Would a Transcendentalist Society Exist Today?

Life in today’s world is always facing one question: Is it possible for a society to exist where everyone lives peacefully?  A Transcendentalist society would allow people to express their true personality with minimal government intervention in their daily lives.  In this type of unstructured community, people are allowed to pursue their passions without fear of judgment.  Not quite as wonderful as it sounds, this type of society would create resentment despite equal benefits available for all. Those who naturally work hard would be angry with those who are living their lives simply to enjoy life rather than working.  The conflict could cause many problems in the society.  If education was optional for all, then students would not feel encouraged to seek new technology or scientific research.  In addition, if a government body created laws preventing people from advertising their ideas, then if something in the society was not right, there would be nothing they could do to fix it.  Although some may believe that a Transcendentalist society could be successful in today’s world, the torn views, the impossibility to create any technological improvements, and the unrealistic rules, are why a Transcendentalist society could not be possible today.

There are people who believe that a Transcendentalist society could exist in today’s world.  Some would argue that it may lead to a happier, more successful society due to less societal tension.  The tensions created in today’s world include economical stress, and rifts between different classes in society.  Eliminating those obstacles would create a society that might be altogether more peaceful and more cohesive with other’s ways of life.  Economical tension is a leading factor in many controversies in today’s world.  Some would argue that a society that suppressed negativity and lacked social pressures would be successful and beneficial to many.  These views reflect those who believe that a Transcendentalist society would be successful in today’s world.  Although they are valid arguments, there are many other issues that suggest that a civilization like this one would not thrive.

                Some people naturally strive to work their hardest and achieve more.  There are also people who live life happily the way they are and do not necessarily want to change.  These different types of people are one reason why a Transcendentalist society would not work.  If every person was offered the same benefits, no matter the job or their productivity, it would eventually lead to resentment between these people.  The inequality of somebody who contributes greatly to the society and somebody who contributes less would not be accepted by many people.  Many would complain about inequalities in work ethics. If everything was offered for free, for example free housing, those who worked harder would feel they deserved more than others.  Their attitude towards the situation would put the society at risk for rebellion against the government body in order to achieve what they believe they deserve.  A Transcendentalist society would last for a short amount of time if everyone was offered equal benefits at no demanded cost in return. 

                Despite the typical bitterness students feel towards the enforced policy of staying in school until at least sixteen, without that rule, it would eventually lead to a downfall in that particular society.  Students, sometimes against their will, attend school to get their required education.  If students were not forced to go to school, society would lack a very important ability; the ability to improve.  In the society created during the Transcendentalist unit, Harmonia, students are required to get a basic education, and then are free to observe people in their professions to learn how to do that particular job.  This policy is unrealistic in that it would not help the society to advance in any way.  Students would only acquire the knowledge of their predecessors, and would not have any outside research available to improve the current situation.  Advanced schools such as colleges are in place to not only teach students what is already known, but to also teach them how to think in a particularly important way. Critical thinking encourages students to invent new ideas and formulate medicinal advancements and technological improvements, based on things they do not know, and wish to know.  The Transcendentalist type of free-will schooling is not a realistic way to educate a society, and although people might be happier short-term because they have the power to decide, they might suffer in the future due to their lack of education.

                The rules of a Transcendentalist society would be minimal. The sole purpose of a Transcendentalist society would be to limit the rules commonly set in today’s world, to allow for more freedoms.  The flaw in this plan is, however, that limiting regulations becomes a cyclical problem.  It leads to people feeling like they can do whatever they want, whenever they want.  That could essentially take away the rights of the other members of the society.  Another important Transcendentalist belief is to not harm nature in any way possible.  This makes life extremely difficult, as it is human nature to adapt the earth to fit human needs, rather than conforming to nature’s ways.  Another major flaw in the rules created in the society Harmonia is that no negative thoughts should be voiced.  This is not a practical law in any way.  The way society naturally works is that individuals see the problems in society, and point them out.  If flaws go unnoticed and unrecognized by the majority, it would be self-destructive towards the society.  When something is not right, a person should speak out against it to make the society a better place to live, and that law inhibits a person from doing so.  The laws that are supposed to help a person discover themselves and express their true self actually end up harming the society as a whole, making a Transcendentalist society impossible in today’s world.

