Harmonia: Possible in Today’s World?

                Harmonia:  a place where everyone is welcome and no one is judged on their past.   A place where anyone can voice their true thoughts without fear of ridicule.  A place where no one has to pay for healthcare, education, or household upkeep.  It almost seems too good to be true, but thanks to a few special programs, it could be a reality.  The Government Board takes everyone’s opinions into concern and is made of ordinary citizens.  In the job and tax system, people can pursue their true passions without monetary worries (much of their needs are taken care of through taxes).  Despite popular belief that a transcendentalist society like this could not exist, Harmonia would be able to function in today’s world.  This is because of its power attract members as well as the tax and government system’s ability to keep residents satisfied and actively involved in the community.

                Without a doubt, it would be a challenge to completely prohibit persuasive advertising.  In today’s world, so many things are successful largely because of media pressure to buy a toy, see a movie, stay at a hotel, ect.  It would be extremely difficult for a product or company to thrive without advertising.  Since the advertising of Harmonia is included in this “no persuasive promotion” law, some may argue it might be tricky to attract residents.   This, however, would not be the case due to Connectors and the amount of people that want to make a fresh start.   

                In Harmonia, people are welcomed who are deeply unsatisfied with their lives and want a new beginning.  They may be facing huge obstacles like homelessness, unemployment, or addiction that prevent them from living their life the way they always dreamed.  In the modern day United States of America, there are unbelievable amounts of disadvantaged people.  In 2009, 656,129 homeless people were present, and in December 2011 an 8.6% unemployment rate existed.  A main goal of Harmonia goal is to create a loving environment where everyone feels comfortable re-inventing themselves.  According to these numbers, there are plenty of people who could use the new beginning Connectors would offer them.  Harmonia would help to eliminate a small percentage of the population living in destitution today.  Population is a determining factor of the success or failure of a society, and as one can see, Harmonia would have no problem obtaining residents.  To succeed, a society not only has to secure residents, but also keep those residents content.  The tax program would accomplish that.

                Some say the tax system practiced in Harmonia would be impossible.  In the modern world, many would have a hard time giving nearly half (forty percent) of their income to taxes.  Currently, though, so much of the population lacks passion for their profession.  In Harmonia, people have the opportunity to do whatever they love.   Also, they are able to pick what category (Health and Well Being, Education, Nature Preservation, Public Services and Maintenance, The Arts) the majority of that forty percent goes to.  Furthermore, the Government Board would make sure to publicize exactly what project the taxes are going towards, so people would be able to clearly see the outcome of their contribution. All of these aspects would ensure people’s contentment with the system.  Keeping citizens happy includes giving them the power to change what they don’t like.  These things guarantee they would be active, contributing members of Harmonia.  These kinds of citizens are the very foundation of what keeps any society going. 

                In Harmonia, the people truly have the power.  This can be seen through the Government Board: the only government body present in Harmonia, which is made up of ordinary citizens.  Comprised of twenty-five to thirty members and elected every three months, the Board is constantly being replaced with new faces.  In society today, people are sometimes reluctant to voice their opinions for the fear of being ignored.  In Harmonia, though, if the citizens don’t like what is happening, they can hold a re-election for a Board member, appeal for a new law, or try to change an old one.  All these things demonstrate how the authority is truly held by the people.  If residents disagree with anything, they have the influence to change it.  This protects the satisfaction of the residents.  Satisfied residents would be motivated to give back to the society, which would cause Harmonia to be possible today. 

                As demonstrated, Harmonia would be able to exist amongst modern societies.  Despite its inability to advertise, Connectors would easily be able to find many disadvantaged people who need a home, as there is surplus today.  Though people might not initially be pleased with the idea of forty percent of their income going towards taxes, once they saw how their contribution specifically benefited themselves and the other members of Harmonia, they would surely comply.   Also, since so many of their needs are taken care of through the tax system, people could do the work they love without monetary concerns.  The Government Board would put the power in the hands of the residents, which would cause them to be participative and change anything they don’t like.  Together the system of government and taxes would satisfy and encourage active and contributing citizens.           

http://www.endhomelessness.org/content/article/detail/3668

http://www.tradingeconomics.com/united-states/unemployment-rate

Dead Poets Society and Conformity

Numerous consequences will take place for the characters in the Dead Poet’s Society if they decide to follow non-conformist ideals.  Mr. Keating, the teacher, runs his English class in an unconventional, effective way.  He is trying to break free from the stagnant methods used at the private school.  One day, he takes his class outside for some fresh air and to “prove a point” in a lesson.  The boys, of course, love it.  The headmaster, Mr. Nolan, does not approve.  He approaches Mr. Keating, and tells him to conform to the original teaching methods, thinking he has had a negative effect on the boys.  Mr. Keating, trying to defend his style, pronounces “I always thought the idea of education was to learn to think for yourself.”  The stern headmaster responds “At these boys age, not on your life” (Schulman).  In other words, if Mr. Keating dares to be non-conformist and teach the boys to do the same, he will get fired.  This clearly demonstrates the cost of diversity in “The Dead Poets Society”. 

