Native American Literature
Mi’kmaq Women Who Married Star Husbands
http://www.civilisations.ca/aborig/storytel/mi'k2eng.html 
Passage
"E'e," says Younger Sister's Husband, the Star With Sore Eyes. "There is one thing you must not do. You must not move that flat rock which lies before the wigwam. You must not move it, you must not lift it… "I wonder what is under that flat stone?"
"You leave that flat stone alone," says Older Sister.
But Younger Sister keeps talking about it, and soon she has talked herself right up to it, and soon she has talked her hands right on it, and then she is lifting it up.
She lifts up the stone and looks under it.
"What is there?" asks Older Sister.
Younger Sister screams.
"Where are we?" shrieks Younger Sister. "Where are we, my Older Sister?"
Reflection
I chose this passage because it shows what happens when people are too curious. One night before falling asleep, the two sisters in the selection wished to have stars for husbands. I think this is because Indians had such a close bond with nature. After awakening, they realize they have gotten their wish which comes to a big surprise to them. I think they were surprised because they weren’t expecting their wishes to come true. It would definitely be shock for me if I woke up among the stars. Since the star-men told the women not to look under the rock, they became transfixed on doing so. I can sympathize with the sisters because I would feel compelled to look under the rock if I was told not to. Once the women looked under the rock, they became scared, as would I. After the star-men realized the women had looked under the rock, they said they would send them back to earth and they would arrive safely if they didn’t open their eyes until they landed. I feel empathetic for the women because I would be so anxious about what was happening around me, that I would probably open my eyes before landing, like the sisters did. Although this passage teaches people that it is best to be patient and not too curious, these attributes are hard for most people. This passage has caused me to feel pensive because it taught me that there are consequences to not listening to other peoples’ advice.
After comments
On the other hand, the sisters wished for the husbands and should be grateful their wishes were granted. It is true curiosity can get the better of people, but they got what they wished for and should have strayed from their temptation. If the women didn't really want the star husbands, then they shouldn't have wished for them. This folk tale makes me think of the phrase "you reap what you sew," yet the sisters weren't strong enough to handle their fate.
This story could also be taken as foreshadowing. The Indians were so curious as to why the white people were in their territory, that they put their guard down and started interacting with them. They only wanted to know what the white people were up to, yet this curiosity caused them to be driven from their homes and sent to adapt in a new location.
Dear Diary,
1I asked Amma to tell me the Mi’kmaq story of “Women Who Married Star Husbands” again tonight. It’s my favorite because I would love to have a Star Husband! Although, I would miss my parents too much if I lived in the sky. Anyways, Amma says I remind her of the sisters in the story because I’m so curious and impatient. She warns me that if I am not careful, I could end up with the same fate as the women in the story.
There’s nothing on our land that could harm me though because I always give thanks to the Great Spirit for protection. Even so, Amma warns me that there have been rumors of white men among our shores! I want to get a closer look to their strange looking clouds, but 2Appa wouldn’t stand for it and said I should stop being so curious. Some day soon I will sneak over to the shores and snoop around their camps.
1 “Amma” means “Mom”
2 “Appa” means “Dad”
*EXTENSION: political cartoon concerning the plight of the Native American.
Even though Americans attempt to force immigrants from moving to America, they are neglecting to think of how they relocated the Indians once they stole their land. In the cartoon, a big white man dressed in a suit is pointing at a Mexican family and yelling that “it’s time to reclaim America from illegal immigrants!” The man is drawn bigger than the family as to make him seem more powerful than the weak and inferior family. Also in the cartoon is an Indian with his hands crossed, staring intently on the hypocritical American saying “I’ll help you pack.” This statement is referring back to when the white people first came to America and they pushed out the native Indians. Now that the white people want to get rid of the Mexicans, the Indians are thinking of how the white people pushed them out too, and now they are reminding the “Americans” of their wrongdoings.
Native American Music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3uy3ewk_3Y&feature=related
Essential Question
Due to the intolerance of different beliefs, how does the American dream serve to unite difference by affording each person to become "American?"