                Although some seem to think that a Transcendentalist society would be possible in today’s world, the disagreements it would cause, the unrealistic educational systems, and the inflexibility of the Transcendentalist rules would make such a society impossible.  The aspects of a Transcendentalist society do not match up with how people run their lives naturally.  It would cause too many conflicts to be successful.  Even though a Transcendentalist society may seem to some like a perfect civilization, the possibility of one existing in today’s world is impracticable.

The Dead Poets Society and Non-Conformity

            Every aspect of Welton Academy points to the founders' particular beliefs: the necessity of conformity.  The beginning of the film starts with the students reciting "Tradition, Honor, Discipline, and Excellence".  Expectations are as defined by those four words. When Mr. Keating becomes teacher, he encourages the students to express themselves in their own way.  In his unconventional teaching style, he is misunderstood and rejected by the staff.  Despite the danger of losing his job, Mr. Keating encourages non-conformity through expressing the idea of the Dead Poets Society. This results in removal from his job in the end of the film.

            Neil, representing non-conformity in the film, places himself in danger by his actions.  It was expected of Welton Academy graduates to continue to become distinguished doctors and lawyers.  When his father found that Neil wanted to be an actor, he demanded that his son quit acting and focus on his studies.  The result of his father's demands was Neil's suicide.  Non-conformity could have lead to a superior teacher and a successful actor. Due to the conformist ways at Welton Academy, the results were firing Mr. Keating and Neil's suicide.

Google Transcendentalism

            Everyone has heard of Google, and probably used it- the popular search engine and web browser.  Being one of the world's largest search engines, Google leads the way in computer usage.  The Google Company could be considered transcendentalists for many reasons.  Google is a company like no other.  They supported transcendentalism since the very beginning of their company.  The founders used their imagination and went with their gut feelings when they had the idea to capture the world’s knowledge and provide it for all. Google has a philosophy- ten things that they know are true and stick to when they are working.  These things make the difference between Google and other companies.  They use the company’s personal beliefs to guide their actions in the business world.  Google believes that if they help the customer, then everything else will fall into place.  Most companies focus on how they can make money rather than how they can help the consumer.  Google takes the risk of hiring people who think out of the box, who have potential to create something important, rather than a person with experience as most companies would. 

The work environment is an example of how Google feels about how things should be done.  A traditional work place is a place to buckle down and be productive as possible.  At Googleplex, Google’s base in California, they believe differently on how a workplace should be. They believe it should be a fun and inspiring place.  They feel that it makes their workers more productive and happier to be at work. They provide special classes like yoga, healthy lunches and dinners, and snacks and drinks. People can travel through the building on scooters or bikes from meeting to meeting. Google is a transcendentalist company in that it took a new turn on running a business.  They believe that work shouldn’t be a punishment, but something you want to do.  

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Walden Essay

            Compared to present times, a simplified life was much easier to obtain during the time period in which Walden was written.  Life nowadays moves at a rapid speed, overloaded with information and technology at an often overwhelming pace.  The struggle to achieve more, possess more, and learn more is human nature.  These instincts encourage us to progress in order to try and improve our lives.  Desire for a better life pushes humanity irreversibly into a world of complexity and modernization.  The advances humans make cannot be taken back, they only add to the already complicated culture.  The condition of modern humanity makes simplification of an individual's life a rare and nearly impossible feat.

             Complexity and technology are a human passion.  People thrive on the hope of the latest advancement that would effect their lives.  Simplicity seems like a far-fetched dream for many.  The thought of abandoning structured lives for a solitary cabin in the woods would be a joke to most.  In the writing of his book, Henry David Thoreau describes the structure of many lives in the one sentence. "We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us (Thoreau, 491)." He means that people make the things that shape their lives. They strive to create and build, while simplification would pull humanity away from an individual's natural want to progress.  Instincts tell people that simplicity is a form of deterioration of the progress they have made.

