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.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
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.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" Post
On July 8th 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.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Descriptive Post
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.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
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!
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!
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