Short Answer 
The answer outlines a three-step process for summarizing an excerpt: first, identify key themes like societal issues and sentiments about national greatness; second, highlight important characters and ideas, such as President Reagan’s views on American heroism; and third, craft a concise summary that captures the essence of the passage. This approach ensures a clear and comprehensive understanding of the text for readers unfamiliar with it.
Step 1: Identify Key Themes
Begin by reading the excerpt thoroughly to grasp the core ideas being presented. Focus on identifying the most significant themes, such as the provocative questions posed by popular novels and the sentiments of Americans regarding their nation’s greatness. These themes are essential as they reflect societal issues and literary relevance, which are crucial for the summary.
Step 2: Highlight Important Characters and Ideas
Next, pay attention to any key figures or ideas mentioned in the excerpt. This includes examining President Reagan’s belief about John Wayne’s legacy as an American hero. Make a note of these characters and their relevance to the discussion, as they provide context and depth to the themes identified in Step 1.
Step 3: Craft a Concise Summary
Finally, combine your findings into a clear and concise summary. Ensure that your summary encapsulates the main points you identified, such as the questioning nature of popular novels, the disillusionment of Americans, and the notion of enduring heroism. Aim to present a balanced overview that reflects the essence of the passage, making it understandable for readers unfamiliar with the original text.