             Progress sends humanity down a path of no returns.  Simplicity is the road going in the opposite direction.  Even the most basic modern lives have passed the point of simplicity.  Once a level of complexity is reached in a society, there must be regulations or laws set in place to control what they have gained.  These restrict the ability for the people to return to the simple lives they might have led before.  Everything a person does is to either progress, or secure that progression.  Anything achieved by a person cannot later be undone.  It is not possible to take away progressions that are already successful.  In order to lead a simple life, a person cannot progress.  Continuous progression is a characteristic that makes a person a human being.

            Humans don't want to give up what they've achieved in return for simplicity.  It seems that it is human nature to want.  Desire keeps humans from  being able to attain simplicity.  Modern advertising and new technology make it even more difficult.  If a person's basic needs are met, including food, water, and shelter, then they are left with a desire for more.  Contentment leaves people with a feeling that they can achieve even more.  Modern culture is shaped by these desire, making it so much more diffucult to achieve simplicity than ever before.  Thoreau writes in Walden, "We are determined to be starved before we are hungry" (Thoreau 491). He means that no matter how much an indiviudual possesses, they convince themselves that they need more. The only way to achieve simplicity would be to not have desires, and that is not a realistic human attriubute.

             The characteristics of humanity do not allow for simplification of human lives.  Life is one way, things cannot be taken back or reversed.  Our passions and obsessions with modernization discourage a simple life.  A natural desire pushes humanity away.  We thrive on progress, which also discourages simplicity.  Only a person who has no desires, no interest in progression, and has never progressed can simplify their life.  And none of those are characteristics of a human being.  A person in modern times cannot simplify their life.

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Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Student Rights

          Every student is entitled to a certain set of rights.  These basic rights are the outline for what a free public education should be, and how it should be managed.  Each student should be treated with respect, by their peers and by the staff.  This ensures that they hold their right to feel comfortable at school.  A student has the right to feel safe in their learning environment.  At no time should they feel threatened, or concerned for their well-being.  It is the responsibility of the school system to support that right to safety.  Concerning academics, every student has the right to equal opportunities.  It is a student’s right to have a variety of classes offered to ensure the success for every student of every academic ability.  No student should be feel discriminated against because of their capabilities.  If a student feels that any of their rights are being violated, they should be able to express their feelings on the situation.  As students, we believe that these rights are the structure for a strong and just educational system.

       i.            Our lunches are only 35 minutes long. A small portion of time compared to how long our classes are. It doesn’t give us enough time to eat a balanced lunch. We as students need longer lunches so we have enough time to eat and have a little time to finish school related duties. If a student has a full schedule during and after school, it limits when they can go and talk to their teachers or counselors. Our lunch time starts directly after class ends and does not count the amount of time that it takes to go to our lockers.

     ii.            When the weather gets severe, we are still forced to go to school. The students are required to be at school regardless of the weather. Sometimes their teachers aren’t even present. We are a walking district so it puts us at a greater risk as we travel to school. The schools that surround us get plenty of snow days but we are not given the same opportunity.

  iii.            The school dictates how we should dress, but it limits our free expression. In the warmer seasons, it is uncomfortable to wear proper clothes pertaining to the dress code. It is ironic that some sports have uniforms that violate the dress code but they wear them in spirit anyway. Our dress code is not taken very seriously to some, and it is unfair to the students that have stricter teachers who watch what they wear.

   iv.            Students are given 7 minutes after each class to get to their classes. For some, it can be difficult to manage this. Some students have to walk from one end of the building to another. Managing how to do this along with stopping at their lockers to trade book can be a tricky task. Furthermore, with the quantity of students walking in the hallways, the crowds move slowly. Navigating through the hallways is a challenge of its own.

     v.            School rules declare that a student may only have 10 unexcused absences in each class in order to still have credit. If a student takes more than 6 minutes to arrive in class, they are marked absence for that class hour. Even if that student is there for the remainder of the class, they receive no credit. It can be difficult for parents to plan vacations too, because sometimes the tickets available are the most expensive of them all.

   vi.            Our school looks upon sports with high respect, and teaches that sports are valuable for the continuation of our knowledge throughout the future. The current fee for each sport per season if $150. This price is an unreasonably amount when a student may play more than 1 sport per year. Equipment and transportation enough is excessive in the way that it is valued. Having to pay the large fee per season as well as the equipment is an unreasonable action from our school. We, as students deserve to have a less expensive fee to play a sport throughout the seasons.

