In the beginning

This is an excerpt from an Iriquois creation myth.
These were the Do-ya-da-no, the twin brothers, Spirits of Good and Evil. Foreknowing their powers, each claimed dominion, and a struggle between them began. Hah-gweh-di-yu claiming the right to beautify the island, while Hah-gweh-da-et-gah determined to destroy. Each went his way, and where peace had reigned, discord and strife prevailed.
At the birth of Hah-gweh-di-yu his Sky Mother, Ata-en-sic, had died, and the island was still dim in the dawn of its new life when, grieving at his mother's death, he shaped the sky with the palm of his hand, and creating the Sun from her face, lifted it there, saying, "You shall rule here where your face will shine forever." But Hah-gweh-da-et-gah set Darkness in the west sky, to drive the Sun down behind it.
Hah-gweh-di-yu then drew forth from the breast of his Mother, the Moon and the Stars, and led them to the Sun as his sisters who would guard his night sky. He gave to the Earth her body, its Great Mother, from whom was to spring all life.
Hah-gweh-di-yu went across a great sea where he met a Being who told him he was his father. Said the Being, How high can you reach?" Hah-gweh-di-yu touched the sky. Again he asked, "How much can you lift?" and Hah-gweh-di-yu grasped a stone mountain and tossed it far into space. Then said the Being, "You are worthy to be my son"; and lashing upon his back two burdens, bade him return to the earth.
Hah-gweh-di-yu swam for many days, and the Sun did not leave the sky until he had neared the earth. The burdens had grown heavy but Hah-gweh-di-yu was strong, and when he reached the shore they fell apart and opened.
From one of the burdens flew an eagle guiding the birds which followed, filling the skies with their song to the Sun as they winged to the forest. From the other there came animals led by the deer, and they sped quickly to the mountains. But Hah-gweh-da-et-gah followed with wild beasts that devour, and grim flying creatures that steal life without sign, and creeping reptiles to poison the way.
When the earth was completed and Hah-gweh-di-yu had bestowed a protecting Spirit upon each of his creations, he besought Hah-gweh-da-et-gah to reconcile his vicious existence to the peacefulness of his own, but Hah-gweh-da-et-gah refused, and challenged Hah-gweh-di-yu to combat, the victor to become the ruler of the earth.
Hah-gweh-da-et-gah proposed weapons which he could control, poisonous roots strong as flint, monsters' teeth, and fangs of serpents. But these Hah-gweh-di-yu refused, selecting the thorns of the giant crab apple tree, which were arrow pointed and strong.
With the thorns they fought. The battle continued many days, ending in the overthrow of Hah-gweh-da-et-gah.
Hah-gweh-di-yu, having now become the ruler, banished his brother to a pit under the earth, whence he cannot return. But he still retains Servers, half human and half beasts, whom he sends to continue his destructive work. These Servers can assume any form Hah-gweh-da-et-gah may command, and they wander all over the earth.
Hah-gweh-di-yu, faithful to the prophesy of the Great Ruler of the floating island, that the earth should be peopled, is continually creating and protecting.

na. "The Iroquois Creation". June 6, 1999. March 16, 2008 <http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/NAANTH/IRCREAT.HTM>.




Reflection:
I chose this creation myth because I find it interesting to read about how early civilizations explained the world around them and it also helps explain the beliefs of this culture. In this myth the Native Americans' emphasize how important it is to respect the Earth. By having the Earth originate from the body of Ata-en-sic, the Native Americans recognize that life originates from women and they also taught their children that the Earth is a living being which they should revere and respect.
This story also shows the delicate balance between peace and chaos. It mentioned shape shifters which would cause destruction where they went, cause those who were taught this story to protect the earth by finding and destroying these Servers. In a way this story has a heaven and a hell through the cloud island and the pit were Hah-gweh-da-et-gah now resides and taught that you should try to defend the Earth from the Servers and others that would cause harm to the Earth.

Dear Diary,
It was after the face of Ata-en-sic was in the middle of the sky that my tribe came across some of the wicked ones. They were not spotted by the Servers and were able to get away in time to warn the tribe. We prepared for their arrival and watched them travel through the forest. These Servers were like none I've seen before. Surely Hah-gweh-da-et-gah has been trying very hard to destroy the world around us for these Servers cut through the forest destroying wherever they went. They killed a few deer and left some of it unused without thanking the deer for its meat and fur. When they came near the land of our tribe we attacked, catching them by surprise. We defended our land with honor and drove away these unwelcome Servers, sending them back to that wretched pit where Hah-gweh-da-et-gah resides.

Essential Question:
As the white man invaded the New World, he brought with him his form of the American dream which focused on religious freedom and a community with God. As they encountered the Native Americans the conflicting beliefs caused hostility to arise due to an intolerance of other’s beliefs. The Native Americans already had their culture in place and the Puritans came to America with a dream of peacefully living out their religion. The intolerance of one another’s cultures and beliefs led to a hostile relationship between the Puritans and the Native Americans. This created an obstacle for the Puritans to overcome, because not only were they now in a strange land but they also had the Native Americans attacking them. The Puritan’s American dream conflicted with the Native American’s and led to a rift between the two cultures and the Puritans managed to prevail over the Native Americans only because of their superior weapons and their yearning to accomplish their dream of living peacefully in America while worshiping their faith.

Plymouth Plantation

But presently, all on the sudden, they heard a great and strange cry, which they knew to be the same voices they heard in the night, though they varied their notes; and one of their company being abroad came running in and cried, "Men, Indians! Indians!" And withal, their arrows came flying amongst them. Their men ran with all speed to recover their arms, as by the good providence of God they did. In the meantime, of those that were there ready, two muskets were discharged at them, and two more stood ready in the entrance of their rendezvous but were commanded not to shoot till they could take full aim at them. And the other two charged again with-all speed, for there were only four had arms there, and defended the barricade, which was first assaulted. The cry of the Indians was dreadful, especially when they saw the men run out of the rendezvous toward the shallop to recover their arms, the Indians wheeling about upon them. But some running out with coats of mail on, and cutlasses in their hands, they soon got their arms land let fly amongst them and quickly stopped their violence. Yet there was a lusty man, and no less valiant, stood behind a tree within half a musket shot, and let his arrows fly at them; he was seen [to] shoot three arrows, which were all avoided. He stood three shots of a musket, till one taking full aim at him and made the bark or splinters of the tree fly about his ears, after which he gave an extraordinary shriek and away they went, all of them. They' left some to keep the shallop and followed them about a quarter of a mile and shouted once or twice, and shot off two or three pieces, and so returned. This they did that they might conceive that they were not afraid of them or any way discouraged.
Thus it pleased God to vanquish their enemies and give them deliverance; and by His special providence so to dispose that not any one of them were either hurt or hit, though their arrows came close by them and on every side [of] them; and sundry of their coats, which hung up in the barricade, were shot through and through. Afterwards they gave God solemn thanks and praise for their deliverance, and gathered up a bundle of their arrows and sent them into England afterward by the master of the ship, and called that place the First Encounter.
William Bradford. "Of Plymouth Plantation". March 23, 2008 <http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/english/coke/bradford.htm>

