E. Annie Proulx's, "Accordion Crimes" takes an in-depth look at many various

immigrant families' social, cultural, religious and ideological contributions to the American

society and political system. Proulx details each ethnic groups' struggle to maintain their

own unique identity. However, each groups' attempts at remaining unique actually

patterns the other. In doing so, these groups actually contribute to form a new "American"

polity. This formation of a new polity is Proulx's theme. The new "American" polity is

formed through hard work, unity and perseverance under fire. They are extremely evident

in the Italian, German and Polish ethnicities.

Proulx introduces the audience to an Italian accordion maker. "The Accordion

Maker," follows this Italian man's journey to the United States. He "thought of a new

life, fresh and unused, of money hanging in the future like pears hidden in high

leaves."(19). Money is a primary apparatus for moving to America. Finding work was

difficult, and he soon learned he must bid for employment. In doing so, the Italian takes a

crash-course in free enterprise: "That is how it works in America...[y]ou must pay to be

Once again Proulx brings three different cultures together by there similar actions.

So, the Italian did, and worked hard on fruit boats until he saw the

Each group has centered themselves on hard work, and they have all joined coalitions to

and Loats soon find their community thriving. They adapt a philosophy, "Vork hard and

believed in hard work. "No work, no pork, no money, no baloney." (251). Her family is

layed-low, but war bonds and enjoyed the post-war economic boom.

hate them both, curse them as sacks of evil." (26). He finds it necessary to band together

cultivating and hammering, raising frames and fencing, pacing off new fields for corn and

Some common words found in the essay are:
Association America, Accordion Crimes, America Finding, Joey Sonia, Americans Germans, It's Germans, Messermacher Loats, Society Polish, Little Palermo, Accordion Maker, american polity, accordion maker, family discussed, sicilians italians, american society, polish family, themselves center, accordion crimes, perseverance fire,
Approximate Word count = 992
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)