# English Writers on America explained — The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.

> Chapter companion for The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. by Washington Irving.

## What happens

Geoffrey Crayon reflects on the growing literary animosity between England and America, criticizing English travelers for spreading prejudice and error about the United States. He urges American writers to avoid retaliation and instead cultivate candor, impartiality, and appreciation for what is excellent in English character, emphasizing the importance of preserving pure public opinion in a republic.

## Themes in this chapter

### National Identity and Cultural Exchange

Crayon discusses the strained cultural and literary relations between England and America, urging Americans to learn from England while maintaining their own national pride.

### Literary Creation and Plagiarism

The chapter critiques English writers for spreading misinformation about America and calls on American writers to respond with candor rather than retaliation.

## Character check-ins

### Geoffrey Crayon

The narrator and observer, expressing regret over literary animosity and advocating for impartiality.

## Key lines

> It is with feelings of deep regret that I observe the literary animosity daily growing up between England and America.

Crayon expresses sorrow over the increasing hostility in writing between the two nations.

_Opening statement setting the chapter's theme of cross-cultural tension._

> English travellers are the best and the worst in the world.

English travelers can be either excellent or terrible depending on whether national pride is involved.

_Crayon's critique of biased English travel writing about America._

> Let it be the pride of our writers, therefore, discarding all feelings of irritation, and disdaining to retaliate the illiberality of British authors, to speak of the English nation without prejudice, and with determined candor.

American writers should take pride in responding to British bias with fairness and honesty, not retaliation.

_Crayon's call for measured and principled literary conduct._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sketchbook_of_geoffrey_crayon_gent_se/chapters/english-writers-on-america
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sketchbook_of_geoffrey_crayon_gent_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sketchbook_of_geoffrey_crayon_gent_se/chapters