Reflection: In this selection you see one of the first encounters with Native Americans that these pilgrims encountered and it sheds some light on their relationship. Their first interaction with this group of Native Americans is hostile. This may be because they have had a bad encounter with other immigrants to the New World and learned to be defensive of their land. Another reason for their attack could be that they lived in a land where tribe territories are constantly being fought over and because of this this tribe saw these newcomers to be a threat to their tribe and their land and took defensive action. This selection also shows the strong faith the pilgrims possess despite being in a foreign land with countless threats facing them.

Dear Diary,

It is by the grace of our God that we survived our first encounter with the natives. They are a strange bunch that are wary of our prescence and are very hostile towards us. There are probably sundry groups of these natives scattered about in this strange land. After we chased away these strange people we sat and thanked the Lord for delivering us from this unkown threat unscathed. After giving Him our thanks and praise we continued further down the coast looking for a proper spot to moore our shallops and stop to rest. Soon we neared a clear area near the opening of a river. We set up camp and started to cook our meal from a deer we had managed to catch. We thanked the Lord for providing us with this meal and ate.
In the middle of the morning the next day we once again ran across a group of Natives and a lusty young man traveling with us was felled by one of their arrows. We all saw it as God's will that he fall. We managed to escape from our pursuiters and find saftey further along the coast. What a strange land this is and what a hostile, and primitive group these natives are. I hope that we will soon come across others of our kind just for safety's sake.

Essential Question:
The Puritans' American dream was their driving force, their reason for facing many dangers to come to America and start a new life. One of the main reasons, if not the main reason itself, is their want to worship God through their religion without being persecuted. This yearning to hold a communion with God leads to them coming to America. Once they arrived and started to settle they relied on their faith to give them strength and hope for the future. The Puritans strived to live God's word and it shows in their literature. Their lives were focused on faith and they strived to praise God and not to question his doing. This is because of they were a God fearing people and because they were always reminded of the threat of Hell by ministers around them such as Edwards. This shaped their community by creating, for the most part, a peaceful God fearing society which only worked to glorify their God.

To My Dear and Loving Husband

Anne Bradstreet

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


Anne Bradstreet. "To My Dear and Loving Husband". November 1988. March 2008 <http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/Bradstreet/bradhyp.htm>.

Anne Bradstreet expresses her deep love and devotion to her husband in this poem through the use of symbolism, inversion, and repetition in order to say how she loves her husband more than any earthly possession and will live with him forever after death.

Dear Diary,

If only God would be kind enough to bless me with someone as loyal and loving as this. One of my companions showed me this poem today while
we were resting after scouting in the woods for food. Such devotion! However, I must remember that if God wills it I will find someone and start a family. We did manage to bring back a deer that we had killed. There is no reason for us to fear for there is an abundance of food available here in this new world. I have already considered writing to my friends and relatives and asking them to come to our small settlement. It's rather peacefull out here, except for the occasional attack by the Natives. I don't think I'll ever undertand the way they live or why they continue to attack us. In the end God's will shall prevail and we will conquer this land in His name!
God's peace be with you,
Matthew

Verses Upon the Burning of our House

Anne Bradstreet

In silent night when rest I took,
For sorrow near I did not look,
I waken'd was with thund'ring noise
And piteous shrieks of dreadful voice.
That fearful sound of "fire" and "fire,"
Let no man know is my Desire.
I starting up, the light did spy,
And to my God my heart did cry
To straighten me in my Distress
And not to leave me succourless.
Then coming out, behold a space
The flame consume my dwelling place.
And when I could no longer look,
I blest his grace that gave and took,
That laid my goods now in the dust.
Yea, so it was, and so 'twas just.
It was his own; it was not mine.
Far be it that I should repine,
He might of all justly bereft
But yet sufficient for us left.
When by the Ruins oft I past
My sorrowing eyes aside did cast
And here and there the places spy
Where oft I sate and long did lie.
Here stood that Trunk, and there that chest,
There lay that store I counted best,
My pleasant things in ashes lie
And them behold no more shall I.
Under the roof no guest shall sit,
Nor at thy Table eat a bit.
No pleasant talk shall 'ere be told
Nor things recounted done of old.
No Candle 'ere shall shine in Thee,
Nor bridegroom's voice ere heard shall bee.
In silence ever shalt thou lie.
Adieu, Adieu, All's Vanity.
Then straight I 'gin my heart to chide:
And did thy wealth on earth abide,
Didst fix thy hope on mouldring dust,
The arm of flesh didst make thy trust?
Raise up thy thoughts above the sky
That dunghill mists away may fly.
Thou hast a house on high erect
Fram'd by that mighty Architect,
With glory richly furnished
Stands permanent, though this be fled.
It's purchased and paid for too
By him who hath enough to do.
A price so vast as is unknown,
Yet by his gift is made thine own.
There's wealth enough; I need no more.
Farewell, my pelf; farewell, my store.
The world no longer let me love;
My hope and Treasure lies above.

Anne Bradstreet. "Verses Upon the Burning of our House". February 26, 2002. March 25, 2008. <http://www.annebradstreet.com/verses_upon_the_burning_of_our_house.htm>.

Reflection: Anne Bradstreet uses repetition, diction, and rhyme-scheme to convey her sorrow at the loss of her house and then her consolation at the realization that all things on earth will fade but her heavenly home will always remain and that God, not objects, is the center of her life.

