An essay discussing the reception of The Birth of a Nation, 1936.

This essay from Alyse Abrams’ Writing Program discusses the way The Birth of a Nation was received by viewers. Although politicians and African Americans were opposed to the film, the majority of people enjoyed and praised it.

Courtesy of The New York Public Library.
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Tips for Students

For this source, consider:

  • the author's point of view
  • the author's purpose
  • historical context
  • audience