Transcendentalist Society Con/Pro Essay

           Imagine a place called “Foreverland”: people live in a world where laws prohibit judging or blaming others and excluding people from any activity or social group. A person could relax in this transcendental society, because the stress of worrying about being judged would be nonexistent. This would lead to humanity developing to its fullest and highest potential. This society would value and reward people in the helping professions rather than those whose work is motivated only by making money for themselves. Social harmony and equality would be the norm. Although it’s tempting to think a society like this could function in today’s world, the reality is this place could not exist today because today’s culture more highly values making money over doing good for others; humans are wired to be selective about the relationships they develop; and, unfortunately, sidestepping responsibility for one’s wrongdoings and bad behavior is deeply ingrained and frequently modeled in present society.

            One could argue that Foreverland could exist. Society must only change its laws and thinking to make it possible. It could work if it were possible to force people to change. If citizens were punished for judging, blaming, excluding and being greedy, their behavior might reform. They would eventually try to avoid the consequences of negative behavior. If there were generous rewards for being less selfish and more considerate of others, society might be able to change for the better. If society provided more money for staffing helping institutions with enough workers to help all those who need it, more people could be helped. That would mean less crime and less suffering would occur in that society. However, as the saying goes, all of that is easier said than done. Besides, changing human behavior and thought takes hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years.

                        In Foreverland, excluding others from social and business groups would be banned. This would ensure social harmony and equality would be achieved. This also would ensure that others would not be hurt by feeling unwanted. However, because humans are naturally attracted to those with whom they can relate, this would make it nearly impossible to change whom one would befriend. In business, people group together around areas of knowledge or tasks to be performed. Exclusion is not always meant to be mean. It is just natural. Sometimes not including a person or a group is a matter of feeling comfortable because a group might share the same values or sense of humor or goals or spiritual thoughts, etc. Sometimes excluding someone or a group has to do with being productive. It would be very difficult to get some things done if people had to constantly sort through their differences before they could work together to solve a problem or achieve a goal. Progress would be slowed in today’s fast-paced society.  

            In Foreverland people would accept responsibility for their own actions. This would be extremely difficult to do in today’s society because it has developed into a blaming culture. One constantly witnesses pubic figures, business people, sports figures, and entertainers putting blame on someone else for their own malfeasances. Because it is often heard about in the mass media it is deemed acceptable for others outside the spotlight to behave in such a way. Therefore, it is often considered a normal and efficient way to handle problems. It has turned into an easy way out of a difficulty. People do not realize the hardships that blaming can cause for other people and how overlooking the moral misdoing can lead to more of the same. It is easier to point fingers than to own up to one’s behavior and the consequences involved.

The fact is, today’s society and Foreverland have opposite values. In Foreverland, the helping professions would be equal to others in status and pay. This would show that the society values those who help others and prevent problems rather than glorifying and overpaying those who are interested only in making money for themselves. However, today’s society places emphasis on making lots of money and living a lavish lifestyle. Many equate money with happiness. This is because today’s culture does not place a monetary value on the happiness one gets from helping others. The good in it may be acknowledged from time to time, but it is not viewed as a societal goal to strive for such as is becoming wealthy. It would be an impossible task within any reasonable time frame to convince people that caring for others is overall more satisfying and beneficial to society than spoiling oneself.

            The reasons presented show that a transcendental society like that of Foreverland could not function in the world as we know it. It would be impossible to change the societal patterns of everyday life and the way people work and play together. It is hard to change the way people view others and behave in public. No law will be powerful enough to make all people change their behaviors, especially those that are deeply established. Thousands of laws exist today, but the jails are still full. Evidently, the threat of punishment doesn’t work with all people. Scholars will say that society is becoming more kind in general, but there is still a long road to travel to get to Foreverland. A transcendentalist society could not exist today because of the values already firmly established such as valuing making money rather than doing good for others, sidestepping responsibility, and being selective about relationships. 