Dear Diary,

How ironic life is. Just a few weeks ago poor man Taylor's house caught fire. Lucky for him it didn't burn down but he did lose quite a bit of his stores from to the flame. The minister says it was God's will because he hasn't been attending church lately. Attendance at Sunday service has risen since this event and I think it will last. Taylor is still having trouble dealing with the shock of it though. He's changed though, I've seen him praying almost constantly now. It's interesting how a tragedy can actually bring someone back to God but He does work in strange ways. I better get back to work. Mr. Miller won't be happy if I don't show up in time to help him in the fields.

God's peace be with you,

Matthew

The Author to her Book

Anne Bradstreet

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

Anne Bradstreet. "The Author of my Book". November 1988. March 2008 <http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/Bradstreet/bradpoems.htm>.








Reflection: Anne Bradstreet uses symbolism, diction, and mood in order to express her regret and then grudging acceptance of the publication of her flawed works through the voice of an irritated mother dealing with an unruly child.

Dear Diary,

When I read this poem I have to admit I thought it was rather strange. Bradstreet certainly has an unusual way of writing. In this poem she described her poems as her "children." I thought it was interesting how she would address her work like it was an unruly child who couldn't stop making mistakes. Once her work was published it was found to be flawed and she couldn't fix it which caused her frustration.
Speaking of frustration, the other day one of the children, John, couldn't be found anywhere. The whole town was worried and went searching for him all around the settlement. It turns out that he had been out on the beach trying to skip rocks! We gave him a scolding and sent him off to bed for causing such worry. We thought he may have been captured by the Natives! I doubt that he understood our worry though and I'm sure he will keep getting into trouble. Boys will be boys.
God's peace be with you,
Matthew

Huswifery

Edward Taylor

Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheele compleat;

Thy Holy Worde my Distaff make for mee.

Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neate,

And make my Soule thy holy Spoole to bee.

My Conversation make to be thy Reele,

And reele the yarn thereon spun of thy Wheele.

Make me thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine:

And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, winde quills:

Then weave the Web thyselfe. The yarn is fine.

Thine Ordinances make my Fulling Mills.

Then dy the same in Heavenly Colours Choice,

All pinkt with Varnish't Flowers of Paradise.

Then cloath therewith mine Understanding, Will,

Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory;

My Words and Actions, that their shine may fill

My wayes with glory and thee glorify.

Then mine apparell shall display before yee

That I am Cloathd in Holy robes for glory.

Taylor, Edward. "Huswifery". 1684. March 2008 <http://poetry.poetryx.com/poems/9569/>.

Reflection: In the poem “Huswifery” Edward Taylor expressed his desire for God’s grace through the use of extended metaphor, syntax and diction.

Dear Diary,

I believe that this poem captures the wants of most of those who came here to the New World. We all wish to have a close relationship with the Lord and have him change us so that we may one day live with him in his kingdom. The comparison between the narrator's change and the creation of elegant robes from rough wool was very well writ. The truth of it is that we are like wool. We aren't worthy or ready to be with God and so we must have his grace in order to have His word change us and embrace His guidance and love.

I remember back in Great Britain we couldn't live out our faith because we would be punished or killed. However, because it was God's will we were able to come here, to this place of new beginnings and we will create a new nation, one that focuses on God and his word. That is our goal and we intend to live it out in order to glorify God. The future looks bright and welcoming. Hopefully this plan will come to fruition and God shall truly rule the earth.

God's peace be with you,

Matthew

Patrick Henry - "Give me liberty, or give me Death!"

An excerpt from Patrick Henry's Give me liberty speech.
"... If we wish to be free... we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us! They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength but irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power...Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave...There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come. It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! ... Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

Reflection: In famous speeches throughout history the speaker has held a masterful control over ethos, pathos, and logos; all of which give the speaker an amount of validity and also encourage the audience to listen and embrace the issue that the speaker is referring to. These three factors of the speech are used to capture the audience's attention and persuade them to agree with the message being presented. This speech is no exception. Patrick Henry skillfully uses logic, emotion, and his position in order to help persuade his nation to go to war for independence from a form of tyrannical government. For example when Henry mentions what will happen if we do nothing against Britain but hope for the best and says, "There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston!" He is trying to get the audience to feel fear for themselves and their families in order to push them to move for independence and freedom, instead of oppression. By connecting with the audience's fear of oppression and their want for freedom Henry is able to persuade them to fight for their independence. Henry then connects to their sense of reasoning with true if unwanted truth stating, "I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other." Here he is stating an irrefutable truth which bolsters his argument for war and independence. By applying pathos, ethos, and logos Patrick Henry presented a logical argument that captured the hearts of his audience providing an effective number of people to rally for independence and freedom.

Dear Diary,
News is traveling quickly through the colonies of a revolution. Last week a man from Boston informed us about a Mr. Patrick Henry, who spoke out for independence from Great Britain. They said that his words were inspiring and seemed to grip your heart. He managed to control the hearts and minds of those who listened and soon everyone at his protest was also rallying for independence. They say that soon he will go to our representatives and try to convince them to also vote for independence and freedom from our tyrannical king.
I have heard some of the arguments he has made and I stand firm beside them. Our oppression has gone on for too long. I will not stand by and let British soldiers enslave me and my family so that Great Britain may make a pretty penny selling cheap goods for expensive prices. We are entitled to the same rights as them overseas and I will fight to make sure we recieve them. Already I plan to go with friends to watch Patrick Henry make his thoughts be known among the leaders of our colonies and rally followers for a revolution. These certainly are exciting times.
God's peace be with you,
Matthew

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God!

All wicked men's pains and contrivande which they use to escape hell, while they continue to reject Christ, and so remain wicked men, do not secure them from hell one moment. Almost every natural man that hears of hell, flatters himself that he shall escape it; he depends upon himself for his own security; he flatters himself in what he has done, in what he is now doing, or what he intends to do. Every one lays out matters in his own mind how he shall avoid damnation, and flatters himself that he contrives well for himself, and that his schemes will not fail. They hear indeed that there are but few saved, and that the greater part of men that have died heretofore are gone to hell; but each one imagines that he lays out matters better for his own escape than others have done. He does not intend to come to that place of torment; he says within himself, that he intends to take effectual care, and to order matters so for himself as not to fail.
But the foolish children of men miserably delude themselves in their own schemes, and in confidence in their own strength and wisdom; they trust to nothing but a shadow. The greater part of those who heretofore have lived under the same means of grace, and are now dead, are undoubtedly gone to hell; and it was not because they were not as wise as those who are now alive: it was not because they did not lay out matters as well for themselves to secure their own escape. If we could speak with them, and inquire of them, one by one, whether they expected, when alive, and when they used to hear about hell, ever to be the subjects of misery: we doubtless, should hear one and another reply, "No, I never intended to come here: I had laid out matters otherwise in my mind; I thought I should contrive well for myself -- I thought my scheme good. I intended to take effectual care; but it came upon me unexpected; I did not look for it at that time, and in that manner; it came as a thief -- Death outwitted me: God's wrath was too quick for me. Oh, my cursed foolishness! I was flattering myself, and pleasing myself with vain dreams of what I would do hereafter; and when I was saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction came upon me."