The American dream serves to unite differences, but not without first eliminating one’s original culture. The Native Americans attempted to work with the pilgrims in order to coexist peacefully with them. Although this is good in theory, the pilgrims were not willing to accept the Native Americans’ ways of life. Through the years white people have made it seem like they are trying to help preserve the Native American culture. This is false because although white people do give them reservations to live on, the Native Americans are still subjected to negativity because white people aren’t willing to accept their different beliefs. Overall, because white people feel they are above Native Americans, they try to unite their differences by making them act and live the way they do.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Entry A: Native American Literature
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Entry B: William Bradford
"Of Plymouth Plantation"
Bradford, William. "Of Plymouth Plantation". Georgetown College. March 17, 2008
http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/english/coke/bradford.htm
Passage
"Being thus arrived in a good harbor, and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet on the firm and stable earth, their proper element...And for the season it was winter, and they that know the winters of that country know them to be sharp and violent, and subject to cruel and fierce storms, dangerous to travel to known places, much more to search an unknown coast. Besides, what could they see but a hideous and desolate wilderness, full of wild beasts and wild men, and what multitudes there might be of them they knew not. Neither could they, as it were, go up to the top of Pisgah to view from this wilderness a more goodly country to feed their hopes; for every which way they turned their eyes (save upward to the heavens) they could have little solace or content in respect of any outward objects. For summer being done, all things stand upon them with a weather-beaten face, and the whole country, full of woods and thickets, represented a wild and savage hue."
Reflection
I chose this passage because it shows the struggles the immigrants where put up to once they arrived in America. The main point of this passage was to show how they had to deal with the harsh weather and remain skeptical of their surroundings. They didn’t know if the Indians and animals would be friend or foe, so they were on constant watch. This piece represents North America as a mystic place full of surprises and dangers, as there are new crops and inhabitants the immigrants aren’t used to. I'm surprised the men followed the Indians even when they tried to run away. I was amazed the colonists took the initiative to discover if they would get along with the “savages” and I was a little taken aback when they took the corn from the pile they found. When I though about how the story would progress, it made me feel annoyed at the settlers for pushing out the Indians from their land. Although I did feel sympathetic towards the natives because it was clear they were afraid of the white men. This is similar to present-day life in that if someone is different from another, they might run away because they are unsure of how to act, or that they are too ignorant to do anything else. If there is someone I don’t know, I attempt to get to know them before labeling them an enemy or “savage.”
The winter season is a great threat for the immigrants. They had no way to prepare for the violent storms. The weather conditions caused them to be unable to travel to the already discovered places or explore the unknown coast. Exploring the new land could lead to a better life, although they had other trouble besides the weather. Yet they also had unseen fears such as wild animals and savage Indians. The immigrants had nowhere to turn except for the heavens. They placed their faith in the hands of God in hopes He would have mercy on them and allow the harsh weather to end.
September 6, 1620
Dear Diary,
It is now winter and the storms are known to be fierce and violent. This new territory is unfamiliar to us so we aren’t able to explore the land today. The coldness of the land it causing us to stay put, so we can’t even travel to the known places or search the coast. There will be no way to go exploring until the storm lets up. Even if the weather does get better, what will we find if we do go exploring?
We have to be on constant watch for any unknown dangers. There could be any number of wild creatures and savages already inhabited in this area. With nowhere else to turn, we place our future and faith in the hands of God. He would not forsake us in this great time of need. Hopefully conditions will be better tomorrow.
EXTENSION: political cartoons focusing on immigration.
When the Pilgrims first arrived in America, they were under the impression that the land was something to be bought and they had not anticipated to find inhabitants. In the cartoon, the pilgrim is shown wearing clothes and having sailed over by ship, while the Indian is shirtless and shoeless. This gives the impression that the pilgrims were much more civilized than the Indians and therefore at an advantage to take over the land. In the cartoon the pilgrim is saying “We’d like to buy your land. Do you take discover card?” This shows that the pilgrims were going to buy the land whether the Indians agreed to it or not. Due to the Indians’ disadvantages as far as intelligence and experience with the newcomers, they are forced to give over the land to the more equipped people.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Entry C: Anne Bradstreet
Bradstreet's
http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/Bradstreet/bradhyp.htm
Woodlief, Ann. "to My Dear and Loving Husband" Study Text." 22 Mar. 2008.