Dead Poets Society Post

The movie the Dead Poets Society is the quintessence of how non-conformity can effect and drastically change a community, such as Welton Acadamy Prep School. When transcendentalist beleif is brought into such a school that prides itself on tradition, honor, and discipline, change does not mix well into the solution. Staying true to the virtues that the private, all male school stood on, they provided a uniform and constructive environment for their students. When the new English teacher Mr. Keating arrives things begin to change for his accustomed and regulated students. He teaches them to think for themselves, and to take pride in what they believe. However, his non-conformist ways begin to upset the order and routine of the school, angering his fellow co-workers.  Unlike Mr. Keating the rest of the staff at Welton differ slightly, even in their looks. They believe that discipline and order is key for the development of intellectual and intelligent men. Although expressing oneself is very important in the growth of an individual, the boys at Welton were not there to discover themselves. Their parents have paid enormous tuitions to the school so they could see their child prosper in life. However most of these parents do not realize that prospering in life is not completely based on how much money one makes, but that one can be able to express oneself as an individual and feel comfortable doing so.  Mr. Keating understood this, but one man was just not able to stand up to an entire school.

The danger in Mr. Keating’s non-conformist ways show when the boys begin to act. As brave as I think Mr. Keating is I do not think that Welton was the right place for such transcendentalist beliefs. One man tried to defy the years of tradition at Welton by challenging not only the students, but the entire school board and community. Parents sent their children to Welton because they wanted the structure and discipline that Welton provided. They wanted to see their children graduate to Ivy League colleges, and quite frankly they did not care about what their sons saw for themselves. When such expectations are held in place from birth it is nearly impossible for one man to change the beliefs of a whole community. One example of non-conformity gone awry is the tragic death of Neil. As he absorbs the ideals of non-conformity that Mr. Keating presents to the class he strays from his set path. Not understanding the importance of individuality that Mr. Keating has taught Neil, his father forces him into an unsatisfying life. Once Neil understands that there is no way out he is convinced that suicide is the only way out. Only then will he no longer have to pretend to be something he is not.

Modern Day Transcendentalist

In the modern age it is hard to stay true to oneself especially for those in the media spotlight. Resisting the urge to change on the behalf of another person's judgments or beliefs takes courage. Today one can look at Selena Gomez as a modern day transcendentalist. She encourages others to look inside themselves and accept who they are, emphasizing not to change oneself. In her song “Who Says” Selena stresses how important it is to be an individual. She also tells her audience that no one else can tell them who they are, only they have the power to do that. In her song she sings, “I’m sure you got some things you’d like to change about yourself. But when it comes to me I wouldn’t want to be anybody else.” This shows that Selena is comfortable in her own skin and happy with who she is. As a non-conformist Selena embraces her individuality and shows gracefulness in doing so. She also sings, “I’m no beauty queen, I’m just beautiful me.” The message that she passes to listeners is that everybody is beautiful in their own way and to accept oneself.

The moral that I can take out of this song is to respect others and respect yourself. This song relays a very important message to millions of listeners. I consider Selena a transcendentalist because she is accepts herself and tells millions of people every day to accept their self as well.

In an interview Selena tells a reporter, “I was the never the girl who thought I needed to make sure I look like all the other girls. I think you look best when you stand out.” This embraces a non-conformist philosophy that a real individual can stay true to their beliefs in the middle of a crowd. Through expression through song Selena represents non-conformist philosophies and proves herself a modern day transcendentalist.

http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/4039819.Selena_Gomez
http://eiris.edublogs.org/files/2010/11/selena-gomez-20080904-4518101-qpyved.jpg

Walden Essay

Progress ultimately benefits society by advancing ways of life. Progress benefits certain aspects of life by creating more efficient means of living. Wherever there is a desire for improvement progress will continue to be made. Such improvement is positive for society. Within a population progress will continue to be made, making it almost unavoidable.  Progress advances the world and simplifies everyday living. Progress benefits the people rather than hurts them. Progress is good in that it helps the development of a civil and advanced society that will be able to preform to it's highest ability.

Progress in the development of a society is one that Thoreau strongly argued against. In his book Walden Thoreau denies progress and development. He says, "Our life is frittered away by detail" (Thoreau 119). However, detail is what defines the fine line between efficiency and deficiency. Progress in the creation of new inventions provide efficiency and quality. One example is the advancements in technology. New technology provides a quicker and easier ways of communication. Gadgets such as the iPhone have greatly enhanced communication and have become assistance to day-to-day life. Progress in technology have improved communication from letters which could take weeks to receive to instant contact to almost anywhere around the world. Progress provides society with greater and more efficient means of living life.