Edwards, Jonathan. "Sinners in the hands of an Angry God!". July 8, 1741. March 2008 <http://www.piney.com/JonEdwSinHands.html>.

Reflection: No wonder the Puritans during this time praised God for every other thing! They were trying to stay out of hell. If most of the teachings of the time were similar to Edwards harangue then it is to be expected that they would do anything to try to keep themselves out of hell. Edwards in this passage focuses his attention on those who do not think that they will end up in hell, those who think that they are safe and will be one of the few who are kept from the flames. Edwards wakes them up from their dream shouting that they are not safe and they are in even more danger because they do not percieve a threat and so when death comes unexpectedly they will go to hell because they were not focusing on God through their life.
Edwards could not stand those who thought that they were morally superior to those around them and so he addressed this issue by saying that they were only lying to themselves and other people like them who had ended in hell hadn't predicted their fate either.
With this type of preaching it is understandable how the Puritans would be strict in their faith and not question any event for it could be God's will. Their lives focused on working for God and praising God so that they may avoid hell.

Dear Diary,

During today's mass the minister preached quite harshly to us. He threatened us with Hell and said that we better shape up or else we will end up burning in Hell's fire for eternity. He told us that those who thought they would make it into heaven were fooling themselves and that God was angry with us and would not hesitate to punish us. Not a single soul in that church that day was restfull. People fidgited in their seats with looks of worry on their brows, hoping that they were not one of those who would not recieve God's grace.
It struck me to think of God as a vengeful and angry God. I've always been God fearing but God is supposed to be forgiving and benevolent so I was very frightened to hear the idea that God would need very little to cast me into Hell for eternity. Many people, me included, left that mass shaking with fear and started to praise God and do our best to live his word for fear of being smighted on the spot. I just hope that I may be able to recieve God's grace.
God's peace be with you,
Matthew

Olaudah Equiano

An Excerpt from Olaudah Equiano's slave narrative.
"We were not many days in the merchant's custody, before we were sold after their usual manner, which is this: On a signal given, (as the beat of a drum) the buyers rush at once into the yard where the slaves are confined, and make choice of that parcel they like best. The noise and clamor with which this is attended, and the eagerness visible in the countenances of the buyers, serve not a little to increase the apprehension of terrified Africans, who may well be supposed to consider them as the ministers of that destruction to which they think themselves devoted. In this manner, without scruple, are relations and friends separated, most of them never to see each other again. I remember, in the vessel in which I was brought over, in the men's apartment, there were several brothers, who, in the sale, were sold in different lots; and it was very moving on this occasion, to see and hear their cries at parting. O, ye nominal Christians! might not an African ask youÑ-Learned you this from your God, who says unto you, Do unto all men as you would men should do unto you? Is it not enough that we are torn from our country and friends, to toil for your luxury and lust of gain? Must every tender feeling be likewise sacrificed to your avarice? Are the dearest friends and relations, now rendered more dear by their separation from their kindred, still to be parted from each other, and thus prevented from cheering the gloom of slavery, with the small comfort of being together; and mingling their sufferings and sorrows? Why are parents to lose their children, brothers their sisters, husbands their wives? Surely, this is a new refinement in cruelty, which, while it has no advantage to atone for it, thus aggravates distress; and adds fresh horrors even to the wretchedness of slavery."

Equiano, Olaudah. "The Atlantic Voyage". 1995. March 2008 .
<http://www.wsu.edu:8000/~dee/Equiano.html>


REFLECTION: This account was written by Olaudah Equiano years after he had gone through his unwilling journey to Barbados through slavery. Olaudah was shocked by the appearance of the white men and their cruelty to the Africans and each other. In fact because of their cruelty this whole journey stuck with Olaudah for years until he learned how to read and write and recorded this event. His hate and fear towards the white men remained in him so he was able to write his story.
The excerpt above adds to the cruelty the white men showed towards the Africans when they were unloaded at Barbados to be auctioned off. It talks about how families and friends would be split up forever, adding to the fear and grief already present among the slaves. The white men saw themselves as superior to the Africans which is ironic because the Africans had never seen anyone so cruel and unfeeling as these newcomers who had dragged them from their homes to work for them. Olaudah also mentions how the white men completely ignore God's teaching to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This is strange because at this time religion was a major factor in people's lives and they believed that they were only just kept out of hell by God's grace. It is strange how they would still tempt God's patience by continuing slavery and breaking families apart in such a manner.

Dear Diary,
Out town has recently been visited by a band of travelers with many goods. However, among them were a few slaves. Two of them were young boys who couldn't be older than 11, while the third was a young man about 18 years of age. The manner in which these travelers treated these slaves was so cruel that even a few residents of our village tried to intervene and stop them from killing the young boys. The two boys had stopped carrying goods out of a wagon and sat down for only a minute when their owner came by and yelled at them for being lazy and impudent. He then started to beat them over the head with his cane. The boys cries could be heard through half the town. I got two of my friends and stopped the owner before he managed to stike the child again. We tried to calm him down and ask him what the Christian thing to do would be but he would have none of it. He swipped at us with his cane and then left town in a fury, practically kicking his slaves before him on his way.
I don't know how that man lives his life. Not after that sermon last week about God's fury and wrath. I personally have looked down upon slavery in the past but that was by far the worst treatment I have ever seen. Hopefully, that was an example to our town of how slavery is a sin. I just wish that those poor boys could be away from that horrible man.
God's peace be with you,
Matthew

Essential Question: The American dream has changed since the time when settlers first arrived in America from a community with God to a dream focused on possessions and wealth. With this switch to material goods there came a demand for labor, which was provided cheaply through slavery. This helped boost profits projecting some people on their path to achieving wealth, the new American Dream. This dream comes at the cost of others and undermines the work put forth to achieve the first American Dream which focused on God and his teachings. At one point slavery may have been looked down upon but now with it being used to achieve this new American Dream slavery may be tolerated as a necessary evil or even welcomed as a form of legitimate business. As the American Dream switched from beliefs to wealth, people went over previous boundaries set forth by society in order to obtain this new dream; setting forth a new process by which to acomplish their goals, no matter the cost to others.

