Emerson - Self Reliance

Excerpt from "Self Reliance"

"There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till. The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried. Not for nothing one face, one character, one fact, makes much impression on him, and another none. This sculpture in the memory is not without preestablished harmony. The eye was placed where one ray should fall, that it might testify of that particular ray. We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of us represents. It may be safely trusted as proportionate and of good issues, so it be faithfully imparted, but God will not have his work made manifest by cowards. A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise, shall give him no peace. It is a deliverance which does not deliver. In the attempt his genius deserts him; no muse befriends; no invention, no hope.
Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events. Great men have always done so, and confided themselves childlike to the genius of their age, betraying their perception that the absolutely trustworthy was seated at their heart, working through their hands, predominating in all their being. And we are now men, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny; and not minors and invalids in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing before a revolution, but guides, redeemers, and benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort, and advancing on Chaos and the Dark."

Reflection:

Emerson - Nature

Excerpt from "Nature"

"The stars awaken a certain reverence, because though always present, they are inaccessible; but all natural objects make a kindred impression, when the mind is open to their influence. Nature never wears a mean appearance. Neither does the wisest man extort her secret, and lose his curiosity by finding out all her perfection. Nature never became a toy to a wise spirit. The flowers, the animals, the mountains, reflected the wisdom of his best hour, as much as they had delighted the simplicity of his childhood."

Reflection:

Nature is a reflection upon the eye of the beholder and in this means if one is sad, nature is also sad, if one is happy, nature is also happy. I don’t mean that nature is exactly a living thing because of course it couldn’t be happy but it does take on the characteristic that it portrays happiness. I am surprised at the fact that Emerson captured the idea of the link between age and nature so well and I completely agree with his idea that nature is seen as more of a revered surrounding when it is being seen by children rather than adults. However, I find that not all adults are like this; some adults are able to view nature as a consoling environment and treat it with the same appreciation that children do. Emerson illustrates that nature is tranquil and powerful and I admire his quality work describing nature as serenity. I am, per say Emerson’s essay “Nature”, inspired to be more appreciative and accepting of nature because of its serene and tranquil qualities. Through experiences, however, nature can be difficult to appreciate whether it is the complications met through nature’s curious and mischievous animals or whether it is through the harsh conditions of the outdoors. But, overall, I think that the way that Emerson described Nature is pretty much a sum up of the overall qualities of the truth of nature.

Diary:

Dear Diary,

I recently read a book written by Emerson that was recommended by one of my good friends who said that it was a fantastic representation of real life. In reading this book I was immediately cast into a world of past reminisces of my childhood due to the references of relaxation and reverence toward nature. Emerson makes a reference towards nature that allows the reader to see that adults are less prone to enjoy nature than children are. This statement brought to me a sense of realization because it is true. Children are more free and open about things like nature because they don't have to worry about what it truly happening in their world because they don't really live in reality but instead they kind of live in their own little world. I am so inspired by Emerson's writing and will continue reading thigns that he writes so that I can truly understand his writing. I am now going to take a slow walk through the woods and then venture out onto the beach to absorb the true feeling of nature so that I can be one with what I actually used to enjoy instead of watching our society tear it down for industrial purposes.

Nature

Political Extension:

Essential Question Answer:

The impact of the dream upon immigrants is shown through transcendentalism by the immigrants coming over to this country hoping for a better job and better life where as in reality they only recieve better scenery.

Native American Myth: Coyote and the Columbia

"Coyote and the Columbia"

One day, Coyote was walking along. The sun was shining brightly, and Coyote felt very hot. "I would like a cloud," Coyote said. So a cloud came and made some shade for Coyote. Coyote was not satisfied. "I would like more clouds," he said. More clouds came along, and the sky began to look very stormy. But Coyote was still hot. "How about some rain," said Coyote. The clouds began to sprinkle rain on Coyote. "More rain," Coyote demanded. The rain became a downpour. "I would like a creek to put my feet in," said Coyote. So a creek sprang up beside him, and Coyote walked in it to cool off his feet. "It should be deeper," said Coyote. The creek became a huge, swirling river. Coyote was swept over and over by the water. Finally, nearly drowned, Coyote was thrown up on the bank far away. When he woke up, the buzzards were watching him, trying to decide if he was dead. "I'm not dead," Coyote told them, and they flew away. That is how the Columbia River began. Schlosser, S., E. “Coyote and the Columbia”, 2 October 2006. 23 March 2008 <http://www.americanfolklore.net/folktales/wa.html>