The headmaster calls the whole school into the auditorium to discuss the existence Dead Poets Society.  He wants the club to disperse immediately.  One of the boys pretends to answer a call, and declares it is God telling the headmaster to accept girls to the school.  This boy gets taken into his office, and before receiving a brutal paddling, Mr. Nolan says, “…you think you’re the first person to try to get thrown out of this school, think again. Others have had similar notions and have failed just as surely as you will fail” (Schulman).  Surely, by this, he means that any attempt to change school policy will get him kicked out.  The price of non-conformism for boys in this very strict institution is expulsion. 

Transcendentalist T-shirt

         Decorating and wearing the "transcendentalist" shirt was an interesting experience.  Throughout the day, I recieved comments such as "what are you doing?" and most frequently, "what are you wearing?".  I responded with "It's who I am", and then went on to explain the assignment.   Some loved the idea:  a few people even said "That's what I would have put!", referring to my love of vegetables, old movies, or yoga.  Through these comments, I realized I am not completely alone in my hobbies or intertests.  Others, though, cast me strange looks when I told them about the purpose of it.  Though I did get mixed responses, my peers generally reacted positively to the shirt.  Overall, I thought it was fun and shed some light on who is more open-minded at South and who isn't.  More importantly, though, I definitely felt comfortable in my own skin while sporting my "transcendentalist" attire!

P.S. I will add a picture of my shirt when it comes out of the wash

My Mom: A True Transcendentalist

                My mom is undoubtedly a transcendentalist.  I could go on for pages and list all the ways she adheres to the philosophies promoted by Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson.  She is a definite individual!

                My mother is one of the only people I know who truly does not care what others think.  At Maire Elementary, where she teaches kindergarten, she is infamous for her winter coat.  When wearing this, she acquires the name “Nanook.”  My mom does resemble an Eskimo.  Full length, dull brown, with a fake suede western style top, this coat is possibly one of the ugliest items of clothing I’ve ever seen.  Even when it was purchased in 1987 (not exactly the height of fashion), it was considered unstylish.   Nevertheless, she proudly sports this item of winter wear on the brutally cold days when she is unlucky enough to have recess duty.  It makes her happy by keeping her warm, and to her, that’s all that matters.  This is an example of her doing things for herself, and ignoring other’s opinions. I’m sure she would wear it in public too- if only I let her. 

                Transcendentalists, such as Thoreau and Emerson, strongly advocated the idea of being a nonconformist.  They thought people should adhere to their personal beliefs, and not let external forces influence them.  My mom definitely marches to the beat of her own drum.  She has had the same cell phone since 2003.  Despite my constant efforts to convince her to be more “hip” and “modern” and invest in a new device, she refuses.  This is not because she is stuck in her ways, but simply because she feels her phone suits her personal needs.  My mom wants to be able to communicate efficiently, and nothing else.  She respects and admires the recent technological advances made, but knows fancy gadgets just aren’t for her.  Despite the abundance of commercials, billboard, newspaper, and magazine adds advertising sleek and shiny new phones, she does not give in to societal pressures for the mere sake of fitting in.  By doing this, she is staying true to herself:  the very essence of transcendentalism. 

Walden Essay

Henry David Thoreau’s Time Spent at Walden

                Henry David Thoreau, in 1845, wanted to delve deeper into the meaning of life and focus on his writing.  To do this, he retreated to a remote location: a humble cottage nestled in a forest, called Walden Pond.  During this time, he evaluated himself, others, and society.  In his book, Walden, he discusses some important aspects of human nature, and what people should strive for in their life.   He learned the importance of conscious living, in which one makes enlightened, well thought out decisions.  These kinds of decisions would be easier to make if one embraced simplicity.  People’s lives are overly-complicated due to too many engagements and a surplus of material things.  He learned at Walden Pond that living with the bare minimum results in a clearer head.  Thoreau’s time spent at Walden Pond proved to be valuable in many ways.  It taught the importance of intentional living and living simply. 

                In the chapter “Where I lived, and What I Lived for”, Thoreau focuses on a variety of themes.  One of the main ones, though, is the idea of intentional living.  “I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor” (Thoreau 490).   In this quote, Thoreau exhibits optimism about human nature.  He is acknowledging the ability of a person to, thorough good deeds, improve their life.  Thoreau stresses, though, that this must be done mindfully, meaning people must be in touch with themselves.  Thoreau had many purposes for retreating to Walden Pond, one of them being that he wanted to free himself from the influence of others, so he could gain greater knowledge of himself.   At the Pond, he concluded that when one makes thoughtful decisions free of external forces, good things usually come.  He recognizes that mankind can undoubtedly do this, but must live with intention.  Though Thoreau believed this should be done by spiritually, in modern-day context, it could mean simply paying close attention to oneself and one’s life.  When a person does that, they will be more aware and do the right thing, thus bettering themself.  Conscious living, which Thoreau practices extensively at Walden, should be applied by everyone.  He also states it is easier to live this way when one’s life is not cluttered with excess stuff.

