My Antonia Chapter Mimic

I chose chapter 6 from the book, and this is my current-day rewrite of it:
Today was a great day to be alive. It was one of those mid-spring days when the sun’s rays are gently warming your skin, and the shade of the trees falls perfectly on your face to give your eyes some relief from the sun. The only thing keeping me from a perfect world commercial was an iced tea ripened with the sweetest sugars from Hawaii.
Around the late afternoon Karime came over like she does every day. I gave her some lemonade, but I guess they didn’t have that back in Mexico. She perched her lips on the first sip, but got acquainted with the drink over the next few. She asked me a word for it, and I told her ‘lemonade’, but it came off as ‘leh-mo-a’
We went up to the roof of the complex because most people haven’t figured out the emergency alarm doesn’t actually go off. We laid on the roof for about 30 minutes in quiet solitude. We didn’t talk or move or anything-just lay there, breathing. Then Karime sat up and tucked her legs under her folded arms. The wind was blowing her hair back as if it wanted to feel the softness of her tame, black hair.
She began telling me about her home before she moved here. She told me about a little puppy she had. Its name was tomato, but I don’t remember the Spanish name for it. She named it that because it always ate the first tomatoes before they ever ripened. She said back in Mexico dogs were everywhere. “Everyone have dog back home. Here they no allow dog. This make me sad.” Our complex doesn’t allow dogs. The man that owns these apartments is a frugal, old man with no hair who only makes these pointless rules because it’s his form of revenge on the rest of the world. “I want dog so badly” she thought out loud. She turned to me, “My dad buy me dog. He…he…” She stopped. She searched, and tried to think of a word. She tried gestures, and movements, but I didn’t know what she wanted to say. It pained her, I could tell, and she couldn’t handle the stress of not knowing how to tell me what she was thinking. She was embarrassed.
Down in the street a policeman drove by. Karime got very scared, and hide below the cement railing that encompassed the roof like a wrap-around porch. Her breathing quickened, she yanked my arm so I was hidden too, and she held my hand tightly. A few seconds after he had driven away, she peeked her head above the railing. She cautiously sat up, but still sat in a stressful, ready to run position. “Why you not scared?” she asked. “Because they are here to protect us” I replied. Her face was overcome with confusion, and left over fear; she searched my face for meaning behind my answer. “They bad. My padre say they very bad. He say they beat people who only been good for whole life.”
I had no answer for her. It never occurred to me that maybe she wasn’t supposed to be here. How could I tell her that those men were here to protect me, but not her? To even make her leave. It was many years before I understood why her father would not tell her this.
After she calmed down a little, we walked down from the roof to the hidden creek in the woods. We sat on the edge of a little cliff that hung above the creek like it was peering into the water to look at itself. The wind blew through the trees like a winding whirlwind of cool breath. Karime folded up her legs again, and tucked her arms away into the warmness of her shirt, where she could keep her dark skin secret from the now chilly air. Night was beginning to fall on the world like the first blanket of fresh snow in the winter. I took off my over shirt, and wrapped it around her shoulders.

~Jasmine Marie~

Native American Selection

EQ-As the new commers of america are in pursuit of the american dream, and the success from it, they are compelled to drive the native americans out of thier rightfully owned land for personal gain, causing an injusitce in society, which is the foundation for the american dream as it is based on equal opportunity for all.

"The Soft-Hearted Sioux" by Zitkala-Sa. http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/ZitSoft.html

From "The Soft-Hearted Sioux"
"Looking about, I saw an old woman sitting with bowed head. Shaking hands with her, I recognized my mother. I sat down between my father and mother as I used to do, but I did not feel at home. The place where my old grandmother used to sit was now unoccupied. With my mother I bowed my head. Alike our throats were choked and tears were streaming from our eyes; but far apart in spirit our ideas and faiths separated us. My grief was for the soul unsaved; and I thought my mother wept to see a brave man's body broken by sickness."

I enjoyed this passage because the author does an excellent job of conveying the mood of disappointment. He does this by paralleling his being at home, but not feeling at home. Also, he shows how he is still like his family in their strong emotions, which makes him want to please them, but is too far apart in faith to do this. His strong convictions are inspiring because it can be hard to concentrate on intangible things when your always living in the here and now.