An example of positive progress is the evolution of transportation. One may look no further than their own front door. The development of roads and cars as a main source of transportation is a great improvement from the old fashioned horse and carriages. Even the development of roads back in the 1700s compared to the roads today prove that progress creates efficiency. There very few roads that connected point A to B, and those that existed were almost not navigable. Today, through progression and improvement roads are used by millions of people everyday that provide an accessible and direct route. Railroad systems, trains, buses, and airplanes are examples of the progress of transportation systems has enhanced and benefited life. Thoreau argues, "But if we stay at home and mind our business, who will want railroads"(Walden 491)? However if one never leaves home their entire life they will miss joy and activity found in life. Progress in transportation has provided the world with efficient ways that benefit travel and enjoyment.

Ultimately progress helps to improve the quality of life. Progress eliminates unnecessary challenges and provides the path for a higher quality lifestyle. Without progress the world would be very inefficient. This would make life harder on society, the economy and overall the people. Progress in life is inevitable to some degree. Progress comes from the vision of improvement. Progress is good and helpful because it advances the world and provides a better way of life.

Declaration of Independence from Grosse Pointe South- Rachel Montgomery, Mai Qiang Hipsley, Connor Reinman, Autumnbre Moore, and Zoie Uznis

Everyday, decisions are being made for schools without the students’ representation. While a bunch of adults make decisions on our school, we, the students, are suppose to stand on the sidelines and concede to whatever decision the adults make. We want to represent ourselves and we are willing to fight for what we think is right. We needed representation on the school board and on the city council. The adults needed to hear the opinions we have as students, instead of basing it off their own judgment. It’s too late now though and we want to form our own source of representation. We, the students of the Grosse Pointe Public School System, believe we deserve the power to make the decisions made about our school.

While the adults may say we have representation by having student councils or student associations, we only receive partial representation. It’s one thing to be able to pick out decorations for a party, but another matter entirely to decide on matters that really affect our school. We, the students, want that ability to decide on the issues that truly could affect us, the school or even our education. We want our own school board that will be the one and only group of students that will make the decisions on our school. We can no longer have a bunch of adults, who are not in or graduates of our school, being the deciders on these matters. We, as a student body, needed to be the final deciders on everything. The students are the ones that know what happen inside and outside of the school. We are the ones that get the blunt of the blow whenever the deciders on the city council or school board make decisions about our school. They don’t really know what happens in the everyday lives of the students, so they shouldn’t be the deciders of our future. Issues that affect all schools, such as snow days, need the students to be the deciders. We don’t want the adults saying what happens because they are not the one’s walking to school in the freezing cold or even driving to it on the icy roads. Then when it comes to each individual school, we need to be the deciders on issues, such as the classes we have and class sizes, because these issues could affect our education as students. The adults aren’t there in our classrooms with us or know what classes we need. They don’t need to be deciding these matters for us. So we, the students, believe it is a basic right for the students to be the only representatives on these issues.