Thomas Paine's- The Crisis

An excerpt from The Crisis by Thomas Paine
"...Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God. Whether the independence of the continent was declared too soon, or delayed too long, I will not now enter into as an argument; my own simple opinion is, that had it been eight months earlier, it would have been much better. We did not make a proper use of last winter, neither could we, while we were in a dependent state
. . .
I call not upon a few, but upon all: not on this state or that state, but on every state: up and help us; lay your shoulders to the wheel; better have too much force than too little, when so great an object is at stake. Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet and to repulse it. Say not that thousands are gone, turn out your tens of thousands; throw not the burden of the day upon Providence, but "show your faith by your works," that God may bless you. It matters not where you live, or what rank of life you hold, the evil or the blessing will reach you all. The far and the near, the home counties and the back, the rich and the poor, will suffer or rejoice alike. The heart that feels not now is dead; the blood of his children will curse his cowardice, who shrinks back at a time when a little might have saved the whole, and made them happy. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection."

REFLECTION: Thomas Paine wrote this pamphlet in order to convince the American public to rally for independence before it was too late and Great Britain had complete control over America. He also uses Pathos, Logos, and Ethos in his speech in order to persuade the readers to consider and embrace his viewpoint about independence from Britain. He addressed the audience's fear of being oppressed by Britain through pathos when he states, "Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth." This statement also appeals to Logos or logic. This statement can't be refuted and disregarded. It's a fact and Paine throws it out there to wake up the public to the reality of what will happen if action is not taken. He then continues to speak about how, if we gain independence, those who were afraid and did nothing would appear to the rest. He talks about how everyone should support this movement for the good of the nation and even refers to the Bible in order to try and persuade more to join his cause, saying that God blesses those who show their faith through their works. This is similar to the story of the two farmers who prayed for rain during a drought, but only one farmer prepared his field for rain. The one who prepared his field truly believed that God would provide for him and so would be blessed by God. By using allusions and other phrases that connect to the audience on an emotional level and clear logic Paine was able to help drive the nation to a revolution and independence.

Dear Diary,
For the past week there has been deliberations on whether we should revolt from Great Britain, which I mentioned previously. However, now that our town has received Thomas Paine's pamphlet The Crisis, people are discussing the matter with even more intensity that before. Why just this Tuesday old man Turpin got into a heated argument with some of the young men in town on the issue. He wants to remain loyal to Great Britain, mainly because his son has a position of power under the King. However, most of the citizens here have agreed with Paine's statements and are right now away trying to convince their governors to support the revolution.
I only hope that we succeed if we try this revolution. This is high treason, and our leaders could hang if they fail and then Great Britain wouldn't give us any rights at all. They'd have soldiers residing in every house in America. I'll be willing to fight for my country's independence and my fellow citizen's rights. I only pray that during this war, when it comes (for we know it's inevitable), we hold strong and fight bravely for our nation.
God's peace and protection be with you,
Matthew

Essential Question:
As the colonies faced the threat of oppression from Great Britain, their American Dream changed to a guarantee of freedom and liberty. This dream changed history forever, driving America into the Revolutionary war and providing a democracy for the world, made by the people for the people. Their struggle was to protect their dream of one day being part of a nation that guaranteed thr rights of the individual over the benefit of the government. They used their dream to fuel their fight for freedom, liberty, and independence and set a shining example of democracy for the world to witness and learn from.

American Dream Interviews

In this selection are posted some interviews when I asked my friends and family about their feelings toward the American dream.

An interview with my Aunt Veronica
Q: How do you think the American dream has driven America?

A:The American dream is prosperity. Everybody wants to have the best for their children, so they're driven to work harder as a result. Everyone is thinking of a better world for the children, so they're working to clean up the earth and make it a more friendly place. Whenever a person runs for office, they make it a point to think about the children and the future.

An interview with my former math teacher, Mr. Sugerik
Q: How have you accomplished your American Dream?

A: I think I'm still in the process of accomplishing it. Let's see American Dream. I don't even think I knew what I wanted until I was outside of college. I thought I knew what I wanted, you know, money, fame, all those tangibles house, car, but I think as you go through life you start to get a better idea of what you want. But for me education is period. I know that sounds corny because you are still in school but I'm going back and finishing my PHD and I will be honest with you. Everything that I've been able to accomplish I've been able to do because of the schooling that I've gone to. If I wanted to quit my job today and ... go be a chef I could do it because of my education. In other words, doors of opportunity pop open based on the level of education you have, and sometimes that's not fair. I think both of us are qualified to be professors at the University. I believe the two of us have enough knowledge to go over there and be better than them. but if you don't have a doctorate at the end of your name, the PhD, you can't even get the job; it's a requirement to get in. So, sometimes, fairly or unfairly, the more education you get, sometimes it's better to sit back and say, 'hmm, I don't know what I wanna do.' rather than have someone say, 'I'm sorry you can't go into this program. You don't have the right requirements' and that's what happens. Many careers are closed because you don't have a degree ... I would say schooling no doubt about it helps get to the American Dream. I don't think I'm there yet.

This is an interview with my father.
Q: How have you accomplished your American Dream?

A: I think I was born into my American dream. I was born into a good family I went to a good school, and went to college. My American Dream was to maintain my lifestyle I guess. The American Dream, I mean when you ask people about the American dream you really have to be from out of the country. The American Dream is being able to dream, to come up with ideas and follow through on those ideas. The American dream isn't necessarily starting a business. it could be starting a family without the fear of an oppressive government. You know you have the dreams of this country. You could work as hard as you want. You can really do whatever you wanna do and you can constantly reinvent yourself.


Reflection:
The American Dream has been tainted over the years from its image of opportunity to an insatiable yearning for material items. Despite this fact my father felt that the true American dream was having the opportunity to be as much as you can be and be given the chance to dream. However, two other people I interviewed felt that the dream was based more upon their lifestyle and their amount of wealth. My Aunt Veronica felt that the dream was base on materialism, which would drive a person to work harder in order to support their family. My former math teacher, Mr. Sugerik, felt that the dream was based upon wealth, and that education was the key to obtaining this. He felt that the dream was the freedom to do what you want with your life, but this came through financial stability.

