become deception?
- How does style affect credibility?
The comparison may ignore nuanced literary traditions.