vii.            Clinics are not available for the students here. If someone feels sick or gets hurt, they are forced to wait in the office. They receive n treatment or medication until one of their parents comes to pick them up. This could take a while because of the parent’s responsibilities. It is unsafe and unhealthy for our school not to have a clinic.

viii.            Some of the buildings in our school are not supplied with adequate air conditioning. The school can get extremely hot at the beginning and end of the year. There is no air conditioning in the main building so hot temperatures cannot be cooled down. The heat keeps teachers and students uncomfortable. It makes it difficult to work as it if hard to focus in the warmth.  The lack of air conditioning in the main building is detrimental to the student’s education.

  ix.            The Grosse Pointe Public School District is labeled as a walking district. Therefore, every day, either we must walk to school, ride our bikes, or arrange for a ride with our parents or friends. This is common problem because Michigan is a state with severe weather, causing harsh winters and freak storms. On the days where most bus transported schools have the days off, like for snow days, we not given the same opportunities, even with the dangers of the weather severity. Days where the bitter air dips below 0, is where a line should be drawn. School should not be session during days where the snow and ice cause an inability to walk or drive, without a precautious danger. Without having buses, our fellow walking peers are put into more danger than they would have, if our school provided buses. We, as students, need this way of transportation for a safer, easier way of attending school everyday.

     x.
x. We, as students, should be looked upon equally. We should deserve the same opportunities as our peers, regardless of their age or grade. As grow, we are given the decisions of driving to school, and the S-Lot of school is reserved for the seniors only. It is a great, safe parking lot, whereas the other parking places may need to be paid by hour and may be unsafe towards the cars occupying the area. We should be allowed, as an entire school, to have a first come, first serve basis on the parking spots in the S-Lot, not just giving them away to the Seniors. We, as students, deserve the equal treatment whether we are Freshman, or Seniors.

We, as the students in the Grosse Pointe Public School District, unanimously declare that each and every student should be relieved the erratic rules that govern our schools.  It is prominent that the complaints we have are appropriate. They make our educational experience transition smoothly. 

Crucible Epilogue

            Elizabeth Proctor held silent recognition in the town of Salem. As she passed by in town, people would stare, often shaking their heads in disbelief or nodding in reverence. Citizens whispered behind her back, and others who had lost loved ones admired her strength. As for Elizabeth, she kept her head held high, and carried on as if she were not affected by the death of her husband. Outwardly, she conveyed confidence, because she knew she could not show her weakness to the town.  The series of witch trials that took place two months before distressed Elizabeth from dusk to dawn. From the day she saw her husband being lead away to his death, Elizabeth was haunted with guilt. Her dreams were laced with remorse, and when she was in solitude, there was nothing to keep her from crying.

            Elizabeth’s pregnancy kept her exhausted during the day hours, in addition to caring and providing for the two children she already had. To keep her mind from wandering to the trials, she kept active, mending clothing, cooking and cleaning. Focusing on her children kept her thoughts from lingering on John through the day hours. Without a husband, Elizabeth could not earn money to feed her children. A small vegetable garden outside the house provided most of their food. Farmers and friends of John Proctor occasionally brought over some leftover food which they could not sell. She prayed with her children, asking for God to help them, and provide for them. She silently asked for strength and protection.

            Elizabeth stood slicing carrots for the thin soup she served her children most evenings. As she scraped their remaining food into the kettle, she heard a sharp knock on the door. Her youngest son ran to open it, but Elizabeth caught him and sent him away to play with his brother. She turned back to the soup and stirred. Another knock on the door, and Elizabeth kept stirring and began to sing a church hymn quietly under her breath. When a third knock occurred, she heard the voice of Reverend Parris call out, “Elizabeth Proctor, I know you can hear me! This town is suspicious concerning your alliance with the Devil. Once your child is born, you will be next to hang! But I come to tell you that I, a good Christian man, will forgive you of your sins if you admit to them!” Once silence filled the little house, Elizabeth crossed the room and drew back the curtain over the window. Reverend Parris walked away solemnly. When Elizabeth returned to the fire, she picked up the spoon, and began to stir. When she served the children their soup, she realized her hands were shaking.

