Crucible Post 2

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

It seems that most teenagers would bow to peer pressure and go along with the crowd instead of being singled out. It is so much easier to say you believed in something than be ridiculed for being different. However, it takes a strong person to go against the grain of the crowd and stand up for what he or she truly believes in.

There are other times that I would see it very advantageous to lie if it meant life or death. For example, take an American soldier who might be taken captive by the Iranians or some other military force, it would be in his or her best interest not to disclose the truth to save his or her life as well as the life of others.

In my own experience such as school and friends, I always say what I think.  My friends may have a different opinion of their own but I say what I think even if it is different.  Saying what you think and being honest is the best feeling you can have with yourself.  Otherwise, if you believe something that is wrong, you go home or just think to yourself “I really wish I would have said what I truly felt.”  If you ever have to believe something you don’t or lie to fit in with a group of friends, they aren’t worth your time.  You deserve friends that are willing to hear what you have to say even if it is different and friends that respect your opinion always.  Your TRUE friends will never judge you for being different or having different opinions, but accepting you the way you are.  Being different is what makes us all unique in our own way.  I know I don’t want to be like everyone else so I always say what I feel no matter how different it is from other people’s opinions.  It is important to respect other people’s opinions even if they are different than your own.  

Crucible Post 1

In the first Act of “The Crucible,” it is seen that Reverend Parris is the authoritative person with all the power. He is very strict and easily influenced. When Parris doesn’t agree with others he will purposely turn against them. In the following quote we hear him proclaim that he is not to be questioned or turned against as he is in power, “I want a mark of confidence, is all!  I am your third preacher in seven years.  I do not wish to be put out like the cat whenever some majority feels the whim.  You people seem not to comprehend that a minister is the Lord’s man in the parish; a minister is not to be so lightly crossed and contradicted---“ (Miller 30).   Also, when Parris is speaking to Proctor about obedience in the church and authority he reminds Proctor who is in charge. He states, “It is not for you to say what is good for you to hear!” (Miller 30) It is here Parris tells Proctor that it is not up to him to decide what Parris needs to know because he is the authority of God.

Near the end of Act 1 the reader sees the shifting of power.  This occurs because the town is questioning its faith. They do not trust Parris because Proctor is trying to rally the people against him. This questions his authority and they start to turn to witchcraft. Their society, which had been dictated by power and practicality, is now becoming insane and controlled by the girls. Abigail now becomes the one with power. She threatens the girls with the possibility of death should they tell anyone the truth about what happened in which they were practicing witchcraft as she states, “ And mark this. Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you” (Miller 20).  Thus, their society, which was once ruled by faith and order, is now in the hands of an insane and dangerous girl.

   

"Sinners" Follow Up Post

People today would probably question the relevance and true meaning of Jonathan Edwards’ sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.”  The language and examples that are used may be typical of the 18^th century, but are not something that we can relate to in modern day society.  For example, Edwards states,  “ The Old serpent is gaping for them, Hell opens its mouth wide to receive them; and if God should permit it, they would be hastily swallowed up and lost” (Perkins 94).  Not many people have seen or experienced a serpent during the 21^st century.  Thus, this analogy of God allowing sinners to be swallowed by a serpent is something that they cannot relate to, and it makes the meaning less significant or less likely to be believable.

Another example is the language used which can be hard for people today to understand.  “He that believeth not is condemned already.  Ye are from beneath.  And thither he is bound” (Perkins 94).  If this could be put into today’s language it might not only be better understood, but it could provoke some serious thought or contemplation.  The sermon written in the manner it was by Mr. Edwards is not very appealing or interesting to people today, especially teenagers.  This classic is boring, hard to read, as well as hard to understand for people in the 21^st century.  It needs different examples and an updated vocabulary.

Work Cited

Perkins, George, and Barbara Perkins. The American Tradition in Literature. Ninth ed. McGraw-Hill, 1999. Print.

"Sinners" Follow Up Post

People today would probably question the relevance and true meaning of Jonathan Edwards’ sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.”  The language and examples that are used may be typical of the 18^th century, but are not something that we can relate to in modern day society.  For example, Edwards states,  “ The Old serpent is gaping for them, Hell opens its mouth wide to receive them; and if God should permit it, they would be hastily swallowed up and lost” (Perkins 94).  Not many people have seen or experienced a serpent during the 21^st century.  Thus, this analogy of God allowing sinners to be swallowed by a serpent is something that they cannot relate to, and it makes the meaning less significant or less likely to be believable.

Another example is the language used which can be hard for people today to understand.  “He that believeth not is condemned already.  Ye are from beneath.  And thither he is bound” (Perkins 94).  If this could be put into today’s language it might not only be better understood, but it could provoke some serious thought or contemplation.  The sermon written in the manner it was by Mr. Edwards is not very appealing or interesting to people today, especially teenagers.  This classic is boring, hard to read, as well as hard to understand for people in the 21^st century.  It needs different examples and an updated vocabulary.