Cubism

For my cubism project I attempted to mimic this picture

I wanted to make a cubist image that focused on how the political campaign has switched from the issues facing our country to the characteristics of the opponents.

Willa Cather Immitation

In this assignment I worked to immitate Willa Cather's writing style in Book one Chapter ten of her novel My Antonia. (The text is in italics while my immitation is farther below)
FOR SEVERAL WEEKS after my sleigh-ride, we heard nothing from the Shimerdas. My sore throat kept me indoors, and grandmother had a cold which made the housework heavy for her. When Sunday came she was glad to have a day of rest. One night at supper Fuchs told us he had seen Mr. Shimerda out hunting.
`He's made himself a rabbit-skin cap, Jim, and a rabbit-skin collar that he buttons on outside his coat. They ain't got but one overcoat among 'em over there, and they take turns wearing it. They seem awful scared of cold, and stick in that hole in the bank like badgers.'
`All but the crazy boy,' Jake put in. `He never wears the coat. Krajiek says he's turrible strong and can stand anything. I guess rabbits must be getting scarce in this locality. Ambrosch come along by the cornfield yesterday where I was at work and showed me three prairie dogs he'd shot. He asked me if they was good to eat. I spit and made a face and took on, to scare him, but he just looked like he was smarter'n me and put 'em back in his sack and walked off.'
Grandmother looked up in alarm and spoke to grandfather. `Josiah, you don't suppose Krajiek would let them poor creatures eat prairie dogs, do you?'
`You had better go over and see our neighbours tomorrow, Emmaline,' he replied gravely.
Fuchs put in a cheerful word and said prairie dogs were clean beasts and ought to be good for food, but their family connections were against them. I asked what he meant, and he grinned and said they belonged to the rat family.
When I went downstairs in the morning, I found grandmother and Jake packing a hamper basket in the kitchen.
`Now, Jake,' grandmother was saying, `if you can find that old rooster that got his comb froze, just give his neck a twist, and we'll take him along. There's no good reason why Mrs. Shimerda couldn't have got hens from her neighbours last fall and had a hen-house going by now. I reckon she was confused and didn't know where to begin. I've come strange to a new country myself, but I never forgot hens are a good thing to have, no matter what you don't have.
`Just as you say, ma'm,' said Jake, `but I hate to think of Krajiek getting a leg of that old rooster.' He tramped out through the long cellar and dropped the heavy door behind him.
After breakfast grandmother and Jake and I bundled ourselves up and climbed into the cold front wagon-seat. As we approached the Shimerdas', we heard the frosty whine of the pump and saw Antonia, her head tied up and her cotton dress blown about her, throwing all her weight on the pump-handle as it went up and down. She heard our wagon, looked back over her shoulder, and, catching up her pail of water, started at a run for the hole in the bank.
Jake helped grandmother to the ground, saying he would bring the provisions after he had blanketed his horses. We went slowly up the icy path toward the door sunk in the drawside. Blue puffs of smoke came from the stovepipe that stuck out through the grass and snow, but the wind whisked them roughly away.
Mrs. Shimerda opened the door before we knocked and seized grandmother's hand. She did not say `How do!' as usual, but at once began to cry, talking very fast in her own language, pointing to her feet which were tied up in rags, and looking about accusingly at everyone.
The old man was sitting on a stump behind the stove, crouching over as if he were trying to hide from us. Yulka was on the floor at his feet, her kitten in her lap. She peeped out at me and smiled, but, glancing up at her mother, hid again. Antonia was washing pans and dishes in a dark corner. The crazy boy lay under the only window, stretched on a gunny-sack stuffed with straw. As soon as we entered, he threw a grain-sack over the crack at the bottom of the door. The air in the cave was stifling, and it was very dark, too. A lighted lantern, hung over the stove, threw out a feeble yellow glimmer.
Mrs. Shimerda snatched off the covers of two barrels behind the door, and made us look into them. In one there were some potatoes that had been frozen and were rotting, in the other was a little pile of flour. Grandmother murmured something in embarrassment, but the Bohemian woman laughed scornfully, a kind of whinny-laugh, and, catching up an empty coffee-pot from the shelf, shook it at us with a look positively vindictive.
Grandmother went on talking in her polite Virginia way, not admitting their stark need or her own remissness, until Jake arrived with the hamper, as if in direct answer to Mrs. Shimerda's reproaches. Then the poor woman broke down. She dropped on the floor beside her crazy son, hid her face on her knees, and sat crying bitterly. Grandmother paid no heed to her, but called Antonia to come and help empty the basket. Tony left her corner reluctantly. I had never seen her crushed like this before.
`You not mind my poor mamenka, Mrs. Burden. She is so sad,' she whispered, as she wiped her wet hands on her skirt and took the things grandmother handed her.
The crazy boy, seeing the food, began to make soft, gurgling noises and stroked his stomach. Jake came in again, this time with a sack of potatoes. Grandmother looked about in perplexity.
`Haven't you got any sort of cave or cellar outside, Antonia? This is no place to keep vegetables. How did your potatoes get frozen?'
`We get from Mr. Bushy, at the post-office what he throw out. We got no potatoes, Mrs. Burden,' Tony admitted mournfully.
When Jake went out, Marek crawled along the floor and stuffed up the door-crack again. Then, quietly as a shadow, Mr. Shimerda came out from behind the stove. He stood brushing his hand over his smooth grey hair, as if he were trying to clear away a fog about his head. He was clean and neat as usual, with his green neckcloth and his coral pin. He took grandmother's arm and led her behind the stove, to the back of the room. In the rear wall was another little cave; a round hole, not much bigger than an oil barrel, scooped out in the black earth. When I got up on one of the stools and peered into it, I saw some quilts and a pile of straw. The old man held the lantern. `Yulka,' he said in a low, despairing voice, `Yulka; my Antonia!'
Grandmother drew back. `You mean they sleep in there--your girls?' He bowed his head.
Tony slipped under his arm. `It is very cold on the floor, and this is warm like the badger hole. I like for sleep there,' she insisted eagerly. `My mamenka have nice bed, with pillows from our own geese in Bohemie. See, Jim?' She pointed to the narrow bunk which Krajiek had built against the wall for himself before the Shimerdas came.
Grandmother sighed. `Sure enough, where WOULD you sleep, dear! I don't doubt you're warm there. You'll have a better house after while, Antonia, and then you will forget these hard times.'
Mr. Shimerda made grandmother sit down on the only chair and pointed his wife to a stool beside her. Standing before them with his hand on Antonia's shoulder, he talked in a low tone, and his daughter translated. He wanted us to know that they were not beggars in the old country; he made good wages, and his family were respected there. He left Bohemia with more than a thousand dollars in savings, after their passage money was paid. He had in some way lost on exchange in New York, and the railway fare to Nebraska was more than they had expected. By the time they paid Krajiek for the land, and bought his horses and oxen and some old farm machinery, they had very little money left. He wished grandmother to know, however, that he still had some money. If they could get through until spring came, they would buy a cow and chickens and plant a garden, and would then do very well. Ambrosch and Antonia were both old enough to work in the fields, and they were willing to work. But the snow and the bitter weather had disheartened them all.
Antonia explained that her father meant to build a new house for them in the spring; he and Ambrosch had already split the logs for it, but the logs were all buried in the snow, along the creek where they had been felled.
While grandmother encouraged and gave them advice, I sat down on the floor with Yulka and let her show me her kitten. Marek slid cautiously toward us and began to exhibit his webbed fingers. I knew he wanted to make his queer noises for me--to bark like a dog or whinny like a horse--but he did not dare in the presence of his elders. Marek was always trying to be agreeable, poor fellow, as if he had it on his mind that he must make up for his deficiencies.
Mrs. Shimerda grew more calm and reasonable before our visit was over, and, while Antonia translated, put in a word now and then on her own account. The woman had a quick ear, and caught up phrases whenever she heard English spoken. As we rose to go, she opened her wooden chest and brought out a bag made of bed-ticking, about as long as a flour sack and half as wide, stuffed full of something. At sight of it, the crazy boy began to smack his lips. When Mrs. Shimerda opened the bag and stirred the contents with her hand, it gave out a salty, earthy smell, very pungent, even among the other odours of that cave. She measured a teacup full, tied it up in a bit of sacking, and presented it ceremoniously to grandmother.
`For cook,' she announced. `Little now; be very much when cook,' spreading out her hands as if to indicate that the pint would swell to a gallon. `Very good. You no have in this country. All things for eat better in my country.'
`Maybe so, Mrs. Shimerda,' grandmother said dryly. `I can't say but I prefer our bread to yours, myself.'
Antonia undertook to explain. `This very good, Mrs. Burden'-- she clasped her hands as if she could not express how good--'it make very much when you cook, like what my mama say. Cook with rabbit, cook with chicken, in the gravy--oh, so good!'
All the way home grandmother and Jake talked about how easily good Christian people could forget they were their brothers' keepers.
`I will say, Jake, some of our brothers and sisters are hard to keep. Where's a body to begin, with these people? They're wanting in everything, and most of all in horse-sense. Nobody can give 'em that, I guess. Jimmy, here, is about as able to take over a homestead as they are. Do you reckon that boy Ambrosch has any real push in him?'
`He's a worker, all right, ma'm, and he's got some ketch-on about him; but he's a mean one. Folks can be mean enough to get on in this world; and then, ag'in, they can be too mean.'
That night, while grandmother was getting supper, we opened the package Mrs. Shimerda had given her. It was full of little brown chips that looked like the shavings of some root. They were as light as feathers, and the most noticeable thing about them was their penetrating, earthy odour. We could not determine whether they were animal or vegetable.
`They might be dried meat from some queer beast, Jim. They ain't dried fish, and they never grew on stalk or vine. I'm afraid of 'em. Anyhow, I shouldn't want to eat anything that had been shut up for months with old clothes and goose pillows.'
She threw the package into the stove, but I bit off a corner of one of the chips I held in my hand, and chewed it tentatively. I never forgot the strange taste; though it was many years before I knew that those little brown shavings, which the Shimerdas had brought so far and treasured so jealously, were dried mushrooms. They had been gathered, probably, in some deep Bohemian forest....