            For many nights in a row, Elizabeth sat up late, listening. She found herself glancing at John’s gun that still leaned against the mantle. After four nights of restless sleep, any small noises made her jump in terror and check the latch on the door. During the day, her shoulders slumped and she sat with her head nodding off. When friends came to check on her, she sent them away with reassuring words and a convincing smile. A week later, Elizabeth dragged herself to bed after hours of sitting vigilantly near the door. She no longer could stay up, and convinced herself that nothing would happen if she were to sleep for the night. She lay uncomfortably and barely noticed when she drifted off to sleep.

            Later that night, Elizabeth woke with a start. She felt a sharp pain in her lower stomach. She clenched her teeth and crawled out of bed. Reverend Parris’ words crossed her mind, “Once your child is born, you will be next to hang!” Elizabeth stumbled to the boys’ bedroom, where she woke them. She directed them to go outside and get the horses ready for a journey. They dressed and left. Elizabeth crawled on her knees to reach for the box that held all John’s savings. The box, as well as their last bit of food went into John’s old leather satchel. In a hurry to leave, Elizabeth grasped everything necessary for their trip. When she picked up John’s gun, she lay it back down again, in hopes that it would be unnecessary. She met the children outside, and they set off down the dirt road into the night.

            Elizabeth held her belly as they galloped. The pain was nearly unbearable. She reminded herself of the consequences of stopping. She forced herself to keep riding. Once they passed the main town area of Salem, they slowed. Elizabeth held her breath as they passed the Putnam’s house. The Putnams had been first to accuse when it came to witches. Once they were right in front of the door, it slowly opened and Mr. Putnam stepped out, squinting into the blackness. Elizabeth urged the horses to go faster. After examining the night, Putnam retreated into his home. Elizabeth sighed in relief and they kept on their way, avoiding any other homes within eyesight.

            As dawn approached, Elizabeth stopped the horses to rest in an empty field. Her head was spinning, and nausea and exhaustion plagued her. They slid from the saddles and sunk into the long grass. While resting, they heard a whistle from over the hill. A man appeared and pointed their way. A woman joined him briefly, and left. The man swung himself onto his horse and trotted toward them. Too weary to run, Elizabeth pressed her children behind her protectively. The pain in her abdomen sickened her, but she attempted to look confident. Elizabeth felt as if she were slipping away as a wave of queasiness overwhelmed her. She staggered and tried to stay upright, but fell and crumpled onto the ground. As the man reached them, she hoisted herself to her feet, only to fall once again. She saw him for a blurry moment, as he lifted her to put onto his horse, and told him she was about to have her baby.

             Elizabeth woke with hazy vision. The dark room in which she slept was spinning around her. A woman came into the room, and Elizabeth sat up with great pain. She asked where her children were, and if they were safe. The woman assured her that they were fine, and they were just outside the room, waiting to come in.  She opened the door, and the two boys rushed in, eager to see their mother. Elizabeth lay weakly in bed, now unable to move. The baby, she said, was safe and healthy. Elizabeth played the previous hours over in her head. The man had brought her to his house, where his wife took care of her and delivered the baby. Elizabeth smiled weakly at the strangers as they brought the baby over to her. She rocked the baby boy gently, and beamed at him. The couple came over and sat next to the bed. They reassured Elizabeth that they could stay as long as they needed to. Elizabeth never looked up from her baby, but nodded gratefully.

            All regret and sadness left Elizabeth as she gazed at her newborn baby. She sang softly to him and rocked him back and forth. A newfound peacefulness filled Elizabeth. It was a feeling she had been lacking for so long. The past year had been trying, heart-breaking, and unjust. As Elizabeth watched her baby, she saw potential for a new and happy life just beginning. “I’ll name him John.” 

