Epilogue: Brooklyn’s America

What is an American? Francie Nolan, the heroine of Betty Smith’s novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, encounters this question on the first day at her new school. When the teacher calls the roll, and asks each child her lineage, the answers are alike: “I’m Polish-American. My father was born in Warsaw.” “Irish-American. Me fayther and mither were born in County Cork.” Only Francie’s answer is different, and is offered with pride: “I’m an American.” “I know you’re American,” said the easily exasperated teacher. “But what’s your nationality?” “American!” insisted Francie even more proudly. “Will you tell me what your