                The significance of simplicity is a reoccurring idea in Thoreau’s Walden.  In trying to prove its importance, he writes, “Our life is like a German Confederacy, made up of petty states, with its boundary forever fluctuating, so that even a German cannot tell you how it is bounded at any moment” (Thoreau 491).  At the time of Thoreau’s Walden, the German Confederacy was constantly in flux, with its borders unclear.  In this simile, he is comparing people’s lives to that.  The Confederacy, in the mid 19^th century, was divided up into 39 states.  Thoreau believed that people’s lives, like the Confederacy, are too complex.  Over ambition causes people to take on too many tasks.  Frazzled and overworked, they become disconnected and divided within themselves.  In the remote woods, his concerns were few.  He walked, cooked, and wrote.  Living at Walden, Thoreau realized that clarity comes with living an uncomplicated life.  In his book, Walden, he wasn’t really suggesting that everyone should live in the woods.  He was simply encouraging people to free themselves from unimportant distractions.  This is especially relevant in this day and age, when society is attached to technology like never before. Today, the application of his ideas formed at Walden Pond could prove beneficial.  Limiting commitments and use of technology would allow people to be more in touch with themselves. 

                Walden Pond offers insight into the nature of mankind: Thoreau assesses the value of living simply and consciously. Therefore, the two years he spent there was worthwhile.  His ideas discovered at Walden Pond applied to people back then, and definitely pertains to today as well.  More than ever, society is obsessed with stimulation.  Whether acquired from material things such as phones and computers or an overflowing schedule, it causes stress.   Limiting these in one’s life would result in a more calm and balanced being, which would lead to better choices.  All around, Henry David Thoreau’s Walden gives information for people on how to improve their way of life.

http://www.4peaks.com/fthwalden.htm

http://www.newport-discovery-guide.com/newport-mansions.htmlhttp://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&biw=1024&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=nx0t4p6RXVdwOM:&imgrefurl=http://all-free-download.com/free-icon/red-x.html&docid=xTs5kp3X7-GPnM&imgurl=http://images.all-free-download.com/images/graphicmedium/round_red_x_sign_4229.jpg&w=200&h=200&ei=xTq3TuCJKIT30gGm8-zRBw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=701&vpy=191&dur=670&hovh=160&hovw=160&tx=118&ty=110&sig=115613335243803185335&page=2&tbnh=112&tbnw=112&start=20&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:20

The Declaration of Student Rights

The Declaration of Student Rights

As students of the Grosse Pointe public school districts, we the students have certain rights. These rights have been repeatedly infringed upon, and we have deemed it necessary to form an alliance together to stand up against the oppressors once and for all to declare our independence. This document will ensure that the students and teachers alike can work in harmony to produce a healthy and fun atmosphere for learning.  Whether the matter is health conditions or pertaining to the respect of the administrators, all of the items listed below have been deemed as basic rights that every student in the Grosse Pointe districts should hold. 

Teachers should respect students. This goes the same for students respecting teachers of course, but as long as the students are paying due amount of reverence towards the teacher, he or she should receive the same. Stupid questions do not exist. Teachers should not be able to disregard a question ever, even if has already been asked. Students can’t be expected to be listening 100% of the time.  On a related note, students should be allowed to have extra help as needed. Teachers should be willing to give up there lunch hour to assist students, or, at the very least, direct them to another student for help. Another basic right is the right to choose your schedule. Choosing classes is a key right, as this allows students more freedom in choices and helps decide what career path to go down. Having the best technology possible is a clear basic right for students. The school district should be doing everything in their power to provide students with technology that allows them to learn better and faster. A commonly overlooked, but essential, right is the right to have good, clean water. The water fountains at South are completely disgusting and are probably violating some sort of health code. They taste like metal and blood and should be fixed immediately.  As well as all of these other examples, the most important one by far is the right to feel safe in the school environment. Whether it be from internal or external forces, no student should have to go to school feeling like they are in danger there. The administration should always be doing everything in their power not only to keep the students safe, but to also make them feel safe. 

I.                    Instead of thirty six minute lunches, South has to provide an hour and fifteen minutes.  This is students’ only free time of the day, and thirty-six minutes is barely sufficient to eat.  Lunch should be a time to relax, and rushing to finish eating is not exactly relaxing.  It is the only break in the long seven hour school day.  This time should be spent doing whatever students’ wish, whether it’s walking to Farms Market and getting some fresh air, or just relaxing in the commons and socializing with friends.  Whatever kids chose, lunch should be a complete mental break.  A full seventy-five minute period would allow students to return to class rejuvenated and ready to focus, which would increase productivity.  Grosse Pointe South students demand a longer lunch period. 