http://spec.lib.vt.edu/mss/huffhylton/Apr24,1862(2).jpg
In this poem, “To My Dear and Loving Husband” by Anne Bradstreet, a woman is expressing her love of her husband. She is explaining that nothing can compare to her intense love of him. It is impressive for someone to feel so much passion for another. Her language is simple, yet her comparisons are full of meaning. When reading this poem I felt soft-hearted thinking about how much love the woman put into the relationship. This poem reminds me of the story Romeo and Juliet because Juliet felt there was nothing greater than her love for Romeo, as does the wife in the poem for her husband. This poem could also relate to relationships in Hollywood because the couple’s love for each other runs out quickly as does “whole mines of gold.” It would be interesting if the woman’s husband could write a poem in response to hers.
Dear Diary,
Today I read the poem “To My Dear and Loving Husband” written by Anne Bradstreet. The speaker of the poem was a woman, a wife more specifically, who was professing her love of her husband. Her uses of imagery are vivid throughout the poem as she compares her love to “mines of gold.” Her simple scheme of rhyming every two lines gives the poem a somewhat quick pace that makes the reader able to feel her passion. There irony is that the wife feels that when she and her husband die, they will still live together forever because of their love for each other. This is definitely one of my favorite works by Anne Bradstreet because it shows that true love still exists.
Poetry Chart
Title/Author:
“To My Dear and Loving Husband”/Anne Bradstreet
Speaker:
A woman professing her love of her husband
A woman who loves her husband, then brags about it, yet she later is cautioning and later feels that they (she and her husband) may have to work for the love or it might go away.
Imagery:
Mines of gold, rivers(that cannot quench), heavens, love struck woman
Sound:
Rivers crashing, heart beating
Rhythm/ Repetition/ Rhyme/ Alliteration/ Assonance/ Consonance:
If ever, thee, we live, thy love/
We and thee, man and can, gold and hold, repay and pray/
While we live in love let’s, if ever/
I prize thy/
Iambic pentameter
Bradstreet is known for:
Paradox, Inversion, Rhyming couplets (aa bb cc dd)
Hyperbole: Love is prized more than “mines of gold”
Paradox:
When we live no more, we may live ever- This states that because of their intense love, they will live forever with each other. The statement “nor ought but love from thee, give recompense” is a metaphor because you really can’t buy love.
Tone:
This tone is expressive and emotional in that a wife is expressing her intense emotion (love) of her husband. The tone is heartfelt. Grateful, passion, exaltation
Irony:
The irony is that the wife feels that when they die, they will still live together forever because of their love for each other. The statement “I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold” is ironic because gold can fade and tarnish. Also the phrase “My love is such that rivers cannot quench” is ironic because rivers can dry up and it is impossible to drink an entire river.
Conceit (Metaphor):
The statement “nor ought but love from thee, give recompense” is a metaphor because you really can’t buy love. The word does not fit the rhyme scheme.
.jpg){kind=link}
This cartoon shows that what is important to the author, isn't always important to the readers. Everybody views things a different way and one shouldn't get offended over critiquing and critisism.
Woodlief, Ann. "Hypertext for "the Prologue" and "the Author to Her Book"" Virginia
Commonwealth University. 22 Mar. 2008
The poem “The Author to her Book” was written by Anne Bradstreet. I chose this passage because it is about a woman expressing her views about her own poetry. I found this concept interesting because normally people write poetry and then others reflect on it. The main point of this poem is a woman talking about her relationship with her poetry. She says she sees defects and blemishes, yet she compares her poetry to a child. Normally one wouldn’t call a child defected. When reading this poem, I was surprised that Bradstreet would be so honest about her work. She is so honest that this poem has a critical tone, which is refreshing because usually people feel that there work is above others, yet she points out the flaws. There is vivid imagery as Bradstreet describes her poem. My reaction to this poem is that people should be more open to critique their work than to get offended when there is a “blemish.” This poem is similar to everyday life because everybody is faced with work and situations that can either be taken lightly, or can be thought through, improvised, and overall bettered. An example would be politicians. They are under constant scrutiny and when their flaws are discovered they have to accept the consequences and learn from their mistakes.