Crucible Essay

                The town of Salem, Massachusetts, is sent into turmoil when rumors of witches are spread. These rumors are encouraged, willingly and unwillingly, by a few. The stories of witches are fired by retribution, mistakes of the past, and a desire for power. Arthur Miller, author of The Crucible shows how the town reacts to the rumors and how fear blinds them from what’s right and wrong. Three distinct people in Salem run the trials. As the story progresses, these three people’s pasts and presents continue to fuel the widespread panic in the town. Whether these people are purposely trying to create drama in Salem, or exercise power, they all contribute. The witch trials of Salem in The Crucible are lead by Abigail Williams, John Proctor, and Judge Danforth.

                Out of spite, Abigail Williams willingly leads the Salem witch trials. Pretending to be afflicted, she throws person after person into harm’s way, only by creating a story in which they hurt her. Through all this, her secret desire is to kill John Proctor’s wife. She feels that he loves her, and wants to be with her. In court, John Proctor confesses his affair with Abigail. This means that he admits to a punishable sin in court, hurting his own pride in order to have Abigail stopped. He claims that it is Abigail’s retaliation against him for saying he does not love her is the reason she is running the trails. He says, “She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave... But it is a whore’s vengeance, and you must see it; I set myself entirely in your hands (110)”. John Proctor sacrifices his dignity in order to prove what Abigail’s purpose is. She is angry with John that he does not leave his wife for her. She cannot see that John never loved her, only lusted after her when his wife was sick. Abigail Williams is responsible for the witch trials as a leader, encouraging and promoting the execution of innocent citizens.

                John Proctor plays a key role in the witch trials of Salem, although unwillingly. Had he not slept with Abigail, she would not be confused over his emotions. He encouraged her at times, leading her on, only to tell her that their relationship simply was a mistake. Although he meant it, Abigail felt that he loved her truly. In the book, Elizabeth tells John he must tell the court that Abigail told him the witches were pretend. Elizabeth then tells him as it is, and the consequences his actions could lead to, “You’ll tear it free- when you come to know that I will be your only wife, or no wife at all! She has an arrow in you yet, John Proctor, and you know it well (62)”! Elizabeth realizes that her life could be in danger if John does not break off any connection he has with Abigail. John is responsible for the witch trials because he continues to lead Abigail on, so she hopes she can end his wife’s life in order to be with him.

                Judge Danforth is a highly respected court official, brought in from Boston to help with the witch trials. He seems to be blinded by the power he has received. When he has a person on trial, he gives them little way to get out of being accused. This means bringing up things that have happened in the past, and making them look like they were related to the Devil in some way. When John Proctor is on trial, Danforth gives him no escape. He allows him no way to prove himself innocent by asking a rhetorical question, “Will you confess yourself befouled with Hell, or do you keep that black allegiance yet? What say you (119)”? The unjust court system Danforth set up allows people to confess to allegiances with the Devil, or die in their innocence. They do not allow for proving innocence. For this reason, Judge Danforth is responsible for the Salem witch trials.

                Abigail Williams, John Proctor, and Judge Danforth encourage the acts of the Salem Witch Trials. Abigail does this out of vengeance. The desire to be with John is so strong that she believes if she kills his wife, he will be happy with her. John Proctor’s mistake leads to the witch trials as well. Had he turned Abigail away immediately, she never would have started the lies. Danforth’s power he had been given made him immune to the innocence of the town. If he had not been so persistent to kill, then he could have seen that the people of Salem were not witches. Responsibility of the Salem Witch Trials lay on three people, who all lead in different ways.

Crucible Post 2

                John Proctor is forced to make a tough decision in the Crucible, Act 2. During the time period, to say that a person doesn’t believe in something that is written in the Bible is as if to say they don’t believe in God himself. Not believing in God was something often punishable by death. So when Reverend Hale comes to his house, John Proctor has to decide whether to tell Hale what he believes in, or tell a lie in order for protection. He decides to lie. This decision shows the character’s beliefs, as well as how society affects the people living in a community.  If I was presented with the same situation, I would have to ask myself, would I be willing to lie about something I believe in? Or would I state my beliefs?