The summer breeze blew against my brow as I dashed through street, jumping over a short hedge and narrowly missing a small brown feral cat. The air felt refreshing on my brow as I ran along the sidewalk, past the long uncut grass of my neighbor’s yards. The air carried the scent of the pine trees and azaleas and which tickled my nose as I ran home. I worried that I wouldn’t make it home in time and put on an extra burst of speed, racing the street lamps home. The sun was setting behind me, a giant ball of fire as red as a blood orange. The street lamps started to turn on, their orange glow being announced by a slight humming. My shadow was cast out in front of him taking the form of an emaciated giant, as if to warn me of the punishment he would face if I didn’t return home in time.
As I neared my house, a two story white house with a wraparound porch, I saw my father gazing out the front window searching the woods at the edge of the empty lot for my figure, he then turned and spotted me sprinting towards the house. He pointed to his wristwatch and glared at me. I made a note not to cut it this close to curfew next time. As leaned over on the front porch to catch my breath I saw the Cortezes gathering their two sons, Miguel and Pablo, together to come over to our house for dinner.
I started to remember when they had first moved into the neighborhood, Miguel and Pablo were very friendly when they first met me and we quickly became close friends and would get enough people together to play soccer while the other parents met the Cortezes.
I was brought back to the present by the smell of corn pudding and mashed potatoes drifting out to the front porch. I rushed to the bathroom and washed my hands thoroughly before I walked into the dinning room. Right then there was a knock on the door and I turned to open it. Out on the front porch were the Cortezes. Mr. Cortez was smiling brightly and was dressed neatly. Behind him was his wife who simply nodded as I welcomed them inside and led them to the dinning room. Pablo and Miguel waved at me as they walked into the dinning room.
“Ded you git ome in time?” asked Miguel with a knowing smile. He had been punished for returning home late a week earlier
“Just barely,” I said, grinning.
I led them into the dinning room where the grownups were already seated and talking to one another. The windows were open letting in the cool night air. The last rays of sunlight were shining through, painting the sky all sorts of shades of pink and red. Fireflies started to come out as the meal progressed and Pablo and Miguel went outside to catch some while I searched for a jar to put them in.
“We’re so glad that you came tonight,” said Mary, Chris’s mom.
“Gracias. We are happy you invite us,” said Mr. Cortez. “I have trouble finding job. Many places ask but no job have. My wife is muy triste. Pleeze, help me. I'm having trouble finding has job because I can' t speak Ingles very well.”
“Well don’t you worry none Mr. Cortez,” said Jonathan “I’ll set you up with a friend of mine and he’ll getcha a job.”
“Gracias. I grateful for this very much.”
“Don’t mention it. Now we better get these kids off to bed if they are going to help us fix your back gate tomorrow.”
Pablo came into the house, his face light up by the dozens of fireflies he had managed to catch. Miguel walked in after him and I showed them how to squish a firefly when it lit up in order to make their fingers glow. We each had a tiny glowing ring on our finger by the time the parents were done talking. When Mrs. Cortez caught sight of Pablo and Miguel’s hands she started to scold them in Spanish and made them go wash their hands. I hid my hand in my pocket until she left. Mr. Cortez took the jar outside and unscrewed the lid, releasing the dozens of captive fireflies inside. They scattered and then started to once again rise and fall lazily lighting up the night sky.
The amber glow from the front porch light threw Mr. Cortez’s left side of his face into shadow. He turned and watched his wife carry Pablo, who was drifting in and out of sleep, and lead Miguel back to their home down the block. Without turning back to face Jonathan he thanked him once more and started to walk slowly after his wife, his long shadow stretching out across the street.
I crawled into bed after saying my prayers that night. The stars shone my bedroom window. The full moon lit up the backs of the clouds that were moving in from the sea. They were laden with rain and I started to drift off to sleep while listening to the steady beat of the rain. Just as I slipped out of consciousness I heard thunder rolling in the distance.