We, the students of the Grosse Pointe Public School System, deserve this basic right as students of the schools. We are willing to do whatever it takes for us to get what we think is right. We want our own representation and we will no longer wait to act upon this. The adults will no longer be the superiors, for we are stepping up and fighting back. We are our own deciders. We are our own source of representation. We are the Grosse Pointe Public School System.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->I. <!--[endif]-->The district has given us an early start in school, and an early start to the school day as well. Save Monday, the school day starts earlier than is acceptable to students. 8:00 a.m. provides little time to be sufficiently prepared for yet another school day in the morning. After rising out of bed, deprived of sleep by large amounts of homework from all seven classes, students have to make their groggy way to school and wake themselves up by first hour. Students need to have more time in the morning to be adequately prepared for the school day.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->II. <!--[endif]-->The district has provided us with dances as an opportunity to unwind. However, we students are locked into these dances as if they were jail sentences. Some students can only stay at the dance until ten, but are locked down until 10:30. Whether it's a large event the following day or just overly protective parents, most students have a reason. Should students need to leave a dance early, they should be allowed to.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->III. <!--[endif]-->Late homework in inevitable. It simply cannot be avoided: students will turn things in late. Steep penalties for late homework are being issued by teachers who seem to have little to no respect for students. After all, the concept of filial piety says that we should respect our elders, and our elders should respect us too. If students cannot complete their homework, they should not be penalized. Students should be given two days free of penalty to complete homework and turn it in late.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->IV. <!--[endif]-->Buses are a service that most other schools in the Detroit area have, and that we lack. Taking a look at a simple comparison, the amount of snow days between Grosse Pointe South and another school in another district show a landslide in favor of any other school in any other district. A simple way to make students happier is to increase the amount of time off, in the increments of a short but great snow day, sprinkled over the school year. The way to increase the amount of snow days is to add buses to the district. Thus, the way to the student’s hearts' is through a system of buses.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->V. <!--[endif]-->The lunchtime should be longer. It’s too short, barely have enough time to eat, socialize, being back in time for class without rushing in at the last moment. The lines in the school lunchroom are too long. They don’t have enough people working the lunch counter. It takes them four to five minutes to serve one person when there is at least twenty or thirty people waiting for food and by the time that the last person is served they only have about four or five minutes to eat. If they are in that long line waiting for food then they won’t have time to socialize with their friends and talking to teachers about extra help and catching up on the thing that they missed. Some kids like to go out for lunch, but they know that if they do then they will have to rush back to the school; they will have to get a carry out and eat the food on their way back to the school.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->VI. <!--[endif]-->Extra credit should be allowed in every class at all times. Students need extra to improve their grades. If a student isn’t a strong test taker they will need to have extra credit to boost up their grade. If an assignment is missed or failed by a student they can use extra credit to make up some points. Extra credit is a lifesaver to some students. Students also use it as a pull up. There could be a limit to how mush extra credit a student is given. So they don’t depend on extra credit too much really needs it then the teacher should provide. Extra credit is not a fall back for students, but only something to give you a little push.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->VII. <!--[endif]-->The class school schedule should be changed. There should be three classes in the morning and three in the afternoon. With this schedule the students will be less reluctant to go to school. With all of the information that is given to a student in one of our regular school day they will forget half of it before they leave to go home. If the day is changed to our way then the students will have enough time to process all of the information that they are given. More students’ homework will be done. The more time the students will have time to do it and study for tests and quizzes.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->VIII. <!--[endif]-->The rule of having no cellular devices in class has always been and issue. Students are constantly getting their phones apprehended by administrators for the simplest things as checking the time. It is one thing to get the phone taken away for texting a peer during a test or quiz to cheat but it is definitely another to be texting a parent asking for schedule changes or if they dropped something off in the office. Students do not want to use the school provided phones located in classrooms unless it is an emergency. It is much simpler and less disruptive to send a quick message to a parent or guardian instead of disrupting an entire class to make a phone call.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->IX. <!--[endif]--> Facebook is a social Internet site that is used by almost every student today. The fact that it is blocked in school is inconvenient to all students. The website keeps students connected with one another. Students can frequently check in with each other between classes to catch up on a homework assignment or compare study guides to do better on quizzes or tests. Facebook is not a bad thing like the administration seems to think. It will actually improve on student’s capability to communicate with each other and make our school a joined community.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->X. <!--[endif]--> The bathrooms in Grosse Pointe South high school are horrendous. There is graffiti in almost every stall. There is always a shortage of toilet paper and soap. The actual toilets are disgusting and unsanitary. It is not healthy for students to be associating with such filth. Regular cleaning and sanitary enforcements should be looked into. Not only will this give our school a better image but it will keep students from getting sick.