Dear Diary,
After reading “The Author to her Book” by Anne Bradstreet I learned that even talented people aren’t perfect, or at least feel they are. Anne Bradstreet is a very talented poet, yet she feels that her poem has flaws and defects. I personally disagree and love her work! Her tone towards her poem is critical, which isn’t something you normally hear from a famous poet. When people put so much effort into their work, they aren’t quick criticize it, which I completely understand. On the other hand, Anne Bradstreet accepts critiquing, even self-criticism, in an attempt to better her work. Her rhyming is so effortless, it’s a wonder she can think anything negative of her poetry! It is also interesting that she compares her work to be a child. This comparison shows how much she loves writing and how much effort she puts into her craft.
Title/Author:
“The Author to her Book”/ Anne Bradstreet
Speaker:
A woman is speaking about how she feels about her poetry
Imagery:
She compares her poetry to a child, so an image of a child comes to mind. Rags, blemishes, defects, flaws, spots, dress, home-spun cloth, critic’s hands
Sound:
A judge’s criticism, critics’ voices
Rhythm/ Repetition/ Rhyme/ Alliteration/ Assonance/ Consonance:
Brain and remain, true and view, trudge and judge, small and call, light and sight, would and could, saw and flaw, feet and meet, mind and find, poor and door
Paradox:
“And for thy mother, she alas is poor." This line suggests that she may have hoped to make some money by publishing, which would contradict the idea that the poetry was published without her will. That isn't true; her family was prosperous. However, it was generally acceptable for women to publish if they needed money, as long as they weren't also asking for the fame and glory traditionally granted to men.
Tone:
The tone of this poem is critical.
Irony:
This poem is full of irony because the woman speaking continually criticizes her own work, yet she worries about other’s criticism.
Conceit (Metaphor):
She considers her poetry to be her child, a metaphor which runs throughout the poem which perhaps only a fond mother would have used.
"The Vanity of All Worldly Things." 23 Mar. 2008
http://www.annebradstreet.com/the_vanity_of_all_worldly_things.htm.
"The Vanity of All Worldly Things" by Anne Bradstreet
Oh! Vanity, O vain all under sky;
Where is the man can say, "Lo, I have found
On brittle earth a consolation sound"?
What isn't in honor to be set on high?
No, they like beasts and sons of men shall die,
And whilst they live, how oft doth turn their fate;
He's now a captive that was king of late.
What isn't in wealth great treasures to obtain?
No, that's but labor, anxious care, and pain.
He heaps up riches, and he heaps up sorrow,
It's his today, but who's his heir tomorrow?
What then? Content in pleasures canst thou find?
More vain than all, that's but to grasp the wind.
The sensual senses for a time they pleasure,
Meanwhile the conscience rage, who shall appease?
What isn't in beauty? No that's but a snare,
They're foul enough today, that once were fair.
What is't in flow'ring youth, or manly age?
The first is prone to vice, the last to rage.
Where is it then, in wisdom, learning, arts?
Sure if on earth, it must be in those parts;
Yet these the wisest man of men did find
But vanity, vexation of the mind.
And he that know the most doth still bemoan
He knows not all that here is to be known.
This poem “The Vanity of All Worldly Things” by Anne Bradstreet has opened my eyes to the truth of vanity. At first I chose this poem because the title intrigued me, but after reading the poem I have discovered the deeper meaning. The main point of this poem is that vanity affects everyone and everything to a point where it takes over our lives. This piece represents America because vanity is everywhere in today’s society. Honor and beauty, as mentioned in the poem, are tools used in commercials and other forms of media. My response, or reaction, to this poem is that it is distressing that vanity was a problem even back then. This just goes to show that vanity and materialistic things have always been around. It is encouraging that there are people who realize the problem of vanity and other worldly things. This poem is very similar to my life because everybody is concerned about having the latest trends and newest things. The media greatly publicizes materialistic values, so most people find vanity acceptable. The important things in life like wisdom, learning, and arts are greatly overshadowed by worldly things.