As the story continues, the boy drives away the medicine man, whom his father believes he needs to live, to trust in the powers of god. He tries to hunt for food, but is unsuccessful. Upon his father's wishes, the boy goes out one last time, and gets food at the expense of another's life.

From "The Soft-Hearted Sioux":
"He tells me that to-morrow I must die. In his stern face I laugh aloud. I do not fear death.
Yet I wonder who shall come to welcome me in the realm of strange sight. Will the loving Jesus grant me pardon and give my soul a soothing sleep? or will my warrior father greet me and receive me as his son? Will my spirit fly upward to a happy heaven? or shall I sink into the bottomless pit, an outcast from a God of infinite love?
Soon, soon I shall know, for now I see the east is growing red. My heart is strong. My face is calm. My eyes are dry and eager for new scenes. My hands hang quietly at my side. Serene and brave, my soul awaits the men to perch me on the gallows for another flight. I go."

I thought this excerpt was also very strong because the author repeats his faith in god one more time as he ends the story. I feel broken-hearted for the boy because he wants to be accepted by his family so badly, but his faith in god prevents him from this. The author uses intense diction to convey the message that everyone must choose their own path, and believe in it strongly. The mood of disappointment in an entire community (tribe) is very powerful and is amplified through the dissatisfaction the boy’s family shows him, making the story tremendously poignant

This picture reminds me of the boy because Jesus is helping a man in the picture, and the boy looks to god for guidance, even though the rest of his tribe has outcast him. He is brave.
~Jasmine Marie~

Native American Diary

Dear diary,
Tomorrow I will return home after 6 years at chrisitan school. I am excited and frightened at the same time. I want to see my family because I have missed them very much, but frightened because I do not know if I will fit in anymore. However, I think they will be very proud of everything I have learned. I was taught english, arithmatic, and writing.
I am most excited to see my father after these many years have passed. I want to show him everything I have learned from the white men because he always wanted me to go far in my life. Yes I admit, not far from the tribe, but how can he deny his son and all his new gifts? And everything my teachers have given me to offer to my tribe about the loving Jesus, son of God?
My teachers otherwise. They say I will not be accepted at first, so it is my duty to tell everyone about God and Jesus and the bible. I know my family will still love me, and will come to understand and love Jesus as I have. He is kind and forgiving; surely they cannot turn him away.
As departing note, I must confess (as against my teachers) I am a native american, and will always be one. I do not want to leave that identity behind, but encompass it into one, great being of american and native american. I will be the one to bridge the gap between the two-to forge a new friendship of understnading between our conflicting societies. Our vast country will not know civil wars; we will not know abandonment and treason; we will not know isolation; and no one will face oppression of themself or thier faction. We are all children of god, and we are all filled with his love deep inside of us. We just need to release this joy upon the world to bring everyone together under his church.
Now I must go to bed as the sun has gone down past the far east hills. I must pray and get good night's sleep for tomorrow I face my family for the first time in 6 years.

Plymouth Plantation

http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/english/coke/bradford.htm

In Plymouth Plantation, the author uses imagry, repetition, and personification to construct a tone of appreciation towards God because, as puritan writing, it is centered around the cause of life, which always leads back to God. I chose the below selection from plymouth plantation because it shows the puritan style in which William Bradford writes:

From of Plymouth Plantation:
"And those that first entered found sharp resistance from the enemy who both shot at and grappled with them; others ran into their houses and brought out fire and set them on fire, which soon took in their mat; and standing close together, with the wind all was quickly on a flame, and thereby more were burnt to death than was otherwise slain; it burnt their bowstrings and made them unserviceable; those that scraped the fire were slain with the sword, some hewed to pieces, others run through with their rapiers, so as they were quickly dispatched and very few escaped. It was conceived they thus destroyed about 400 at this time. It was a fearful sight to see them thus frying in the fire and the streams of blood quenching the same, and horrible was the stink and scent thereof; but the victory seemed a sweet sacrifice, and they gave the praise thereof to God, who had wrought so wonderfully for them, thus to enclose their enemies in their hands and give them so speedy a victory over so proud and insulting an enemy."

This passage was very scary to read because it shows how manifest destiny had infected the puritans to the point where they would burn, and slice people because they thought God would want it. The 'enemy' who only threatened the pilgrims because they were threatening the indians are made to be devils against God because they defended thier land. The puritans abandoned thier morals and beliefs because they were easily manipulated to feel that murdering is okay if you believe God wants it.