II.                  Grosse Pointe South must supply laptops to each student for use in school and at home.  In almost every class, note taking is used by teaches.   This is a very effective method of teaching, yet can be time consuming.  Note taking would be a great deal faster if students had access to laptops, and could type their notes on a Word document.  Laptops that students could carry from class to class would also allow internet research to be done in class.   This would undoubtedly increase the efficiency of students in class. Also, because most assignments that require computers are completed at home, the access to them in class could reduce the amount of homework.   And for those students who don’t always have a computer available to them at their house, because of financial issues or having to share with siblings, the ability to take a laptop home would be greatly beneficial.  Students at Grosse Pointe South need to have laptops both in and outside the classroom to increase overall productivity. 

III.               There needs to be one full hour designated for nap taking.  In classes, countless students are always falling asleep because of exhaustion.  Research shows that teenagers need 9-11 hours of sleep to be fully rested, but that number is rarely reached because of many factors.  A demanding schedule, caused by loads of homework, sports, and other activities, leads to many students getting less than the adequate amount of sleep.  Since school contributes to the large quantity of homework that keeps students up late at night, it is only fair they provide an hour to let kids catch up.  An extra hour of sleep every day would lead to increased productivity, mood, and energy of the students at Grosse Pointe South.  This would make for an improved learning environment. 

IV.               Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holidays, and for the most part is loved by all. Many families put a lot of time and preparation into its celebration. Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays of the year to have long periods of family time, and some wish that this did not have to last for only one day. Considering this, it is our suggestion that an entire week of school be given off for its celebration.

V.                  Being as far north as it is, our home state of Michigan can often have very extreme winter weather conditions. The snow can often pile high enough to make even walking on the sidewalk a hassle, and temperatures can easily drop to the point that frostbite is something to worry about. Our district’s reason for having so few snow days is that Grosse Pointe is a walking district, but the majority of South’s students either get a ride from their parents or drive themselves to school. Even the kids that walk often have to deal with extremely low temperatures and very deep snow. Therefore, it is our belief that South should have more days off because of extreme winter weather conditions.

VI.               One of the things that South’s students look forward to the most is holidays. They are an excellent time to relax and take a nice break from school. Because of this, one of the most disappointing things is when there is a holiday but students still have to go to school. Sadly, there are a few holidays out of the year that South does not give even one day off school for. We have the opinion that this should be changed, and that for every holiday, no matter how obscure, at least one day of school should be given off for its celebration.

VII.             The purpose of a school is to provide a child with the best education possible.  Each individual varies from his or her peers.   The option of block scheduling can allow for a more personalized schedule focused on each student’s individual needs.  It allows students to select classes and times that will better stimulate their learning process.  Block scheduling allows for breaks between classes for instance you might have math on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, this allows for breaks which helps students alleviate stress and keeps grades high.  This would also to give students assignments spanning over the break, which can help the student’s time management skills.  Those who have had block scheduling have remarked that the change in scheduling keeps your days from being boring so you tend to be more alert in class. Block scheduling allows for students to be more alert and have classes and schedules that fit their needs thus improving the Childs educations, which is after all, the main goal of the school system.

VIII.          Good grades and an attentive attitude is important to ones high school career.  To maintain grades and stay alert it is important that students come to school with their best mindset, which is why it is important to have breaks on holidays.  Students should have a half-day on Halloween and the day after off.  This will allow students to have a short break to alleviate stress and to enjoy the holiday.   Halloween is a national holiday that should be recognized by the Grosse Pointe Public School System with a day and a half off for the students and staff.  Many students in all three stages of school are out late on the night of October 31, Halloween, and would not be attentive at school the next day.  Giving students a short Halloween break will keep them on track and attentive during school.

IX.                High School is a very important segment of ones school career. It is also one of the more stressful and demanding.  For this reason High School students should not have homework on weekends.  The abolishing of weekend homework will allow for students to rejuvenate over the break and to recharge for the coming school week.  Without homework encumbering the student’s weekend, students will have more time to study for test or review materials covered in class.  This will raise students grades exponentially, students will be more relaxed, attentive, and better prepared for class which will result in higher test scores and grades; which will drastically improve students resumes come time to apply for collegiate study. Abolishing weekend homework will help Grosse Pointe students drastically. 

X.                  School should be adjusted to 4 days a week; the weekend spanning Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.  2 days for weekends simply does not suffice for the amount of homework and rest students need.  The week of a typical high school student is extremely stressful and exhausting. The weekend is needed to recover.  Teachers tend to assign more homework on the weekends, though, knowing students will have more time.  This leads to the whole weekend being spent completing schoolwork.  Weekends are needed to relax and rejuvenate, and doing homework all weekend is neither of those things.  The weekends are also a sacred time to be spent with family or friends, seeing as though during the week, students are simply too busy.  Three days for a weekend would allow time for schoolwork, as well as friends, family, and rest. 