Dear Diary,
I just read the most inspirational poem! It is called “The Vanity of All Worldly Things” and it was written by Anne Bradstreet. This poem conveys a tone of criticism at the overly materialistic society in which we live. I know a lot of people that should read this poem. Where will the self-absorbed needs end? Trends are constantly changing and everybody is always vying for the newest things. The imagery of this poem consists of such, involving “great treasures” and “heaps of riches.” I love that this poem is so real and can relate to anybody. This poem pulls out all the stops and goes where some may consider being in controversial waters. Poetry Chart
Title/Author:
“The Vanity of All Worldly Things”/ Anne Bradstreet
Speaker:
The speaker of this poem is a woman reflecting on worldly things, such as vanity.
Imagery:
Beasts, great treasures, heaps of riches
Sound:
Wind, man’s voice, “consolidation sound”
Rhythm/ Repetition/ Rhyme/ Alliteration/ Assonance/ Consonance:
Almost every two lines rhyme in the entire poem/ vain, it, he/ “Oh! Vanity, O vain”/ “He heaps…he heaps”
Paradox:
“Nor strength, nor wisdom, nor fresh youth shall fade,
Nor death shall see, but are immortal made.” Although the author says “nor death shall see,” she has made the poem sound vanity leads to mental death. As if to say vanity consumes you to an extent that you have lost your true identity.
Tone:
The tone of this poem seems to be inquisitive, almost to a point of being critical.
Irony:
“He heaps up riches, and he heaps up sorrow,
It's his today, but who's his heir tomorrow?
What then? Content in pleasures canst thou find?
More vain than all, that's but to grasp the wind.” This is saying that the man can’t be content and he can never be satisfied.
Conceit (Metaphor):
“What is't in flow'ring youth, or manly age?
The first is prone to vice, the last to rage.” This is saying younger people are prone to be juvenile. Also, older people are prone to be angry and bitter. I don’t completely agree because I think this statement is exaggerated.
EXTENSION: political cartoon re: plight of women in USA.
The plight of women is an ever climbing affair in today’s society, yet there is nowhere for women to turn with their troubles. In the cartoon a woman is carrying a baby and telling a woman with a shirt that says “Feminist” all of her troubles, such as the needs for “equal pay,” “equal treatment in the workplace,” and “affordable child care.” This is depicting all of the struggles women have to go through in day-to-day life. The “Feminist” is staring blankly at the troubled lady and eventually responds by saying “if you excuse me I see a fancy golf club that needs to admit women.” This goes to show that self-proclaimed feminists only care about getting benefits for themselves, not actually helping the progression of women’s rights. Overall, feminists are self-seeking and don’t care about other women which raises the question “if women don’t care about each other’s rights, then who will?”
Friday, March 28, 2008
Entry D: Edward Taylor
Online. March 23, 2008. http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poem/3108.html
"Huswifery"
by Edward Taylor
Make me thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine:
Then cloath therewith mine Understanding, Will,
The first line of the poem “Huswifery” by Edward Taylor, is Taylor asking God to take control of his life. The overall point of this poem is that he is putting himself and his life in the hands of God. He is professing that he is His follower and has full faith in Him. I really liked his use of metaphors because it created images to go along with the poem. When reading “Huswifery,” I became pensive because he so willingly wants God to make his “loome,” yet there are so many people that don’t even believe in God. This poem is very touching because not everyone is able to fully follow God due to various reasons. It is very admirable of Taylor to want God to take control of his life and I respect him for that. This poem makes me question my own beliefs and makes feel the need to put more faith in God. Furthermore, this poem relates to everyday life because everyone has different beliefs as far as religion and everyone is in different stages as far as their commitment to their religion.
Dear Diary,
Today in church, we read a poem written by Edward Taylor. The poem was called “Huswifery.” Listening to the poem it is almost like listening to some asking for guidance and I could imagine someone kneeling at a loome praying. I loved Taylor’s use of metaphors. The way he compared life to a spinning wheel was so insightful! A lot of people in the church were nodding throughout the poem. The line “that I am cloathd in holy robes for glory” made me think of rich, bright clothes because I'm not really sure what type of clothes God would make. Taylor’s language was simple, yet it held a lot of meaning. As a Puritan, I believe in his poem because everything is in the will of God.
Title/Author:
Huswifery/ Edward Taylor
Speaker:
The speaker of this poem is a person who is putting their self and their life in the hands of the Lord.