Work Cited

Perkins, George, and Barbara Perkins. The American Tradition in Literature. Ninth ed. McGraw-Hill, 1999. Print.

"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" Post

This video briefly touches upon the sermon given by Jonathan Edwards in 1741. It creates a sense of urgency to read the sermon in order to be spared from hell. There are pictures of terrible acts of God or nature depending upon one’s beliefs. These include fire, lightening, and crashing waves. Also, it depicts people listening avidly as he preaches. It then goes on to show how Edwards’ sermon had changed the people of the time.

Based upon the vivid pictures in the video it is anticipated that Edward scared the pants off these people. He probably told them to stop sinning, and to behave. Also, he told them they must read the gospel faithfully and live it to its fullest. Nothing should be taken for granted because the powerful God could immerse them in his powers of hell. He wanted them to change radically. In order to do the latter, he preached a different way from what they were used to with their rituals. Edwards wanted them to wake up to a new life and new beginning. In the end, if everyone listened they would find God’s salvation.

Descriptive Post

 Twin Towers on 9/11/01
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=9/11&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&tbm=isch&tbnid=Bn8Mq6YjYUXMsM:&imgrefurl=http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/december2006/071206dambreaks.htm&docid=IHNuBsCh8jJ95M&w=400&h=300&ei=66ZuTo--BuqFsgLP7tm4CQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1007&vpy=248&dur=319&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=169&ty=151&page=4&tbnh=118&tbnw=157&start=72&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:72&biw=1366&bih=546
This was once a vibrant city home to many yellow taxis and skyscrapers. As one looks across the smoke filled skyline there are only black clouds of dust. A deep, dark, heavy veil falls upon the buildings.The twin towers engulfed in smoke and the fire consumes the buildings and people inside. The soot and stench of petroleum fill the air. People can hardly breathe as they succomb and slowly suffocate. Screams of people, sirens, and thunder ring throughout the city. The majestic buildings bow down to the ground. A travesty and terror that Americans will never forget.

Class Expectations

Respect, turning in homework on time, and studying are three main expectations Mr. Provenzano has of his American Literature class.

Firstly, respect involves being kind and good to Mr. Provenzano and other students.  This could be as simple as not talking when the teacher is presenting a lesson, or arriving on time to class.  When respecting someone it means taking them seriously and giving them a value.  It is important not to interrupt a conversation until the person has finished what they are saying.  This allows for a better understanding and time to reflect upon what is being discussed.  One should not back talk to the teacher or belittle and make fun of classmates.  This creates a feeling of safety and trust within the classroom.  Growing up and being mature is learning how to show respect.

In addition to respect, homework needs to be turned in on time.  Homework is an integral part of learning.  It reinforces concepts that have been presented in the classroom.  If it is not done or turned in late then this is a disadvantage to other students who take the class seriously.  Timeliness allows the teacher to accomplish each unit and move on to the next in order to accomplish the goals of American Literature.  Also, turning in work on time teaches students how to be organized.  These skills are learned by writing down assignments in a planner and checking it regularly.  Late assignments will not be tolerated and result in a zero.

Lastly, studying is an importannt component of American Literature.  This can involve writing and reading assignments.  Some time will be provided during class to work with other students and collaborate on projects.  Studying is a time consuming process which allows one to acquire knowledge.  Being a student is like a full time job where the goal is to study.  A nice, quiet environment is best suited for studying such as a library.  Good study habits are essential in order to succeed.  Studying is very important in a students life to achieve good grades.

About Me

Swimming is something that I am good at and I do for myself.  It is a competitive sport but very relaxing.  When you swim, it involves the use of all your muscles when you practice.  You also become at ease with yourself.  You can swim in a pool or lake but I swim in a pool.  I swim everyday, six days a week for two hours.  I love working out and knowing that I am getting better and faster each day at something I am really good at.  Swimming has proven to me that practice makes perfect and hard work always pays off in the end.  An example of this is that I have achieved two Olympic Trial Cuts in the 100 Backstroke and 200 Backstroke.

Besides swimming, I also like to listen to music.  I have a varied collection of songs on my iPod.  Some of my favorite tunes include You Be Killin' Em, Still I Rise, Live It Up, Could It Be You (Punk Rock Chick), Silly Boy, and many more.  Music can be another form of relaxation.  I will get into the "zone" before a swim meet by listening to the music on my iPod.  Also, I take my music with me when I run as well as drive in the car.  I like to play music on our piano.  My selection of music for the piano is that of classical.  This is quite different from my iTunes.  Either way, music is a big part of my life.

Lastly, I come from a family of four girls.  We are very close in age.  As a matter of fact, my mother had four children in four years.  Not only are we close in age, but we are close knit as well.  We pretty much look out for each other, share things, and are best friends.  I am one of the middle children.  You know what they say about middle children.  Well, you know it isn't true.  I just like to excel at things and have a type A personality.  Overall, I am friendly, athletic, caring and come from a family of girls.