Reflection

Religion of Native Americans has been dwindled down to almost nothing as the English settlers required them to assimilate to the English way of life. Americans forced their religion upon the Native Americans making them discard their own thoughts and beliefs but bits and pieces of the Native American culture still remains. This can be seen through the myths passed down, orally, from generation to generation. For example, the story known as Coyote and the Columbia (http://www.americanfolklore.net/folktales/wa.html) has been retold and retold in order for it to be remembered for the present and even the future generations. This story explains how the Native Americans thought that a greedy Coyote, who could obtain anything through just asking for it, created the Columbia River. In this story, the Coyote almost drowned due to his greed which makes me wonder if this story's moral is "be careful what you wish for" because his life was put in jeopardy.

Diary:

Dear Diary,

I am Uriah Thomas, I am a white settler who has made his way from England to pursue the American Dream in the new lands and I find this story somewhat strange considering the fact that that is not what actually happened because it was in fact the Great Lord himself who created this river and who created the earth for the matter because he is the almighty ruler of this kingdom we call our home. Strange as it may be, this story is somewhat mesmerizing by its odd description of the creation of this Colorado River and yet I still find that it was the almight Himself that created this river. However, even while following under the hand of God I do have to say that this piece of literature has its own story behind it and considering the fact that the Native Americans were here before us anyways, I find it hard to believe that they might be wrong. It is they who had taken it upon themselves to settle in this area and they probably have more knowledge of the area than we do but I also find it hard to believe that animals could talk no matter the distant land. I also find it hard to believe that a talking coyote would have the ability to wish for something nad have it spontaneously appear right before his eyes. But it is for the great Lord to interperet and not his followers in my opinion and why does it matter in the first place because if they want to have different thoughts upon this world than they ought to be able to think freely.

Greed

Political Extension:

Essential Question Answer:

Native Americans were the first to actually inhabit the area that we now love and know as North America, however, when English settlers came over to establish their cities and towns upon the natives' land, they did not stop to think of what they were doing. The "American Dream" for the immigrants, which in this case were actually the English settlers, was to find a new beginning and better themselves by separating themselves from England, but in reaching this goal and fulfilling this dream they were also apt to destroying the dreams of the natives of the land. They might not have had the same dream and same ideas that the English settlers had but the owners of the land instead of the immigrants were impacted greatly by these newly established colonies.

Plymouth Plantation

Excerpt from "Plymouth Plantation"

"But presently, all on the sudden, they heard a great and strange cry, which they knew to be the same voices they heard in the night, though they varied their notes; and one of their company being abroad came running in and cried, "Men, Indians! Indians!" And withal, their arrows came flying amongst them. Their men ran with all speed to recover their arms, as by the good providence of God they did. In the meantime, of those that were there ready, two muskets were discharged at them, and two more stood ready in the entrance of their rendezvous but were commanded not to shoot till they could take full aim at them. And the other two charged again with-all speed, for there were only four had arms there, and defended the barricade, which was first assaulted. The cry of the Indians was dreadful, especially when they saw the men run out of the rendezvous toward the shallop to recover their arms, the Indians wheeling about upon them. But some running out with coats of mail on, and cutlasses in their hands, they soon got their arms land let fly amongst them and quickly stopped their violence. Yet there was a lusty man, and no less valiant, stood behind a tree within half a musket shot, and let his arrows fly at them; he was seen [to] shoot three arrows, which were all avoided. He stood three shots of a musket, till one taking full aim at him and made the bark or splinters of the tree fly about his ears, after which he gave an extraordinary shriek and away they went, all of them. They' left some to keep the shallop and followed them about a quarter of a mile and shouted once or twice, and shot off two or three pieces, and so returned. This they did that they might conceive that they were not afraid of them or any way discouraged. Thus it pleased God to vanquish their enemies and give them deliverance; and by His special providence so to dispose that not any one of them were either hurt or hit, though their arrows came close by them and on every side [of] them; and sundry of their coats, which hung up in the barricade, were shot through and through. Afterwards they gave God solemn thanks and praise for their deliverance, and gathered up a bundle of their arrows and sent them into England afterward by the master of the ship, and called that place the First Encounter" (5 Bradford).