Imagery:
A person praying, someone knitting
Sound:
Someone praying or asking for guidance
Rhythm/ Repetition/ Rhyme/ Alliteration/ Assonance/ Consonance:
The rhythm is ABABCC/ Lord, my, then/ the “th” sound is repeated
Paradox:
The poem sounds like a person wanting God to complete their spinning wheel and in the end they have new clothes. Actually, the speaker is asking for God to enrich their life and in the end, the person’s life is complete.
Tone:
The tone of this poem is very devout, or spiritual. The speaker is seeking guidance and is ready to put full faith in God. There is something sacred about this poem.
Irony:
At first the speaker wants God to take control of their life and it sounds like they are seeking guidance. Later when they say “Then mine apparell shall display before yee That I am Cloathd in Holy robes for glory,” it sounds like they are doing it for glory. On the contrary, the speaker is really saying he has done his best and is now he is ready to be rewarded in Heaven.
Conceit (Metaphor):
This poem is full of metaphors. Taylor relates his life to a “spinning wheel” and a “loome.” The speaker relates their clothes to their fulfilled life.
http://www.perusweaters.org/
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Entry E: Jonathan Edwards
http://www.piney.com/JonEdwSinHands.html
"That they were always exposed to destruction; as one that stands or walks in slippery places is always exposed to fall...It implies, that they were always exposed to sudden unexpected destruction. As he that walks in slippery places is every moment liable to fall, he cannot foresee one moment whether he shall stand or fall the next; and when he does fall, he falls at once without warning...The devil stands ready to fall upon them, and seize them as his own, at what moment God shall permit him. They belong to him; he has their souls in his possession, and under his dominion...It is no security to wicked men for one moment, that there are no visible means of death at hand."
Reflection
The main point of this selection is that sinners are threatened by “the vengeance of God on the wicked unbelieving Israelites.” I don’t particularly believe this statement because God doesn’t seek vengeance on people, he only expects them to seek forgiveness. I also believe the statement “they were always exposed to sudden unexpected destruction,” is false because God doesn’t just randomly cause destruction on people. If someone is going to get punished, then they will know it is coming because they will have done wrong. When reading this poem I was taken aback at some of the statements made because I don’t personally believe them, although I do respect the opinions of others. I was stunned that someone would believe that they were constantly living on edge, waiting for the moment when God will strike. This selection is similar to my life in that there really are people that live this way and believe these statements. I respect these people’s opinions, although I'm not quite sure I understand why they feel this way.
Dear Diary,
I just read the most appalling selection! It was written by Jonathan Edwards and entitled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” One of the comments he made was “the devil stands ready to fall upon them, and seize them as his own, at what moment God shall permit him. They belong to him; he has their souls in his possession, and under his dominion.” Can you believe that? As a Puritan I do believe everything is in the hands of God, but I don’t believe he would hand our souls over to the devil. I personally don’t know of anyone who thinks like Jonathan Edwards, but Mama says that there really are people like that! Can you imagine? I shudder at the thought!
On the other hand, it might be interesting to meet someone like him. I’ll definitely write back if I do.
EXTENSION: political cartoon re: religious freedom in USA.
In today’s society, people feel free to say whatever they want, yet when it comes to religious freedoms, people are restricted to express their beliefs. In the cartoon, a little boy is telling his father that he got in trouble at school for saying “Merry Christmas” when he should have said “Happy Holidays.” This is an example of censorship because according to the first amendment, the little boy should be able to express his feelings as long as they are not offensive to anyone, which they aren’t. The boy in the cartoon goes on to tell his dad that he told off his teacher when she said he couldn’t say “Merry Christmas,” but she didn’t care what he said because of “freedom of expression.” This is unjust because the boy shouldn’t be able to tell of his teacher and he should be able to say “Merry Christmas,” yet he is able to disrespect his teacher and he is unable to say a simple phrase that relates to religion. Overall, when it comes to what is considered “acceptable” conversation, everyone has a different opinion; especially when the conversation involves religion because some people are more conservative than others.
Essential Question
Due to the intolerance of different beliefs, how does the American dream serve to unite difference by affording each person to become "American?"