We as the outnumbering student body have agreed on ever matter included within the document, signifying our strength in number and ambition to receive basic and deserved rights. If we are not to receive such fundamental rights then actions against such unjust authority must and will be initiated within the next 30 days. We can no longer live under the wrongful dictatorship of King Provenzano and the administration. Such tyranny has forced a separation between hierocracy and the people. We will no longer be subject to such oppression. We declare ourselves free of unwarranted and arbitrary rules and restrictions made and enforced by the school district. We now represent a new and free nation- of students. We will be taking our education elsewhere leaving the unjust Grosse Pointe South school district. Under this new administration we will be able to arrive at school at a decent hour of the morning, have a longer lunch break, less class periods in a day, nicer bathrooms, freedom at school dances, provided buses, usage of facebook, chances for extra credit and no more cell phone restrictions. We the students join together to create an equal and fair representation involving school decisions unlike the strict and oppressing system of the old administration, which ultimately lead to such separation.

Crucible Epilouge

The story of Elizabeth Proctor is a sad one to be told. For the tale of Elizabeth Proctor does not end on the bleak morning of John Proctor's execution. It is important to keep in mind that our story begins not shortly after the hangings of John, Rebecca Nurse and Martha Corey. We must also remember that Elizabeth has claimed to be pregnant,   saving herself from execution although she was originally accused of witchcraft by Abigail Williams.

Alone in the cell Elizabeth sat agonizing over her decision. She knew she it was right to let John go, yet here she was alone in the world, with a baby on its way and two children at home. A ball began to form in the back of her throat and she began to cry. She cried for her husband, she cried for the town, she cried for Rebecca Nurse and lastly, she cried for herself. Although the tears could pour forever Elizabeth knew she had to be strong. As her weeps resided her hands slid down to her belly and she began to hum the sweet melody of a lullaby. She sung until her voice grew raspy then shut her eyes to escape into the absences of her mind.

“Get up! Get up women.” Elizabeth woke to Reverend Parris hovering over her.

“You are free to leave, for the court has no use for you anymore! Hurry your children are waiting for you”, said Paris. As she waited for the buggy to take her home she began to worry. She had to find a way to support herself and her children without a husband. How could she do it on her own? When she had arrived home she found not only her boys a foot taller and more manly than before, but also standing with them a sturdy man about 5”6 with a clean face who introduced himself as David Murray. He explained that he had looked after the boys while she was gone. He began to visit regularly and after a few months proposed to Elizabeth. Although she still loved John she also loved David and knew she could not live alone. They got married on February 30^th. Not soon after Elizabeth gave birth to a beautiful boy whom she named John. Everything had turned out to be alright, that is until the fatal night of Abigail Williams return to Salem.

Thunder shook the house as rain drops pelted the window pane. It was a Tuesday night and the men had gone to bed. Elizabeth scurried to close the windows but before she had the chance to close the last one there was a knock on the door. Timidly she went to the door and opened it to find no other than Abigail Williams herself. Soaked from the rain and shivering from the cold Abby begged Elizabeth for a place to spend the night explaining that she had come to visit her uncle but he had turned her away. She wept and sobbed her forgiveness until Elizabeth’s gentle heart could not send her out into the storm. As Elizabeth went to gather  blankets and linens Abby surveyed the house where she went to the kitchen. She took a pan that Elizabeth had used earlier that day and hid it behind her back. As Elizabeth came down with the blankets Abigail slammed the pan into Elizabeth’s head, sending her to the floor. She went to the stairs and could still hear snores from upstairs. As Abby walked back to where Elizabeth lay she kneeled down next to her waiting for her to slowly come to her senses. As Elizabeth’s eyes fluttered opened she uttered, “Abby, what are you doing?”

“You took him away from me Elizabeth” Abby explained calmly.

“Abby you’re crazy!” Elizabeth cried struggling to sit up.

Holding her down Abby yelled, “He loved me. He loved me more than you Elizabeth!”

With that Abby grabbed Elizabeth’s neck between her hands and closed them muttering, “He loved me.”

As Elizabeth’s body lay limp in her hands Abby looked down at what she had done. Elizabeth’s hands lay cold against Abby’s leg. With a satisfied smile she placed a blanket over Elizabeth’s body and ran out the door, never to be seen or heard of again.

Crucible Essay

                What 3 characters were most responsible for the Salem Witch Trails in "The Crucible"?