Bradford, William. “Plymouth Plantation”, 14 June 2004. 23 March 2008.

<http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/english/coke/bradford.htm>

Reflection

The Pilgrims came to America to seek a new beginning and to leave behind their lack of independence in the power hungry country of England. In doing this they were able to free themselves, with a little bit of effort, from the iron grips of the government of England. However, they began to use this freedom wrongly through the coercion of the Native Americans to move westward so that the selfish Americans could expand due to their "Manifest Destiny". Also, the Americans began to fight over land about whose was whose. All of this lead to catastrophe in the sense that karma acted bitterly. Because of the Americans' wrongdoings, they suffered the consequences such as the major debt that they began to assume and the control that the English still held over them. I found the part about the Americans invading the space of the Native Americans the most interesting because I am American and I have many friends that have Native American backgrounds and I just don't understand how my relatives could treat my friends’ relatives with such harsh actions.

Diary:

Dear Diary,

My name is Uriah Thomas and I am from England traveling to the new world America to try and start a new life. Many others have also joined in the search for a new beginning but the trip so far has brought us many hardships. Many had suffered from illnesses and have even succumbed to death. Luckily, however, god gave me the strength to persevere and continue the lengthy trip in good health. However, along the trip I lost many family members and friends which saddened me but I knew that they would want me to continue my journey. My daughter Elizabeth is my only relative left and we together survived the trip.

We arrived only two days ago and the update is that we have landed and unpacked everything from our boat. We sent out explorers before, of course, though, and they responded that they had found no existence of other human life. Today however while walking through the woods to gather wood and food from the various plentiful plants of the wild, my daughter and I came across an opening where we could see smoke in the distance. As we advanced further and further into the opening we began to come to what seemed like a little village.

So as not to be too intrusive we slipped away from the camp and alerted our people and the leaders of our community. The solution of our small problem was to greet them with all respect and try to associate ourselves with them and teach them our ways. However, they seemed to disagree with us so they became our enemies and hostile.

Expansion (Immigration)

Political Extension:

Essential Question Answer:

The Puritan Era was full of immigration of English settlers trying to make their way to what they thought would be a better life but what they soon realized was that their "American Dream" had not turned out quite the way they had wanted it to. This is true in the sense that I find the American Dream to be portrayed as a stimulation of success through opportunity, however, the inaccessibility to achieve the goal of completing the dream is devastating to those who can not succeed and do not have that same opportunity. The English settlers are of course the immigrants in this case, but not all of the English were able to travel from their homeland to find new life in the Americas. This might have been because they did not have the money for the trip or because they had not been able to work off debts, or even because they needed to stay with their family who were not able to travel. In this sense does my essential question fit the understanding that the "American Dream" is something that has opened some peoples eyes to the realization of the world and that some people are able to advance themselves in society for htey have a certain opportunity where as those who do not have the opportunity can not become as successful.

Anne Bradstreet's Poems

Of the many poems of Bradstreet to chose from, I chose "The Author to her Book", "By Night when Others Soundly Slept", and "To my Dear and Loving Husband" because of the interest I partook upon the purpose for the author's writing of these specific poems.