The American dream is a tool used by average people who want to have something to live up to in order to feel successful. The Puritans use their belief in God to give themselves something to measure their lives against because they overall believe if they put their lives in the hands of God, their lives will be worthwhile. This shows that the Puritans, wanting to become “American,” feel that they need to unite and put their full faith in God, if they want their new lives to be successful. Once a person feels they are becoming distant with the path to righteousness, they feel they must change their ways so they can reunite with the majority of the population. If someone is different than what is to be expected of them, they become estranged from others until the differences are eliminated. Puritans have a strong intolerance for differences in their community so when a newfound “American” is straying from their religious path, the person will be alienated from society until they have overcome the difference because this is the only way Puritans know how to unite against differences.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Entry F: Slave Narrative- Olidah Equiano's account of the MiddlePassage
http://www.janaedwards.com/AmericanLit.html
"I believe it is difficult for those who publish their own memoirs to escape the imputation of vanity. . . People generally think those memoirs only worthy to be read or remembered which abound in great striking events, those, in short, which in a high degree excite either admiration or pity; all others they consign to contempt or oblivion. It is therefore, I confess, not a little hazardous in a private and obscure individual, and a stranger too, thus to solicit the indulgent attention of the public, especially when I own I offer here the history of neither a saint, a hero, nor a tyrant. I believe there are few events in my life which have not happened to many; it is true the incidents of it are numerous, and, did I consider myself an European, I might say my sufferings were great; but when I compare my lot with that of most of my countrymen, I regard myself as a particular favorite of heaven, and acknowledge the mercies of Providence in every occurrence of my life. If, then, the following narrative does not appear sufficiently interesting to engage general attention, let my motive be some excuse for its publication."
"I now saw myself deprived of all chance of returning to my native country, or even the least glimpse of hope of gaining the shore, which I now considered as friendly; and I even wished for my former slavery in preference to my present situation, which was filled with horrors of every kind, still heightened by my ignorance of what I was to undergo. I was not long suffered to indulge my grief; I was soon put down under the decks, and there I received such a salutation in my nostrils as I had never experienced in my life: so that, with the loathsomeness of the stench, and crying together, I became so sick and low that I was not able to eat, nor had I the least desire to taste any thing. I now wished for the last friend, death, to relieve me; but soon, to my grief, two of the white men offered me eatables; and, on my refusing to eat, one of them held me fast by the hands, and laid me across, I think the windlass, and tied my feet, while the other flogged me severely. I had never experienced any thing of this kind before, and although not being used to the water, I naturally feared that element the first time I saw it, yet, nevertheless, could I have got over the nettings, I would have jumped over the side, but I could not; and besides, the crew used to watch us very closely who were not chained down to the decks, lest we should leap into the water; and I have seen some of these poor African prisoners most severely cut, for attempting to do so, and hourly whipped for not eating. This indeed was often the case with myself."
Reflection
The main point of this selection is to tell the story of Olidah Equiano’s journey along the Middle Passage. Being a black man, he faced a life full of oppression which is upsetting for such a young person to have to endure. It is also upsetting that Equiano was taken from his family at the tender age of eleven. I like that he is neither boastful nor complaining about his memoir. When he says “I believe there are few events in my life which have not happened to many,” I find this refreshing because normally when one writes a memoir it is to prove that they are in someway special or above others. At least that is my opinion. I also admire that he tells of his sufferings, yet also acknowledges those of others. As I read the account I found myself relieved when Equiano would catch a break, such as when he meets the “displaced Africans.” At first he thought he would be eaten but the Africans told them they “were not to be eaten, but to work, and were soon to go on land, where we should see many of our country people.” Personally, I would have taken this as a bittersweet moment, but not Equiano, he is recorder saying “this report eased us much.” Even in the worst of times, whether he knew it or not, Equiano would take it as a positive. I also admire this characteristic. This is similar to everyday life because some people do have this attribute. As far as Equiano’s account, there are still people who have to deal with hardships such as his in places all over the world, which is very distressing.
Dear Diary,
I do not know how to feel after reading Olidah Equiano’s account of the Middle Passage on account of not knowing any Africans. It sounds like he went through a lot of strife in his life and it is upsetting that people would treat another human being that way. Mama always says to treat people like you want to be treated. Maybe their parents didn’t ever tell them that. Anyway, I admire Equiano’s strength and courage because I don’t think I would be able to handle everything he went through. It is stated in the account that “his experiences had ‘happened to many’ and to a far greater intensity,” but I cannot fathom anything worse than what Olidah Equiano endured. These trials sound so realistic and extreme that I question the credibility of this account, although, someone would have had to be pretty creative to think up such a gruesome story.