We, the students of Grosse Pointe South High School, hereby declare our independence from the Grosse Pointe Public School System. We only asked that we receive the treatment that we by our rights deserved, the treatment that we were neglected when a part of the Grosse Pointe Public School System. If we don’t receive our independence, there will be severe consequences. We may be peaceful and civil; we may boycott classes or organize a sit out on the lawn. Protest what we believe to be a corrupt establishment.  Hold strong to what we want and receive it in a peaceful manner. Or, we may be violent, vandalize the school. Rip doors off their hinges and graffiti the hallways. Break the windows of every educational institution, and yell blood curdling battle cries of freedom that even the bravest soul could not bear to hear. Though we are only students, we will crash board meetings. We will disrupt the very foundation that this educational system is based upon and wreak havoc among the board members, never faltering in doing so until our demands are met. Planting fear in every adult’s heart, because independence is a basic right; all students are naturally born with freedom in their blood. The students’ actions to take control of their independence are unpredictable yet organized, extreme yet understandable. It is best that the students receive independence and no other actions are put in place to stop the progression. By this time, there are no measures that can be taken to reconcile both the students and educational program. In no way can the ties between the two be bonded back together, and form a united assembly once again. Independence has spread to the very heart of the matter and no act can be taken to stop it. Independence will rise, and the Grosse Pointe School System should be prepared to fall.

The Crucible Epilogue

The Crucible Epilogue- Mary's Journey 

                Mary rolls on to her side and gradually opens her eyes.   She pulls the scratchy wool blankets off her, and sits up in bed.  It is dark now, but she walks to open her curtains, knowing the day will come soon.  Mary tiptoes around her room, slipping off her faded white nightgown.  She has grown taller, and more slender.  Like Abigail.  The thought of her sends a cold chill down Mary’s spine.  As much as she has tried to forget the trials, it is impossible.  She slips quietly through the hallway, past the rooms of Eliza, Michael, and Goody Moore, trying not to disturb them.  William Moore is already up, and has been for a while, laboring in the fields.  She scurries downstairs, throws on her cloak and bonnet, and closes the mahogany door as softly as possible behind her.  It is just about sunrise, and a brilliant coral color is beginning to overcome the dark sky.  She squints to see William Moore in the distance, already laboring in the fields of corn.  It is late September, well into harvesting season.   The trees are changing beautifully to golden browns, yellows, and reds.  Mary decides to take the long way and savor this unusually sweet fall morning.  She walks toward the decrepit barn to feed and tend to the horses and hens.  The dew on the tall grass kisses the skirt of her gray cloak.  Morning is Mary’s favorite time of day:  the only time when she can forget the past and be at peace with herself.

                After her chores in the barn are finished, Mary retreats back to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the Moores.   William Moore should soon be in from his field work, eager to fill his empty stomach with some warm porridge.  Mary tiptoes into the friendly kitchen, now lit with the sun of the morning, and begins to set the table for the first meal of the day.  It is her duty to prepare all the meals, even though most of the time, Goody Moore assists her.  Goody Moore is known all around town for her superb cooking abilities, and she has been kind enough to lend some of her knowledge to Mary.  Mary had not done much cooking at the Proctors, so she came to the Moores relatively useless.   In the past few months, though, her skills have been improving.   Mary surveys the kitchen, and decides to check on the porridge that has been cooking slowly all night.  Walking up to the embers, she takes off the top of the pot, and stirs the porridge with a long wooden spoon.  The warmth and aroma of the porridge surrounds her like a comforting blanket.  She is so engaged in the sensation that the sound of footsteps above startles her.  Everyone is awake, and will soon be coming downstairs! She must pour the milk and cider, and set the table.   

                A pair of energetic feet bound down the stairs into the kitchen.  Mary looks over to see a head of stringy blond hair and pale blue eyes looking up at her.  “Good morning, Eliza,” says Mary.  “I’m almost finished preparing breakfast.”  Though the 10 year old is really named Elizabeth, Mary insists on calling her Eliza.  Goody Moore thinks the nickname is a sign of affection, which isn’t exactly true.  Mary has become fond of the children, but the nickname simply reflects her unwillingness to say “Elizabeth”.  That name brings back unwanted memories of Elizabeth Proctor.  Elizabeth Proctor, who taught her so much.  Elizabeth Proctor, who had been so kind to her.  Elizabeth Proctor, who was now windowless because of Mary!  Every day the guilt of the trials haunts her.  With each glance towards Eliza, she sees Elizabeth, then John, then everyone else who was hung because of witchcraft- who she helped convict.  She looks down at the sweet face of Elizabeth, then quickly glances away.  The pain is unbearable. Oh, what she would give to turn back time and re-live the past year! 