~Jasmine Marie~

Slave Narrative

From The life of gustavus vassa:
"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..."

This passage seemed important to me because it really describes the horror the slaves went through to just become slaves in the new world. The promise of the new world was completely not given to slaves because most of the were perfecttly content in thier own homelands, but were dragged away because the white men had more power. Unknowingly, the americans were doing just what britain would do to them later on because they abused thier power over people when it was unnecessary.

EQ- The africans brought to the US do not represent the american dream, but rather the flaw in the american dream. They were forced out of their beloved homelands into abusive situations. However, from the white man's perspective, slavery was needed to acheive thier own american success. The first pilgrims had no problem running the indians out of thier land, like the new commers had no problem trading an african for 15 shells.

Anne Bradstreet/Edward Taylor

"Huswifery"From "Huswifery"
Then dye the same in Heavenly Colours Choice,
All pinkt with Varnish't Flowers of Paradise.

I chose this passage because it uses strong conartaion such as heavenly and paradise, to convey Taylor's message about the wonders of heaven and how he wants god to make him worthy of 'living' in heaven after he dies. Taylor has strong conartation in this section to evoke the theme of true happiness and joy found in heaven through the words heavenly and paradise to create a sense of ever-lasting
happiness, and says dye this coat with hevenly colors, to say that he wants god to permenantly mark him with this happiness.

"To My Dear and Loving Husband"

I enjoyed this poem because Anne Bradstreet does a fantastic job of conveying her never-ending love for her husband. One line that truely capptured me was, "My love is such that Rivers cannot quench" This one line is more powerful than the others because she relates a tangible object to the strength of her love. She says her love cannot be conquered by something that can create ravage storms. That's why I enjoyed this poem.

"Contemplations"

Then on a stately Oak I cast mine Eye,
Whose ruffling top the Clouds seem'd to aspire.
How long since thou wast in thine Infancy?
Thy strength and stature, more thy years admire,
Hath hundred winters past since thou wast born?
Or thousand since thou brakest thy shell of horn?
If so, all these as nought, Eternity doth scorn.

I liked this poem and specifically this verse because it shows the strength in everything in life that is commonly taken for granted, which makes the reader reflect upon thier own state of mind, and thier own selfishness. The entire poem, in my opinion, was about strength because it points out the miraculous nature many things not normally thought of in life.

Johnathan Edwards

From Sinners at the Hnad of an Angry God:
"So that, thus it is that natural men are held in the hand of God, over the pit of hell; they have deserved the fiery pit, and are already sentenced to it; and God is dreadfully provoked, his anger is as great towards them as to those that are actually suffering the executions of the fierceness of his wrath in hell, and they have done nothing in the least to appease or abate that anger, neither is God in the least bound by any promise to hold them up one moment; the devil is waiting for them..."

In Sinners at the Hand of an Angry God, Johnathan Edwards uses conartation, repetition and diction to evoke fear in order to create a society subdued into goodness as individuals fear the merciless, angry wrath god holds against all sinners.

This piece of literature conveys the teachings of the puritan era thoroughly by strongly conveying his convictions concerning the church and god as he coerces people into fear of the lord through powerfully negative diction. Edwards depicts god as a vengeful being who controlls the fate of everyone and can beseige them for the rest of their life, and afterlife. I don't think many people, during any time period, would have enjoyed his writing and teachings because he makes people feel as if they are condemed forever because they act as humans do. I chose the above passage because it is extremely forceful in creating the point that god hates living sinners as much as those already existing in hell. Also, Edwards says god has no reason for saving them, but does so because he gets pleasure from it. He repeats this throughout this piece to reenforce his point and continue to create and build fear in everyone.

Johnathan Edwards Diary

Dear Diary,
Tomorrow I will address the church on the subject of my new writing, Sinners at the Hand of an angry God. I think they will be deeply moved, and inspired to be better people, and do god's will on earth.
I plan to read a passage, but am not sure which I will chose. I am leanent towards the one in which I address the common human saying, "O sinner! Consider the fearful danger you are in: it is a great furnace of wrath, a wide and bottomless pit, full of the fire of wrath, that you are held over in the hand of that God, whose wrath is provoked and incensed as much against you, as against many of the damned in hell..."
I especailly like this one because it points out god's displeasure with the current american soceity. This, no doubt, is not going on in england. In england, no one stays home sick without visit from the church leaders. While they are ruled by theocracy cleverly hidden behind the king and queen titles, the ways of the church are carried out as they should be everywhere. I am, however, quite glad to live in such country that allows freedom to excercise all religions nondiscriminatively.
I must part for now because my wife has just finished preparing dinner. Also, I am writing a letter to the governor concerning my latest work. He sent a messenger earlier this week, and I am ever so excited to tell him everything and possibly get it published throughout the enitre city!
~J Edwards~