                Taking into account of society today, I know that people are not always accepting of different beliefs. If I had to lie about a belief in order to protect myself, I don’t think I would. I think that it is very important for a person to stay true to their beliefs. If I could not stand up for myself, and what I value, then I could not expect myself to respect other’s beliefs. Even though standing up for your self can present a tough situation, not every person can believe the same thing. If you don’t believe in something for a particular reason, then another person might feel the same way. Different beliefs shape our society, and make it what it is. Although sometimes it might be difficult to stand up for what I believe in, if I was presented with that situation, I would hope that I could tell the truth about how I feel. 

Crucible Post 1

The end of Act 1 in the Crucible is led mainly by a shifting of the power. The power is held by whoever's word is being listened to. In the beginning of Act 1, Parris held the power by being the leader of the church. He stated that there surely was no witchcraft in their town. Once everyone started to change their minds, they turned to others with a more elaborate story and more details. This put the power in the hands of the girls in town. This sudden change of power, and how everyone adjusts so quickly to it, is expressed in John Proctor's words, "Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God's fingers?" (p. 77) Proctor sees this shift of power, and how unreasonable it is.

All the church's beliefs are put into the hands of a few girls, who accuse those who they do not like. Just calling out the names of a few women take them off the list so they will no longer be questioned. Earlier in Act 1, Abigail confessed to John Proctor that they had only been goofing around in the woods. Abigail realizes that a story of witchcraft might help her get rid of the women in town she dislikes. She changes her story so it makes those particular women seem like witches. Almost every person believes her, and she is out of trouble, no other accusations toward her. They make their story long and detailed, and use anything they can to make others seem guilty of witchcraft. Too much power has been placed in the hands of some immature girls, who will abuse it to get where they want.

Sinners Follow-Up Post

After reading Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, I was very surprised. I think that the religious point of view in the sermon was very scary and intimidating. I think that if this was read today, people would be surprised as well. Compared to the very uplifting type of religion people are used to now, this is very dark. A part of the sermon that struck me as surprising is, "The bow of God's wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice bends the arrow at your heart, and strains the bow, and it is nothing but the mere pleasure of God, and that of an angry God, without any promise or obligation at all that keeps the arrow one moment from being drunk with your blood." This was surprising because I've always been told that God loves me unconditionally and wouldn't want to hurt me. The thought of someone so powerful who is so angry is very unsettling. I think this could change a lot of people's views on religion. People would be scared, especially if they heard words like these in the speech, "And you children that are unconverted, don't you know that you are going down to Hell, to bear the dreadful wrath of that God that is now angry with you every day, and every night?" Those words could make anybody feel that they are not religious enough.  This sermon could convince any person that they were going to Hell. If this was read commonly today, people would be scared and nervous like the first people who heard it.

"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" Post

On July 8^th of 1741, Jonathan Edwards presented a powerful sermon, sending terror and panic through New England. The speech, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” started a spiritual revival in which people strayed from the traditional Christianity from overseas. People understood that there was a desperate need for deliverance after hearing the sermon. Through the words of his sermon, many people were given image of an angry and insensitive man. To those who knew Edwards, he was kind and gentle. Edwards prayed for people, that they would come to understand sin, and not take for granted the saving they were being offered.

From the words of the introduction, I imagine that the speech will be very powerful.  People were terrified once they heard the words of his speech. In the speech, I expect that Edwards will deliver the harsh truth. I think it probably scared people so much because they hadn’t heard the truth about sin without cushioning to make it sound like it wasn’t so bad. It was mentioned that Edwards used a powerful metaphor. He probably did this to communicate his message to all people. Once people heard it, they understood much better. I think this scared them because the church they had once followed always said things in a different way. I expect that Edwards gave his speech in an angry tone, scaring many people.