           In the small town of Salem Massachusetts the possession of power was the driving force throughout the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Control over the town quickly became a power struggle between the main characters. Power can often lead people to do irrational things in order to obtain. Arthur Miller tells the story of how the struggle for power can cause catastrophes such as the Salem Witch Trials, a tragic event in American history. There were many contributors to the Salem Witch Trials in the play, but when considering the people involved at the heart of the trials it is apparent that they were all connected to the struggle for power. In the play The Crucible Reverend Parris, Abigail Williams, and Mary Warren were the three characters most accountable for the Salem Witch Trials-all driven by the yearn for power.

            Reverend Parris was a heavy contributor to the start of the witch trials.  As reverend, Parris had the position of the leader in the town. However, just because one might hold the role of a leader it does not guarantee that person has the characteristics or qualities to be a leader. Parris is not a leader, although he tries to be one. Many times throughout the story Parris shows his weakness and inability to command the situation. When Betty falls ill Parris is worried most about his own reputation in the town. He refuses to tell anyone of how he discovered Betty and Abigail dancing in the forest, for he is afraid that it will look bad on him. Parris says, “Now tell me true Abigail. And I pray you feel the weight of truth upon you, for now my ministry is at stake, my ministry and perhaps your cousin’s life” (11). This line shows how much he cares about his reputation in the town for he emphasizes that over his own daughter’s life. He is scared that the town will judge him for the way the girls acted under his care, therefore lowering his authority and control in the town. If Parris had admitted in the beginning that he had come across the girls dancing in the forest, startling them him he might have stopped the snowball of events that lead to the hangings and trials. But because of the fear of losing his power Parris inadvertently confirms the witchcraft accusations, resulting in the Salem Witch Trials.

            Abigail Williams not only contributes to the beginning of the trials, but also influences the trails to continue, killing more people each day. In the play Abby is a leader. She snatches the position and keeps a firm grip on it. She tells Parris, “I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the Devil; I saw him; I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus; I kiss His hand. I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil” (48)! Abby confesses this only a few minutes after she swore to Parris that she had never trafficked with the Devil. But once she realizes the power that the even the slave Tituba has received, she confesses receiving the power herself. She and the other girls who follow behind her have become saintly in the community. As Abby recognizes this she decides to use this newly obtained power for her own excitement and to be with John Proctor--which she will stop at no ends to do. With the help of the girls she preserved the witch trials and accusations by playing on the fear of others.

            Although Mary Warren did not initiate the trials or accusations, she did help them to continue on. Mary was a follower. She was a weak and vulnerable girl who was sucked in by Abigail. By following Abigail’s lead in court she had gained herself a sense of power over the people in the town. When Abigail charged Elizabeth Proctor for sending her soul upon her and stabbing her, Mary had the power to stop Abby’s reign right there and then, which could have ended the hangings and trials. All Mary had to do was stand up and admit that Abby was faking. If she had said that Abby was sitting next to her and stuck it in herself than all of Abby’s authority would have been stripped away because good Christians do not lie. Instead Mary proved how truly passive she was by letting Elizabeth Proctor be taken away for witchery. When asked if she stuck the needle in the poppet herself Mary replies, “I-I believe I did, sir, I-” (75). Although she knew that Elizabeth had not stuck the needle in the poppet she did not admit that Abby did either. Instead she gave a submissive response that was overlooked by all which left Elizabeth guilty but also let the trials proceed.

            In The Crucible Reverend Parris, Abigail Williams, and Mary Warren were most responsible for the Salem Witch Trials. The story signified the importance of power. It showed what having it can lead to, but also what not having it can lead to. Reverend Parris and Abigail contributed greatly to the trials because they wanted to keep or gain power. However Mary Warren let the trials go on even when she had the power to stop them by not having the power to speak up and stop Abby. In the end all three characters contributed to the trials in a significant way.

Crucible Blog Post 2

"At one point, Proctor tells Hale that he believes in witches even though he does not. Would you be willing to lie and tell people you believed in something you do not in order to protect yourself? Why or why not?"