The Author to her Book

Thou ill-form'd offspring of my feeble brain,
Who after birth did'st by my side remain,
Till snatcht from thence by friends, less wise than true,
Who thee abroad expos'd to public view,
Made thee in rags, halting to th' press to trudge,
Where errors were not lessened (all may judge).
At thy return my blushing was not small,
My rambling brat (in print) should mother call.
I cast thee by as one unfit for light,
Thy Visage was so irksome in my sight,
Yet being mine own, at length affection would
Thy blemishes amend, if so I could.
I wash'd thy face, but more defects I saw,
And rubbing off a spot, still made a flaw.
I stretcht thy joints to make thee even feet,
Yet still thou run'st more hobbling than is meet.
In better dress to trim thee was my mind,
But nought save home-spun Cloth, i' th' house I find.
In this array, 'mongst Vulgars mayst thou roam.
In Critics' hands, beware thou dost not come,
And take thy way where yet thou art not known.
If for thy Father askt, say, thou hadst none;
And for thy Mother, she alas is poor,
Which caus'd her thus to send thee out of door.
(http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poem/208.html)

By Night when Others Soundly Sleep

By night when others soundly slept
And hath at once both ease and Rest,
My waking eyes were open kept
And so to lie I found it best.
I sought him whom my Soul did Love,
With tears I sought him earnestly.
He bow'd his ear down from Above.
In vain I did not seek or cry.
My hungry Soul he fill'd with Good;
He in his Bottle put my tears,
My smarting wounds washt in his blood,
And banisht thence my Doubts and fears.
What to my Saviour shall I give
Who freely hath done this for me?
I'll serve him here whilst I shall live
And Loue him to Eternity.
(http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poem/209.html)

To my Dear and Loving Husband

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee.
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompence.
Thy love is such I can no way repay.
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persever

That when we live no more, we may live ever.

(http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poem/217.html)

Reflection

Anne Bradstreet is a genius when it comes to poetry because she thinks in unusual ways to express something that she really believes in which gives her pieces a little more zest than some of the other poets exemplify in their own writing. Bradstreet, with the help of her passionately creative mind, exposed the hardships of women in the Puritan Era. She allowed her readers to have a view or insight of what women during this period of history had to accomplish in order to uphold a stable household environment. These women were truly amazing because, even though they were mistreated in ways, they persevered and stuck through it until they were able to overcome the sexism which is where we are today. After thoroughly reading over the poems of Bradstreet I began to discover the complexity of her writings and how she was able to incorporate such vast intellectual knowledge of the perception of women of the Puritan Era. However, not only did she fit so much knowledge into a scarce amount of words, but she also used words of great emotion which ultimately proves the unbelievable nature of Bradstreet’s creative mind.

Diary:

Dear Diary,

It is Uriah Thomas again and it is getting close to the time for everyone to be asleep but I recently read some of Anne Bradstreet's poems and just had to comment upon them. I found them so hypnotizing and just immediately fell in love with her poetry. She writes so fluently but the only thing I am worried about is that a women is trying to diturb the heirarchy upon which we live our code and this heirarchy should not be disturbed by some meager poem. but on the flipside maybe it should. Her poems expressed love in so many ways and showed how one is taken by love and how love is like a drug and once you have had it you want to keep getting it no matter what. The language used makes one attentive and I was completely stunned at the hidden messages beneath her deep writing. She is truly an artisan of her craft and speaks the truth through words. I agree with her in some points during her poems but in others I find things that I don't agree with. However, I enjoyed her works of literature and intend to keep an eye open for more of her fantastic writing.

Passion

Political Extension:

Essential Question Answer:

Refer to "Plymouth Plantation" Essential Question Answer.

Huswifery

Huswifery

Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheele compleat;

Thy Holy Worde my Distaff make for mee.

Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neate,

And make my Soule thy holy Spoole to bee.

My Conversation make to be thy Reele,

And reele the yarn thereon spun of thy Wheele.

Make me thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine:

And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, winde quills:

Then weave the Web thyselfe. The yarn is fine.

Thine Ordinances make my Fulling Mills.

Then dy the same in Heavenly Colours Choice,

All pinkt with Varnish't Flowers of Paradise.

Then cloath therewith mine Understanding, Will,

Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory;

My Words and Actions, that their shine may fill

My wayes with glory and thee glorify.

Then mine apparell shall display before yee

That I am Cloathd in Holy robes for glory.