EXTENSION: political cartoon re: race and racial sensitivity, equal rights in USA
Although there seems to be equal rights in America, there is still racial sensitivity between certain ethnicities. In the cartoon, Condoleezza Rice is introducing the cabinet of powerful, elderly, white men, as men who support racism and work against the improvement of black people. This is ironic because she is a young, black woman with less stature than the men she is introducing, yet she is making them sound like good people. Also in the cartoon, Rice says “ours is a cabinet that looks like America and thinks like David Duke,” while she is thinking “don’t lynch me.” David Duke is a well-known KKK member and Rice wonders if the accomplished men in the cabinet will one day turn on her because of her ethnicity, as they have numerous other black people. All things considered, if even if someone has authority, like Rice, they are liable to be turned upon because of their race, which in no way promotes equal rights and causes further racial sensitivity.
Essential Question
Due to the intolerance of different beliefs, how does the American dream serve to unite difference by affording each person to become "American?"
Due to the intolerance of different beliefs, white people believe they are above Africans because they consider themselves to be more civilized. The white people went to Africa and took the locals back with them to work as slaves on the ships and in America. They did this because they didn’t consider the Africans to be humans due to their differences in appearances and beliefs. The white people attempt to “Americanize” the Africans by taking them to America, yet they don’t give them the same opportunities because of their cultural differences. Even though it seems like the white people are trying to help the Africans, they are really trying to mold them into what they think “Americans” should be like. All things considered, the white people are destroying the African culture by prohibiting the natives from practicing their beliefs and taking them away from their homeland, therefore, they are killing one way of life in order to make the Africans strive for a new one that they will never be able to achieve because of their preset differences.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Revolutionary Period- Patrick Henry
Piece of Selection
Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love?... I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Reflection
In the selection “Give me Liberty or Give me Death,” Patrick Henry is attempting to persuade the president that his methods aren’t working. Henry is insisting that they “are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts.” This proves that Henry doesn’t agree with the way America is working. He feels that if America is going the way it is now, it will run into ruins, or as he said “beasts.” Henry is trying to be respectful yet firm with the president, so the president will actually follow his suggestions. For example he says, “Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on.” I agree with Henry’s ways of thinking because if America doesn’t fight back and do something for themselves. Henry uses strong emotions throughout his speech, which gives a sense that he is very passionate about the topic at hand. Patrick Henry says “Give me liberty or give me death” to show his audience just how much he cares about the matters. He sounds well educated with his grammar and uses correct terminology for his specific audience. He uses the word “I” a lot as well as specifically addressing the president to show that the situation affects everyone. When speaking, he goes straight to the point so as to hold his audience’s attention. It makes him sound like he is prepared and knows what he is talking about.
*Persuade, insist to join fight, connotation, fears/pros of war, metaphor
Dear Diary,
After hearing the “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” speech given by Patrick Henry, I have become more aware of where America stands in the world. There are people against the president, but I had no idea they had such extremist views! I agree with what Patrick Henry is saying, but I would never admit it in public. Henry expressed such deep emotion that I think he should run for president himself. He was so determined to achieve what he believed was best for the country and wanted liberty, nothing less. He conveyed his views eloquently and I feel the audience really took his words to heart.
Essential Question
Due to the intolerance of different beliefs, how does the American dream serve to unite difference by affording each person to become "American?"
At this point in time, everybody has a different view of what direction America should go toward. In the speech, Henry says the word “I” a lot which shows he genuinely cares about the matter. By showing that he has a genuine concern for the community, he is able to bring everyone together through his words and heartfelt emotion. Also in the speech, Patrick Henry says “Give me liberty or give me death” to show his audience just how much he cares about the matters of America. As a result of sounding genuinely concerned for the future of America, Henry is able to win over the hearts and minds of the community which can overall persuade them to act upon his ways. In summation, if everybody is able to agree upon the future actions of America, the people will be able to remain united and together achieve the American dream.