The Frontier Heritage

This study guide will help you analyze the text “The Frontier Heritage” by Edward N. Kearny. The text is found in Worlds of English, p. 103. We will show you examples of elements in the text that will be relevant for your analysis. In these notes, we will focus on the structure, sender, receiver, theme and message, characteristics of the text, and help you put the text in perspective.

Presentation of the text

Title: “The Frontier Heritage”
Author: Edward N. Kearny
Published in: American Ways: An Introduction to American Culture
Date of Publication: 1984
Genre: Essay

Edward N. Kearny is an American historian. His works focus on the way values and culture are shaped in American society. His most well-known books are American Ways: An Introduction to American Culture and Mavericks in American Politics.

Topic of the text

The text “The Frontier Heritage” explores the way the concept of the frontier has shaped American culture and values. Expanding from one frontier to another on the American continent has given rise to self-reliant individuals, to inventiveness and the ‘can-do’ spirit, and to equal opportunities. In other words, the text explores the foundations of the American spirit and their connection to the concept of the frontier.

Further help

Do you want additional help with analysis of speeches? See our general guide to non-fiction analysis.