Reflection:

I found this poem to be a bit confusing because it was hard to understand. The author spelled things a little weird sometimes and talked as if he were writing this poem in the Middle Ages. I read the poem over a few times and then began to understand that the narrator is talking about how he wants to become holy and I think progress into Heaven because he wants to put on the "Holy Robes" and he was talking about how he would help make it.
This poem shows that the Lord works in mysterious ways because in this poem he is going to allow acceptance into Heaven through the wearing of some "Holy Robes" but the Lord most likely chose this person for their characteristics because if not someone who was completely horrible and life full of sins could gain acceptance into Heaven.

Diary:

Dear Diary,

I have come to find Huswifery of great importance because it expresses the true passion for religion and religion in our community is highly praised. The way Edward Taylor uses diction in order to reinforce points of importance such as stressing religion and how it is to be folllowed by everyone. This great work of art by Taylor has opened my eyes to reveal that I should let myself be saved and I should find myself within the Lord's realm. The unique form in which the author wrote this poem allows us to see things in different ways just as he did and with that I find that maybe I should try to balance my life a little more between family, work, and worship.

Praise

Political Extension:

Essential Question Answer:

Refer to "Plymouth Plantation" Essential Question Answer.

Jonathan Edwards - Sinners in the Hands of Angry God!

Excerpt from "Sinners in the Hand of Angry God!"

"In this verse is threatened the vengeance of God on the wicked unbelieving Israelites, who were God's visible people, and who lived under the means of grace; but who, notwithstanding all God's wonderful works towards them, remained (as vers 28.) void of counsel, having no understanding in them. Under all the cultivations of heaven, they brought forth bitter and poisonous fruit; as in the two verses next preceding the text. -- The expression I have chosen for my text, their foot shall slide in due time, seems to imply the following things, relating to the punishment and destruction to which these wicked Israelites were exposed.
That they were always exposed to destruction; as one that stands or walks in slippery places is always exposed to fall. This is implied in the manner of their destruction coming upon them, being represented by their foot sliding. The same is expressed, Psalm 72:18. "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction."
It implies, that they were always exposed to sudden unexpected destruction. As he that walks in slippery places is every moment liable to fall, he cannot foresee one moment whether he shall stand or fall the next; and when he does fall, he falls at once without warning: Which is also expressed in Psalm 73:18,19. "Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction: How are they brought into desolation as in a moment!"
Another thing implied is, that they are liable to fall of themselves, without being thrown down by the hand of another; as he that stands or walks on slippery ground needs nothing but his own weight to throw him down.
That the reason why they are not fallen already and do not fall now is only that God's appointed time is not come. For it is said, that when that due time, or appointed time comes, their foor shall slide. Then they shall be left to fall, as they are inclined by their own weight. God will not hold them up in these slippery places any longer, but will let them go; and then, at that very instant, they shall fall into destruction; as he that stands on such slippery declining ground, on the edge of a pit, he cannot stand alone, when he is let go he immediately falls and is lost" (Edwards, 1-2).

Reflection:

This sermon explains the wrath that God hast thrown down upon the Israelites or will throw down because of their horrible sins. I enjoyed this part of the sermon because it's use of comparison between the Israelites position and being on a slippery ground very different and very creative.
It is true about how when someone defies the laws of God they seem to be pictured on a "slippery ground" and it is only by God's hand that they are still standing because otherwise, they would fall and be "destroyed". I like Mr. Edwards view point about how if not guided by God the Israels would "slip and fall". But this does not apply to these people unless they have defied God in some way because God accepts all, unless they have defied him.

Diary:

I quite enjoyed listening to Mr. Edwards during his sermon because he speaks the truth that the holy Lord Almighty is in control and shall banish those who are not worthy to Hell. Otherwise they are accepted as his followers which most people thrive to become so that they are accepted in his eyes. God can forgive all but when it comes to people such as the Israelis, as Mr. Edwards stated in his sermon, some things should just not be forgotten and therefore, I, Uriah Thomas, try as hard as I can to rid myself of all thoughts of sins because I want to be accepted under God's wing. I pray for the men and women who are not following under the Lord's law for they will surely be punished by being "destroyed" as Mr. Edwards put it.