Transcendentalists-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Below is an except from Emerson's essay "Nature"
"To speak truly, few adult persons can see nature. Most persons do not see the sun. At least they have a very superficial seeing. The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child. The lover of nature is he whose inward and outward senses are still truly adjusted to each other; who has retained the spirit of infancy even into the era of manhood. His intercourse with heaven and earth, becomes part of his daily food. In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows. Nature says, -- he is my creature, and maugre all his impertinent griefs, he shall be glad with me. Not the sun or the summer alone, but every hour and season yields its tribute of delight; for every hour and change corresponds to and authorizes a different state of the mind, from breathless noon to grimmest midnight. Nature is a setting that fits equally well a comic or a mourning piece. In good health, the air is a cordial of incredible virtue. Crossing a bare common, in snow puddles, at twilight, under a clouded sky, without having in my thoughts any occurrence of special good fortune, I have enjoyed a perfect exhilaration. I am glad to the brink of fear. In the woods too, a man casts off his years, as the snake his slough, and at what period soever of life, is always a child. In the woods, is perpetual youth. Within these plantations of God, a decorum and sanctity reign, a perennial festival is dressed, and the guest sees not how he should tire of them in a thousand years. In the woods, we return to reason and faith. There I feel that nothing can befall me in life, -- no disgrace, no calamity, (leaving me my eyes,) which nature cannot repair. Standing on the bare ground, -- my head bathed by the blithe air, and uplifted into infinite space, -- all mean egotism vanishes. I become a transparent eye-ball; I am nothing; I see all; the currents of the Universal Being circulate through me; I am part or particle of God. The name of the nearest friend sounds then foreign and accidental: to be brothers, to be acquaintances, -- master or servant, is then a trifle and a disturbance. I am the lover of uncontained and immortal beauty. In the wilderness, I find something more dear and connate than in streets or villages. In the tranquil landscape, and especially in the distant line of the horizon, man beholds somewhat as beautiful as his own nature."


Reflection: In the essay “Nature” Emerson mentions the tranquility and power of nature. He talks about how nature is able to bring out the innocent and youth in a person and how nature can give one a sense of awe and reverence rarely found elsewhere. I find this statement to be true and I feel that nature has an amazing power to make one experience a certain nostalgia or joy felt when one was a child first experiencing the many wonders of nature. I for one am reminded of a past experience in nature that really made me start to respect the purity of the land. It was quite recent actually. It was a sunny saturday morning during the afternoon and there were white clouds in the sky and I decided it would be nice to just lay down in the grass in my back yard and listen. I lay there for a little over an hour and it was such a relaxing experience just listening to my surrounding and observing the nature around me. I was very relaxed and renewed through this experience. Emerson really is able to capture the spiritual sense of nature and I love how he describes it. He describes it just right, the way nature can bring joy even in hard times and how when one is alone then one establishes a real sense of unity with the land.

Dear Diary,
Last week I happened to come across an essay by a Mr. Ralph Emerson and a certain section caught my eye. In this section, labeled Nature, Mr. Emerson talked about humans relationship with nature and how nature is so powerful that it can stir up memories of youth and feelings of happiness no matter what hardsips one is experiencing. His style of writing was so moving that i chose to set aside some time today to just go out into nature and truly experience it and I'm very happy that I did. Once I was out there in a little clearing about half a mile from town I simply sat down and watched my surroundings. I was reminded of me as a youth running through these woods with my friends, learning the names of the different plants and animals. I noticed many animals passing by my in the woods and I was just filled with a sense of peace. Emerson was completely right about nature and its power. I left that clearing feeling renewed and ready to face the world. I only hope I have time to do it again soon.
Until next time,
Matthew


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

Reflection: I feel that this section is very moving. Emerson is telling people to be true to themselves and their dreams and to trust themselves. He says that immitation is suicide or in other words that we shouldn't mimic someone else because then we are killing who we really are and are merely conforming to what we expect society wants us to be. By standing for what we believe and not conforming to society we are able to grow and to work fully towards something great instead of merely performing a minor task in order to keep the system running. We must love ourselves and trust ourselves to be able to accomplish great things in order for us to be able to grow out of the mold society has made for us.

Dear Diary,
You know how I read Emerson's essay last week right? Well today I read another section of it. This section was a bit more direct and stirred up some controvertial feelings in me. He was saying that we need to step out of our mold and to work towards what we believe in instead of assimilating with society. He mentioned how these people are true men who go off to battle Chaos and the Dark. My friends and I are so inspired by this passage we each decided to work towards a goal we had put off because of some excuse. So I am working towards getting my own place somewhere out in the country away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. I have always enjoyed the scenery out there and I've been looking forward to this for a long time. however, I must first earn enough money to buy a house out there so on that note I have to go to work.
Until next time,
Matthew