               As soon as breakfast is cleaned up, Mary runs outside, eager to escape the house.  She must brush the horses and collect eggs from the hens.  She does each chore with a renewed energy; so eager to please this new family who kindly took her in when she was not wanted in Salem.  As she is strolling past the corn fields, she again sees William Moore, and another figure next to him.  Mary’s heart jumps with excitement.  Is it Peter?!  Peter comes to assist William a few days a week during harvest season.  He has been her friend since childhood, and lately, she has felt something more than friendship.  Through the trials, she secluded herself from everyone- even him.  After the trials ended, he insisted she tell him the full story- start to finish- with every detail. He is also the one who got her this job with the Moores.  Because he had worked for them all his life, he knew they would be kind enough to take her in.  On numerous occasions she had broken down in front of him, and he had been nothing but supportive.   He is the only person who truly knows her.  Mary gazes witsfully at him, and hopes he will come down to visit her after he finishes in the fields! 

           She takes an extra long time in the barn, carefully counting and collecting the hens’ eggs.  Just as she is about to give up and head back to the house, she hears the barn door creak open.  She looks behind her to see a tall, handsome figure coming towards her.  She goes to greet him.  “Good evening, Peter.” 

“Good evening, Mary.  How are you?”

“I-I am fine.”

Peter hears the hesitation and stuttering in her voice.  He knows she struggles every day with the grief of the trials. 

“Mary, I have been thinking.  Since the execution of John, you haven’t been the same. I see you walk around every day as if you were carrying bricks upon your shoulders.  And, in a way, you have been carrying something very heavy: the burden of death.  But it’s not fair to place the blame entirely on yourself.  It anyone caused the death of John Proctor and all the others, it was Abigail.”

Mary starts to cry, a surge of pent up misery escaping her.   

Peter responds, saying, “You need to go to Elizabeth.  Beg for her forgiveness.  Mary, I know she would give it to you.  She is truly a Christian woman.  I’ve known her all my life, and so have you.  She does whatever is right, even if it isn’t easy.  And it is right to forgive you.” 

Mary’s sobs become heavier.  “I can’t! I can’t go to her! She hates me! I murdered her husband!” 

Peter takes her by the shoulders.  “Mary, I know this is hard.  It was a horrible thing all you girls did.  But you have to realize, it wasn’t completely your fault.  Abigail Williams was an evil, manipulative person.  Everyone was terrified of her- she was threatening to kill you if you didn’t do what she demanded!” 

Mary’s nods her head in agreement, the tears still streaming down her face.   

Peter looks straight into her eyes. “Salem is a mere half an hour away. I know the Meier family; I used to work for Henry Meier.  He is a good man, and since he married Elizabeth, she and her boys seem content.  He takes very good care of her.  She has put her past behind her, and you should, as well.  I'll take you to Salem.” 

Mary wipes her reddened eyes and looks up at him in awe.  “Why would you do that, Peter?”

Peter’s rough, callused hand reaches for hers.  “I want to see you happy, Mary, and I know that will never happen if you don’t put the past behind you.  Mary, I…I love you.” 

She gazes into the intensity of Peter’s chocolate brown eyes.   A flood of emotion overcomes Mary.  A smile tentatively spreads across her face, and as Peter sees this, his knitted brow relaxes.  Mary takes a deep breath, and lets out a sigh.  “I have loved you for as long as I can remember, Peter.”

They look tenderly at each other.  Peter responds, saying, “Well, let’s go there right now.” 

Peter and Mary fetch the Moore's best traveling horse, Rebecca.  Peter's strong hands help Mary up onto the silver mare, and their means of transportation to Salem.  She puts her arms around his shoulders and they gallop past the fields of golden corn, towards their ultimate destination.  She feels a sense of exhilaration as the powerful wind whips her hair across her face.  It seems to whisper in her ear, “Mary, find the strength…find the strength…”  She will.  She will face Elizabeth, and the rest of Salem.  She will repent for her sins; and make it up to them.  She is determined do whatever it takes to complete this journey to forgiveness.

The Crucible Essay-

Rachel Forcillo

Mr. Provenzano

Honors American Literature

10^th October 2011

John, Abigail, and Reverend Hale Cause the Witch Trials

            The Crucible, written by playwright Arthur Miller, is a story of betrayal, passion, and the societal struggles of colonial New England.  It starts off with an act of adultery between a farmer, John Proctor, and a seventeen year old, Abigail Williams.  This, in itself, is a huge mistake.  After the affair ends, John takes another misstep in not being firm with Abby that he has no feelings for her.  Abigail intends to kill Elizabeth, his wife, and she tries to conjure spirits to do that.  Reverend Hale, a knowledgeable minister, is called in when the question of witchcraft comes up.  He confirms it, then makes people admit to “trafficking with the Devil”.   John Proctor, Abigail Williams, and Reverend Hale cause the witch trials occur. 