Worship

Political Extension:

Essential Question Answer:

Refer to "Plymouth Plantation" Essential Question Answer

Olidah Equiano's Slave Narrative

Excerpt from "Olidah Equiano's account of the Middle Passage"

"I now saw myself deprived of all chance of returning to my native country, or even the least glimpse of hope of gaining the shore, which I now considered as friendly; and I even wished for my former slavery in preference to my present situation, which was filled with horrors of every kind, still heightened by my ignorance of what I was to undergo. I was not long suffered to indulge my grief; I was soon put down under the decks, and there I received such a salutation in my nostrils as I had never experienced in my life: so that, with the loathsomeness of the stench, and crying together, I became so sick and low that I was not able to eat, nor had I the least desire to taste any thing. I now wished for the last friend, death, to relieve me; but soon, to my grief, two of the white men offered me eatables; and, on my refusing to eat, one of them held me fast by the hands, and laid me across, I think the windlass, and tied my feet, while the other flogged me severely. I had never experienced any thing of this kind before, and although not being used to the water, I naturally feared that element the first time I saw it, yet, nevertheless, could I have got over the nettings, I would have jumped over the side, but I could not; and besides, the crew used to watch us very closely who were not chained down to the decks, lest we should leap into the water; and I have seen some of these poor African prisoners most severely cut, for attempting to do so, and hourly whipped for not eating. This indeed was often the case with myself. In a little time after, amongst the poor chained men, I found some of my own nation, which in a small degree gave ease to my mind. I inquired of these what was to be done with us? they gave me to understand, we were to be carried to these white people's country to work for them. I then was a little revived, and thought, if it were no worse than working, my situation was not so desperate; but still I feared I should be put to death, the white people looked and acted, as I thought, in so savage a manner; for I had never seen among any people such instances of brutal cruelty; and this not only shown towards us blacks, but also to some of the whites themselves. One white man in particular I saw, when we were permitted to be on deck, flogged so unmercifully with a large rope near the foremast, that he died in consequence of it; and they tossed him over the side as they would have done a brute. This made me fear these people the more; and I expected nothing less than to be treated in the same manner. I could not help expressing my fears and apprehensions to some of my countrymen; I asked them if these people had no country, but lived in this hollow place? (the ship) they told me they did not, but came from a distant one. 'Then,' said I, 'how comes it in all our country we never heard of them?' They told me because they lived so very far off. I then asked where were their women? had they any like themselves? I was told they had. 'And why,' said I, 'do we not see them?' They answered, because they were left behind. I asked how the vessel could go? they told me they could not tell; but that there was cloth put upon the masts by the help of the ropes I saw, and then the vessel went on; and the white men had some spell or magic they put in the water when they liked, in order to stop the vessel. I was exceedingly amazed at this account, and really thought they were spirits. I therefore wished much to be from amongst them, for I expected they would sacrifice me; but my wishes were vainÑ-for we were so quartered that it was impossible for any of us to make our escape."

Reflection:

The injustice shown by “Equaino’s Account of the Middle Passage” is unethical and unbearable and impossible to acknowledge the fact that my ancestors from a long time ago could have enslaved people in such a manner because this just means that I have some relation to the enslavement of people that I have befriended and found to be the same as me. This was a very interesting piece because it revealed the truth about how the slaves were treated and how the cruelty of man was exposed. As well as exposing the truth about the cruelty of slavery, it is also shown through this piece how the “American Dream” was basically eradicated from the minds of those who were enslaved because they never had a chance, or that one opportunity, that other people were allowed to come by. I chose this passage because it showed the cruelty of slaves and then only reason they are treated this way is because the color of their skin which is ultimately discrimination. The reason that this interests me is because our community is still fighting this today because we still suffer from major differences in our community. Modern day still exhibits qualities of disputes and arguments about how our society should act to actually take on the appearance of a community of peace and serenity which is what we ultimately want for our future generations.

Diary:

Dear Diary,

I don't think that this piece of literature should be published because first of all the author is saying things that he is lying about and I know because I used to b a transporter of the slaves from their land to the Americas. I mean we didn't beat the slaves for senseless reasons, we only beat them when they were disobedient or refused to do something. We only did this, however, because we needed some method to keep order on the boat. Even with this system of order some slaevs still managed to escape from time to time but they didn't deserve their freedom because they were different. however, as time passed, we began to lose more and more control over them and they began to gain more and more freedom. Sometimes I think that their freedom might have been for the best but the way that the autho of this narrative describes us white folk is just unjustly because we only did what we did out of need for help around our camps.