Sometimes what people don't know won't hurt them. I would lie about somethings in order to protect myself. If it would hurt me in the long run then I would rather save myself and let people believe what they want to. In general people would rather hear what they what to hear. If it was a matter of life or death like in John Proctors situation then I would not hesitate to give someone the satisfaction of what they would like to hear to protect myself. Although it would be hard to"betray" my own beliefs it would be worth it to me to save my life.
However, if my decision to lie were to hurt anybody else then I would like to hope that I would not choose to lie. In Act IV Proctor realizes that his decision to admit to witchcraft would danger Goody Nurse and this greatly upsets him. He tries to backtrack and not accuse her further, which would finalize her death sentence. If I knew from the beginning that my my decision would hurt somebody else then I would not make it. However i beleive that okay to lie to someone about little things that might save oneself from unnecessary drama or ridicule.

The Crucible Post 1

The power in Salem has changed dramatically by the end of Act I. By the end of Act I the girls have taken control of the power in the Puritan society of Salem, MA in 1692. A Puritan town such as Salem was strongly based patriarchal society. This is very important because the newly acquired sense of power that the girls have gained from the town on the beliefs of witchcraft may lead to trouble in the future. At the beginning of Act 1 Reverend Parris holds the power in the town. However, because of the strong belief in witchery and support of the devil one can slowly see the power shifting to the girls by the end of Act I. Because good Christians do not lie the town believes the children's stories and fall ill to their accusations. On page 48 Abigail says, "I want to open myself! I want the light of God; I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the Devil; I saw him; I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus; I kiss His hand. I saw Sara Good with the Devil! I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil!" This line shows the significance of the power that Abigail and the girls have discovered. They realized that accusing witches is a affective way to gain power.

Sinners Follow Up Post

Today's reaction to the sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" would not be as drastic as it was back in 1741. When John Edwards preached his sermon it frightened so many people that it started a religious movement called the Great Awakening. If such a sermon like this was preached today, it would not cause as great as a controversy as it did back then. Sure, some people would react the same as people did back then but the majority of people would not be as effected. Our generation is very different from the 1700's. Nowadays there are many different religions and much tolerance towards other religions. Back then the religion was dominated by Catholics. So it is understandable how a sermon where a preacher is telling you that God hates you and is just waiting to send you to Hell would easily scare the population into a religious movement.

"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" Post

2nd paragraph: what you expect to hear in the serman that scared so many people

The introduction to the sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” preached by Jonathan Edwards strains the huge impact that it had on the people of the time, and still to this day. It is considered to be the most remembered sermon in America. On July 8^th, 1741 Jonathan delivered the speech which brought the New England colonies trembling to their knees. The sermon caused a great deal of controversy at the time.  It is included in Anthology of American Literature books and usually is the only sermon throught the whole book. The sermon terrified the people of the time and began the Great Awakening.

I expect to hear in the sermon about the terrors of hell. The introduction said that it brought terror to all who heard it. I think that Jonathan talked about the levels of hell. He painted a picture of hell throughout the sermon going into such great detail and descripition that it brought hell to life. He explained how one would get to hell and what would happen when you got down there. I think this must have terrified many people because the reasons to go to hell might have been something they have already done. The people in the colonies never heard such detail of what hell is like, therefore it shocked them. Jonathans sermon must have been deep in discription to have an impact on people to this day.  

Descriptive Post

http://www.netmusicworks.com/what-is-a-still-life

This is a still life picture, painted with detail and dimension. Like many still life drawings it is of an arrangement of fruit. An abundance of fruit toppling out of a large red-ish orange bowl.There is a thin shadow along the bottom rim of the bowl to the left. The right side of the bowl is even darker, covered in shadow. There are plums, apples, grapes, a lemon, and oranges. The bowl contains one yellow lemon, a red-ish orange apple, and one orange closest  to the rim. Behind the lemon is another orange. Behind and in between the red apple and orange in the front sticks out a large green apple. Right behind the orange in the front is the top of a plum sticking out. Next to that there are two grape vines, one purple and one green. Next to the lemon in the front there is another dark purple grape vine toppling over the rim. In the middle of the red apple and orange there is a green grape vine hanging over the rim, leaving a stray grape underneath. To the right of the bowl there a red apple placed on the table surrounded by two stray green grapes to the left and one on the right. To the left of the bowl lies a deep purple plum. To the left of the plum there are four stray green grapes and the the right is a dark purple grape vine resting over the edge of the table. Lastly they all rest on a light orange table cloth.