Patrick Henry

This speech is very convencing. The power with which Henry speeks is unmatchable. I have chosen this passage to reflect upon:

From "Give me libery or gove me death" speech:
"Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the numbers of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it...Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss."

I chose this passage because I appreciate the illusion to Oedipus, and the bible, and also how Henry questions the character of not only the officials, but of every man in america. He uses illusion, and rhetorical questions to convey his tone of anger, and urgency to the american people as they are oppressed by the dominent great britain. Also, he enhances his tone of urgency by using repetition, and fast-paced rhythm to make the reader be engaged in the urgency of the need for revolution.

~Jasmine Marie~

Patrick Henry Diary

Dear Diary,
Today I have sent my letter on the need for a rebellion against GB to the president. Hopefully he will see to this with the utmost importance it deserves. GB shall not terrorise, and abuse their power over the world anymore. It has been far too long since some independent country could practice its independency independently!
In addition, I'd like to add that the letter will be read in the saturday morning shops if it makes a big enough impact on the president. I don't doubt at all that he won't be impressed with my letter. I strongly believe that the letter will have a huge impact on him because I have had 26 people read it over before I sent it in. Perhaps my extensive edcaiton has helped my writing skills a bit, but most say I just have the natural ability of persuasion. Bye for now.

~Patrick Henry~

Thomas Paine

From "The Crisis":
"I have as little superstition in me as any man living, but my secret opinion has
ever been, and still is, that God Almighty will not give up a people to military
destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so
repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war, by every decent method which
wisdom could invent."

I chose this selection because I think it really brings out the point of the crisis in that it relates to everyone of that time period. God was something everyone would listen to, so relating their troubles to God would. Paine uses, like many revolution writers, revolution and fast-paced rhythm, and also capitalized words to reiterate the oppression the country is feeling from GB.

Thomas Paine Diary

Dear Diary,
As you know I have just published my brochure called "The crisis" to inform the american people of the dogmatic great britain. They seem to just go about terrorizing other countries because thier ego has built up to the point of tyrancy. britain will no longer oppress us! The united states has stood on it's own for almost 200 years, and will continue to do so. We have no need for thier taxes that do not benefit us, but provide for more means to subdue us into our homes, and out of our shops. Why, just last week I saw a poor merchant put out fo business because of british taxes on paper, and tea, and sugar, and every other necessity for common living.

Obama's Speech

In response to Obama's speech on the racial divide in america, I have to admit that I am dead sick amd tired of the issue. It is so tiring how people can base the future of thier country on such minor coincidences. Obama could not help being black as much as Clinton cannot help being a girl. I just cannot see how such a feeble topic could infect america with this magnitude of endurance. The presidential role is not one that should be taken lightly and I definately look down on people who dwel on race, gender, and religion as the basis for thier vote.
Also, Obama (much as I admire his confessions) provokes the race/gender issue by his answering on the topics. While he addresses the topic telling people to vote not on race or gender, he is subliminally enhancing the awareness of race in the election.
There are so many problems that need addressing in america right now, for example:
terrorist laws
drop-out rates
obesity
health care
illegal immigrants
the environment
the war
gas prices
abortion
religous freedoms
homosexual marrage

It is ridiculus that people can pay so much attention to race when all of these topics, amoung others, are eventually going to make or break america. The race/gender issue is only dividing america more, and is really just fighting over nothing. No, america is not ready for a black or female president, which we show through our excessive encouragement of debate over it. To be blunt...IT'S STUPID!

However, I think Obama (and Clinton) represents the american dream because he is running for president while race is a big diving line in america. The american dream is to be successful with equal opportunity. Obama has shown his equal opportunity by running, and doing well, but exposes the flaw because america is not a perfect world-it has its prejudices and always will. These do limit Obama to some extent, and yet make him more admirable for tolerating them. Overall, Obama symbolises the good and bad in the 'american dream'

~Jasmine Marie~