Slavery

Political Extension:

Essential Question Answer:

This piece of literature represents the American Dream through the unreachable goal of the slaves that happened to be imprisoned in a world of cruelty. If they had been allowed the same opportunity as the English settlers had been given, they might have made something of themselves during this era. However, they were not given this opportunity which shows the realization of success being denied through the absence of a given opportunity.

"Give me Liberty or give me Death" - Patrick Henry

Excerpt from "Give me Liberty or give me Death" Speech

"This is no time for ceremony. The question before the house is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at the truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings. Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the numbers of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? "

Reflection:

Patrick Henry was an inspiring leader who believed in independence and freedom from the agonizing grips of the British government. He explained through his famous “Give me Liberty or give me Death” speech how if the English settlers of the Americas are not allowed freedom from the government but are held under certain rules of what they are allowed to do and how they have restrictions upon them, then they are no more than common slaves to the government of the British. I chose this part of Patrick Henry’s speech because it exhibits his propaganda techniques in the persuasion of following him for independence. I completely agree with Henry on the fact that they should’ve had freedom from Britain as soon as they founded their own government because they are their own people but some thought otherwise and I think that might have been the reason for the uprising conflict within the community. Of course, propaganda is usually very helpful in the persuasion of people’s thoughts upon a subject since it is basically a manipulation of what is really going on. This interested me so much because it actually worked and he was able to persuade many people of the Americas in following him to the uprising to fight for their independence. This was a major part of history for what would later become the US and I think that is the main reason for me picking this portion of the piece, for had Henry not risen up and created this persuasive packet, we would not be living in a country where everyone is free to do as they please. Within his speech, Patrick Henry incorporates the use of the three literary devices known as logos, pathos, and ethos. We see Patrick Henry exhibit his use of logos when he talks about the taxing of Great Britain to the people of America. He then uses pathos when he is talking tothe people of America by using many, many different connotations. Finally, we see Patrick Henry use ethos when he uses high level vocabulary to establishthe point that it is only right for the people of America to rebel to fight for their independence because they are being treated unrulingly by the government of the British.

Diary:

Dear Diary,

It is imperative that we, as the people of America, find independence from Britain because otherwise, we could just label ourselves as the new enslaved people of the British. However, we can defeat this foe if we band together and in doing this, reach our goal of being our own independent country, having liberty, having freedom and the choices of doing what we want to without consequence which is basically what Patrick Henry was saying. We have taken it upon ourselves to do nothing for the time so far but we can eradicate this control over us. Our independence is crucial to separate ourselves from the government of the British for we can become our own government and run our own lives but otherwise, we are basically slaves because we are letting the British control us completely by giving us restrictions on things and giving us certain taxes, etc. However, we can turn these tables upon the British through the careful and peaceful rebellion against their rules and their restrictions.

Independence

Political Extension:

Essential Question Answer:

This piece of literature represents the American Dream because it allows the English settlers to have the opportunity to better themselves by seperating themselves from an overpowering government and by doing so, creating their independence. Their newly opened door of opportunity is their chance to prove themselves and progress in society where as the people they enslaved were not given this opportunity.

Thomas Paine - "The Crisis"

Excerpt from Thomas Paine's "The Crisis" Pamphlet

Quitting this class of men, I turn with the warm ardor of a friend to those who have nobly stood, and are yet determined to stand the matter out: I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state: up and help us; lay your shoulders to the wheel; better have too much force than too little, when so great an object is at stake. Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it. Say not that thousands are gone, turn out your tens of thousands; throw not the burden of the day upon Providence, but "show your faith by your works," that God may bless you. It matters not where you live, or what rank of life you hold, the evil or the blessing will reach you all. The far and the near, the home counties and the back, the rich and the poor, will suffer or rejoice alike. The heart that feels not now is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardice, who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole, and made them happy. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death. My own line of reasoning is to myself as straight and clear as a ray of light. Not all the treasures of the world, so far as I believe, could have induced me to support an offensive war, for I think it murder; but if a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and kills or threatens to kill me, or those that are in it, and to "bind me in all cases whatsoever" to his absolute will, am I to suffer it? What signifies it to me, whether he who does it is a king or a common man; my countryman or not my countryman; whether it be done by an individual villain, or an army of them? If we reason to the root of things we shall find no difference; neither can any just cause be assigned why we should punish in the one case and pardon in the other.