Descriptive Post

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=birds&hl=en&safe=active&tbm=isch&tbnid=mRPfAvqg2_BmQM:&imgrefurl=http://www.funny-potato.com/pictures-of-birds.html&docid=1tF1oxW_HtmpFM&w=600&h=400&ei=vARuTrD8DsHFgAfStdDkBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=959&vpy=458&dur=10578&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=199&ty=132&page=1&tbnh=155&tbnw=198&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:14,s:0&biw=1280&bih=838

The image I've selected shows a bird taking flight. The photo was taken just as the bird lifted from the crooked twig it rested on. Its wings are unfurled, stretched to the sky like angel wings. The dusty brown and yellow colors of his wings contrast with the brilliant green body. His talons are curled with his legs stretched before him. Dark brown and black fringes his head and wings. The black of his head and beak give the appearance that he is wearing a helmet and goggles, with a strap below its chin. The feathers of the bird seem to be aligned symmetrically to each other. The tail feathers fan out with two feathers sticking out in the middle. The scene is completed with a blurry brown background, drawing a viewer's focus to the bird. The twig is bent into a crooked half-circle, perfect for the bird to land on. The twig has bright green weeds growing to the side of it. All of these aspects put together create the image of a bird taking flight.

Honors American Literature Expectations

Students in Honors American Literature should be expected to participate in class, work to the best of their ability, and keep organized.

In Honors American Literature, a student is expected to participate in class. This means that the student is focused on the work in that class. They should answer questions asked by the teacher. If they are having trouble understanding, it is their responsibility to ask questions. When class discussions are being held, the student should contribute to the conversation, adding comments or asking questions. The student should remain focused on the assignment given by the teacher, through the entire class period. This would help the student to be involved in what is happening in class, allowing them to participate. Listening to instructions also allows the student to be involved in class time. The student should try to avoid anything that distracts them from their tasks. It is important for an Honors American Literature student to participate in a class and stay focused.

Every student is expected to work to the best of their ability. A student should try their hardest in every activity. Working hard is should be expected in Honors American Literature. A student should strive to learn everything that is taught in class. What they have learned should be used any time needed. Prior knowledge is expected to be applied to work. If a student needs help, they should ask a teacher. All these things might be expected from a student in order for them to reach their full potential in class.

An expectation in Honors American Literature might be organization. A student must keep an organized folder and papers. Being neat might help a student avoid problems in the future such as losing work. Writing in a planner is another way for a student to keep organized. It might be expected that they write down assignments and homework. Recording correct due dates could be expected because it helps the student to plan ahead and help prevent procrastination. It may be expected that an Honors American Literature student would have neat handwriting. A teacher might expect to receive assignments that are legible. All these things could be expected in Honors American Literature class.

About Me

I could be introduced as Allison, age fifteen. Although it's true information, it's only a small part of who I am. For starts, I was born in Melbourne, Florida, but moved here when I was so little I don't remember living there! My mom's name is Amy, and my dad's name is Glen.  My ethnic background is German and English from my mother, and Portuguese as well as other things from my father. I have three brothers, my oldest brother is Emilio, who's eighteen, David, who is seventeen, and Chris, who's thirteen. My family is very important to me because I spend a lot of time with them, during my free time, at church, and lots of cousins live right nearby! I have two dogs named Maya and Riley, and they are really adorable! Dogs are my favorite animal, which leads me to my next subject- my favorites!
There are so many things that are my "favorites," so I'll just name a few. My favorite band is The Beatles. Their music is really fantastic. I love going up north to my grandparent's cottage, it's probably my favorite place to visit. My favorite food is any kind of pasta, especially spaghetti! Although I don't watch TV that much, my favorite show is Monk. It is so funny! Any kind of art class is my favorite class, because I really enjoy drawing. Those are a few of my "favorites!"
I am involved in so many activities year round! Running is one of those activities, and I love it. I run cross country in the fall, and track in the spring. When I'm not running, I am involved in many church groups. I usually appear in the church musical, and the many camps keep me busy during the summer. I am also involved in South's Key Club. On weekends, I like to hang out with my friends or visit my cousins. I manage best when I'm involved in many activities. Although it can be stressful in addition to school, I enjoy them all!
Now that I've written about my past, my favorites, and what activities I'm involved in, I'll write about my hopes for the future and my goals. Ever since I was young, I've wanted to be a veterinarian. I've always been interested in a job that involves medicine. Whether or not I end up being a veterinarian, I want to have a job that helps people or animals. I'm hoping to go to the University of Florida for school, since both my parents are alumni and it's a great school. Some goals I hope to achieve during my lifetime include running a marathon, and traveling for missionary work. All these things are important to me, and they define who I am. I hope you've learned a little bit about me!