            In the beginning of the story, Abigail attempts to kill Elizabeth by drinking blood in the forest.  When her cousin, Betty, suddenly falls ill, and “unnatural causes” are said to be the reason, Abigail gets very nervous.  She is nervous because all her friends know what she did.  At any time, they could reveal this information to Parris (her uncle), and Abigail would be in serious trouble.  To prevent this from happening, she intimidates the witnesses of this event, murmuring, “Now look you.  All of you.  We danced.  And Tituba conjured Ruth Putnam’s dead sisters.  Let you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shutter you…” (Miller, 20).  This quote reveals Abigail’s willingness to use violence as a tool to get what she wants.  She wishes for John to leave his wife behind, and she knows he would never do it- so her plan is to kill Elizabeth.  When Betty falls ill, and she is pointed at as the one who caused it, Abigail knows she must keep her reputation sterling.  If they find out she was attempting to conjure spirits in the woods, they would never believe another word she said, and she would have no chance in using lies to bring Elizabeth down.  This violent willingness extends to not only kill her peers, but also to her elders.  If other people must be condemned to death before Elizabeth can be accused, so be it. Abigail will do anything to keep her honest reputation in order to reach her ultimate goal of destroying Elizabeth.   Throughout the play, she threatens these girls into doing what she tells them.  This consists of accusing innocent people of witchcraft, including Elizabeth.  Abigail’s fierce leadership and determination to get what she wants is the main cause of the witch trials. 

            Hale is called by Parris to come in and resolve this talk of witchcraft.  Parris really does this simply to confirm that there are no witches present in Salem, so everything will return back to normal and no one will doubt his power as a minister.  Reverend Hale of Beverly, who is a specialist in diagnosing witchcraft, comes in and states that signs of the devil are present in Betty, Parris’s daughter.   Hale accuses Abigail of witchcraft, and then Abigail throws the blame upon poor Tituba, the household slave.  Hale confronts her, saying, “You have sent your spirit out upon this child, have you not?  Are you gathering souls for the Devil?” (Miller, 44). Hale then goes on to threaten her- he uses fear as a tool to get Tituba to confess to witchery.  Though she is completely innocent, and Abby is the one who attempted to conjure spirits in the woods, Tituba can’t make people believe her.  In those days, there was no question of a slave’s word over a white girl’s.  There is absolutely no use in accusing Abby.   Tituba is greatly frightened of the consequences Reverend Hale will bring upon her if she doesn’t confess.  She has no other defense except to falsely admit her involvement in witchery.   If Hale had never come to Salem and pointed out that the Devil was among them, Abigail wouldn’t have been questioned, and then charged Tituba with the crime.  The confession of Tituba led to the accusal of others, which caused the trials.                             

          The reader learns fairly early on in the story about an affair between Abigail and John Proctor.  The details of the affair, though, are learned a little later on.  When Mary Warren, the Proctor’s servant, returns from Salem to the Proctor’s home, she fills John and Elizabeth in about the trials.  They are shocked to find out that some have actually been accused, and John is furious with Mary that she is associated with the condemnation of innocence people.   Mary mentions that she saved Elizabeth’s life by arguing that she was a good Christian, unassociated with the Devil.  Elizabeth is especially taken aback, because she knows exactly who brought her name up in the trials- Abigail Williams.  Elizabeth and John, quite uncomfortably, begin discussing the affair.  Elizabeth tells him he must go to Salem and crush whatever hopes Abigail might have for him.  John denies he gave Abigail a reason to hope, and Elizabeth, insistent, says, “John- grant me this.  You have a faulty understanding of young girls.  There is a promise made in any bed- spoke or silent, a promise is surely made.  And she may dote on it now-she surely does-and thinks to kill me, then to take my place” (Miller, 60).  Elizabeth is trying to convince John that Abigail needs closure to the relationship.  She knows John has not been firm enough in saying he doesn’t want to be involved with her. Now that Mary Warren has confirmed the seriousness of the witch trials, Elizabeth suspects Abigail is after her life, intending to accuse Elizabeth. Though John refuses to believe it, Abigail still has feelings for him.  John, through the affair, has captured the intense love of Abigail, and has unintentionally given her expectations for them as a couple.   After the affair, he was not clear in that he felt purely lust-not love-for her.  If the affair between Abigail and John had never have taken place, Abigail wouldn’t have had a reason to conjure spirits in the woods, nor to pursue the witch trials.  Therefore, John is a huge cause of the trials. 

            The cumulative actions of John Proctor, Abigail Williams, and Reverend Hale cause the Salem Witch Trials.  Abigail’s affair with John causes her to fall in love with him.  It’s her nature to get what she wants, and what she wants is John.  The measures she takes to do this in the beginning lead to the question of witches, which Hale confirms.  Next, Hale uses intimidation to make Tituba confess.  Abby then takes over, accusing others of the crime, which ultimately leads to the trials and death of innocent citizens of Salem, Massachusetts. 

Works Cited

Miller, Arthur.  The Crucible.  New York:  Penguin Group, 1976.  20-44.  Print.

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 in something you do not in order to protect yourself? Why or why not?