Reflection:

I chose this passage of Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “The Crisis” because it interested me in the sense that it allowed the reader to view the reality behind the uprising of the common people of North America to the controlling government of Britain. This was interesting to me because these people decide to follow the path less traveled in fighting for their independence against all odds and I myself have taken on the challenge of following the path less traveled by going to Isaac Bear Early College High School. Not only have I gone to this school but I have also stuck to it where as others have not because they thought the work was too much or that the work was too hard but I kept on fighting for it in a similar way to how the English settlers of America kept on fighting for their independence from the British government. These similarities between my life and the life of the English settlers made me want to read more about the rebellion against the British government because in a way, I rebelled against certain thoughts that I had conjured while going to middle school about obtaining the real high school experience but I instead made my way into Isaac Bear because I knew that it would lead to a better end. Within his pamphlet known as "The Crisis", Thomas Paine incorporates the three literary devices known as logos, pathos, and ethos. We first see Paine use logos when he uses specific quotations to prove the point about it being logical fo rhte people of America to rebel against the British government. Then, Paine uses pathos when he uses figurative language to add power to his speech. Finally Paine uses ethos when he uses a high level of vocabulary to reinforce the importance of the declartion of independence from Britain.

Diary:

Dear Diary,

I just wanted to reiterate the fact that we as people, the English settlers of the New Americas, need to band together to rebel against the British government because they have complete control over us and we are being treated wrongly where as if we were independent and separated from the British government, we as a people could become our own government, form our own ways, and strive to become a community with better goals in sight than we have now. The control of the British government over our people has restricted us to certain limits for long enough, their random taxes on imports from places other than Britain has cost us hard earned money for the last time, we need to take our hatred of the British up a notch and fight back because we are being treated no less than slaves which I know not only angers me, but all of the people of the New Americas as well. We should not be treated this poorly because we have the right to set our own rules and create our own government because we are completely different than they are, we live in a different environment, but we are just the same as they are and yet we do not treat them such as they do us. In conclusion, we, as the people of America, need to turn the tides and fight back for what is truly deserved of our people, INDEPENDENCE!

Patriotism

Political Extension:

Essential Question Answer:

Refer to "Give me Liberty or give me Death"-Patrick Henry Essential Question Answer.

Interviews

Dad:
Well, I own a home at least for the time being. I have a home, a family, a job, employment. But in all honesty I don’t believe I have actually accomplished reaching that goal because I have no health insurance, I struggle to get by, etc. What is the American Dream because I think that things could be better or they could be worse, but they damn sure could be better too.

Mom:
My American Dream was to get married and have a family and let my children grow up and to pursue their dreams.

Swedish Substitute (Ms. Martina Jonsson):

It should mean going from nothing to going to everything both in a social aspect and a financial aspect. I have achieved it because my family is a perfect example of it because my family came to the US in 1933. Since then we were doing well, and in some ways we were doing better here than in Sweden.

Reflection:
I realized that my dad has been through some rough times where it seemed like there was no chance for recovery but he always pulled through and what might have been the lack of justice, or the loss of government support, or even because of the unfairness of life and he has lost hope. He grew up thinking that life would be a breeze because our government was supportive but he experienced an epiphany somewhere along the line and if I had to guess when, I would say it was when he became badly injured in his car crash. On the other hand, however, my mom specifically states her view of the American Dream as a sort of common thought because everyone wants their children to grow up, fulfill their dream, and be successful but I understand her completely because she loves her children. I acknowledged both of their responses but I thought that my dad put a little bit more thought into his. I also realized that the American Dream isnn't accesible to everyone but those who are able to have the opportunity to prove themselves can succeed in many ways.