            If I was John Proctor in that situation, I would have lied to Hale. Religion was the basis of life in Salem, and to tell someone you didn't believe in witches would be akin to saying you didn't believe in God. In Act 2, when Reverend Hale comes to inquire about the piety of Elizabeth and John he brings up the subject of witches. John tries to avoid the confrontation, saying things like "…the bible speaks of witches, and I will not deny them" (Miller, 69).  Hale then questions Elizabeth.  Elizabeth replies, “If you think I’m one, then I say there are none.”  Hale, appalled, cries “You surely do not fly against the Gospel, the Gospel-” John, in her defense, declares “She believe in the Gospel, every word!” (Miller, 70). This conversation reveals exactly how seriously people took religious belief and devotion.  It was a sin not to believe in witches.   In this situation, John was trying to convince Arthur of their piety, and he lied for him and Elizabeth because he knew the consequences would be severe if they told the truth.

             Elizabeth did the brave, morally correct thing by standing up for what she believed in. John told a lie, the more submissive, yet sensible thing to do.  He simply wanted to protect Elizabeth and his self from the persecution that would come about if the word got out they didn't believe in witches. Though I wish I could be courageous and strong like Elizabeth, I cannot truthfully say I would act the way she did.  If it were a critical fate determining situation, like the one Proctor was in, I would most likely falter and lie to save myself.

The Crucible Part 1

         In the Beginning of Act 1, Reverend Parris is the man who obtains the power to control the people as well as the power in the Church. Like many towns in colonial New England, Salem is centered around religion, therefore, it makes sense that he is the one with the most authority. In one scene, Reverend Parris is talking to Rebecca, Giles, the Putnams, and John Proctor about the recent occurrences in the town. John Proctor begins to criticize Parris's way of running the church, and he takes great offense, defending himself fiercely, saying “…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.” Putnam responds in support of Parris with an enthusiastic “Aye! (Miller, 30)” Even though Parris is conceited and slightly nasty, the majority of townspeople are intimidated by him (and his connection with God), and as a result, support and defend him. This quote demonstrates the power Parris holds in the beginning of Act 1.

         By the end of Act 1, the power has shifted from Reverend Parris to a completely new group of people.  With everyone questioning the cause of Betty’s strange sickness, Abigail is accused of witchcraft.  In a defensive panic, she throws the blame on Tituba and denounces other women of associating with the Devil, saying, “I saw Goody Osborn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil! I saw Goody Sibber with the Devil!  Parris, Putnam, and Hale all respond in great relief, with Hale yelling things like “Glory to God, it is broken free!” and “I’ll call the Marshall!”  These quotes show how the townspeople are now under complete control of Abigail and her followers (Betty, Mary, ect).  These reasonable adults are “under the spell” of these young girls, not even taking into consideration they could be making up falsehoods.  By the end of Act 1, this group of girls controls the fate of everyone in the town. 

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=the+crucible+book+cover&um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbnid=I1H_hz7-56QEjM:&imgrefurl=http://literature.wikia.com/wiki/File:The_Crucible.PNG&docid=XNur_LNrvo37wM&w=304&h=474&ei=l4p6TujDAfDEsQKsp9y9Aw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=381&vpy=215&dur=461&hovh=280&hovw=180&tx=119&ty=126&page=1&tbnh=121&tbnw=78&start=0&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:19,s:0&biw=1024&bih=627

How Many People Respond Today to this Sermon

Many people would have no response to John Edwards's "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" sermon.  This is due to the fact that society today is very different than that of the colonial 1600s.  Back then, almost everyone was Christian, and taught to believe in the power of God, Heaven, and Hell.  According to a 2008 survey, about 78% of U.S. citizens are Christian, 16% are not religious, and the rest are Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, and more (http://religions.pewforum.org/reports).  Though Christians do make up the majority of the population, many of these people were taught not to fear God, but that God is very loving and forgives people's  sins.  A small handful may be scared, but others would view the sermon as ridiculous and continue to follow their path of worship. For the rest of the population, because Heaven and Hell have no meaning to them (Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, ect,) the "Sinners" sermon wouldn't affect them in any way.  The vast majority of people today probably wouldn't respond to the sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." 

"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"

Pastor Jonathan Edwards, on July 8^th, 1741, delivered a sermon in the Church of Christ in Northampton. Upon hearing his preaching, people were shocked.   The imagery  it contains is supposed to be so compelling and vivid that it brought horror upon everyone who witnessed it.  Edwards was not at all a bad-tempered or insensitive man, he simply wanted to “awaken people to the need for salvation.”  His sermon definitely accomplished this:  it sparked controversy, and caused a spiritual revolution called “The Great Awakening.”  Worship changed from being made up onf detached rituals to people putting their heart and soul into theconnecting with god.

Because it did have such an effect on the way people worshipped and lived their lives, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" must be very powerful.  It is mentioned in the video that people could barely handle it because of the strong emotions it brought out.  I'm guessing the sermon described what sinful people could anticipate when they died.  Edmonds, I imagined, portryed God as a merciless being.  Before, people may have thought of God as being kind and forgiving.  I picture something like this:  "God throws your body in a firey furnace to burn, then lets your soul rot and suffer in the darkness of Hell."  The imagery must describe some kind of extreme pain and torture to have scared people so much.