Native American Literature

Coyote and the Columbia(Sahaptin/Salishan Tribes)
retold by S. E. Schlosser
One day, Coyote was walking along. The sun was shining brightly, and Coyote felt very hot. "I would like a cloud," Coyote said. So a cloud came and made some shade for Coyote. Coyote was not satisfied. "I would like more clouds," he said. More clouds came along, and the sky began to look very stormy. But Coyote was still hot. "How about some rain," said Coyote. The clouds began to sprinkle rain on Coyote. "More rain," Coyote demanded. The rain became a downpour. "I would like a creek to put my feet in," said Coyote. So a creek sprang up beside him, and Coyote walked in it to cool off his feet. "It should be deeper," said Coyote. The creek became a huge, swirling river. Coyote was swept over and over by the water. Finally, nearly drowned, Coyote was thrown up on the bank far away. When he woke up, the buzzards were watching him, trying to decide if he was dead. "I'm not dead," Coyote told them, and they flew away. That is how the Columbia River began.

Schlosser, S.E. "Coyote and the Columbia". American Folklore. March 17, 2008 . http://www.americanfolklore.net/folktales/wa.html

REFLECTIONS: Native American stories almost always utilize symbolism, and this story is no exception. Because Coyote is the main character in this story, and coyotes are mostly portrayed as bad omens, it seems implied that the creation of the Columbia River was not considered a good thing among the Native Americans. The moral behind the myth has much to do with greed; it seems that fulfilling your needs is acceptable but anything more is greed, which will always have a bad outcome. Many Native Americans myths and legends illustrate this point. It is meant to warn people of demanding more than is necessary. This story would be helpful to Americans today due to the massive amount of excess we have become used to on a daily basis. When history is analyzed, it can easily be recognized that greed never amounts to prosperity.

DEAR DIARY,
I laid eyes on the white man today for the first time, and their presence is not a good one. These new, pale-faced people bring with them a hunger for what we have. The Native Americans are new to them now; they will not steal from us right away, but it is now inevitable. These people with the strange language pillage our camps when we leave to follow the hunting for the season. Greed in their eyes is plainly there; they want for the sake of owning, not of need. The pale people will not leave us; the intruders seek not to share, but to control.

The Question Is...What impact did the decisions and cultures of those who began the American community have on today's modern community setting and life as we know it?: Folk stories often personify animals as they make common but detrimental human mistakes. Most people today can easily compare themselves to the wolf in this story, because his fault is greed. Despite how wise the Native Americans were about greediness, it can ironically be said that today's America (and American Dream) is partly based on greed! The early settlers were greedy, so instead of respecting boundaries, they destroyed them because they coveted what the Natives had. Today's society is run predominantly by amounts of material possessions. Many crimes center around murder for money. This story is ironic when present day America is considered!

Puritans and Pilgrims

Passage from "Of Plymouth Plantation"

by William Bradford

September 6 [1620]. These troubles being blown over, and now all being compact together in one ship, they put to sea again with a prosperous wind, which continued divers days together, which was some encouragement unto them; yet, according to the usual manner, many were afflicted with seasickness. And I may not omit here a special work of God’s providence. There was a proud and very profane young man, one of the seamen, of a lusty, able body, which made him the more haughty; he would always be contemning the poor people in their sickness and cursing them daily with grievous execrations; and did not let to tell them that he hoped to help to cast half of them overboard before they came to their journey’s end, and to make merry with what they had; and if he Were by any gently reproved, he would curse and swear most bitterly. But it pleased God before they came half seas over, to smite this young man with a grievous disease, of which he died in a desperate manner, and so was himself the first that was thrown overboard. Thus his curses light on his own head, and it was an astonishment to all his fellows for they noted it to be the just hand of God upon him.

Bradford, William. "Of Plymouth Plantation". Georgetown College. March 17, 2008. http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/english/coke/bradford.htm

REFLECTION:

This passage most certainly conveys the strong sense of religion the Puritans harbored, and proves why they believed they way they did. When the young healthy man mocked the sick, he became one of them and was the first to die. It is pure irony. But also, the passage shows how unhealthy and life-threatening the voyage to America was. If one person became ill, there was nowhere for the other people to go to escape the contagion. The long journey, unhealthy people, and lack of knowledge and technology caused innumerable losses.

DEAR DIARY,

We have been on the dark and damp ship for a long amount of time; maybe weeks, but most likely more. Just as anticipated, sickness has spread to many, and even I myself am feeling unwell. However, the good Lord has provided for those who are meant to see the New World. He knows that the healthy have a better chance of survival as the ship's population of the sick decreases. God knows who He wants in His new nation. Just earlier today a young man who fell ill during the night lost his life and was tossed into the salty graveyard below. This young man was known for his health, but even more for his greed and love for tormenting those unable to retaliate. The hands of God will deal with our problems; for it is in His hands our fate lies.

The Question Is...What impact did the decisions and cultures of those who began the American community have on today's modern community setting and life as we know it?: The decision made by the Puritans and Pilgrims to struggle through such a long, arduous journey in search of this unknown land built the foundation for the large population presently housed by the very soil they started on. Their religion also mimicks the faith many Christians live by today.

The Age of Faith: Anne Bradstreet's Poetry 1

"Verses Upon the Burning of Our House, July 18th, 1666"

by Anne Bradstreet

1In silent night when rest I took,
2For sorrow near I did not look,
3I waken'd was with thund'ring noise
4And piteous shrieks of dreadful voice.
5That fearful sound of "fire" and "fire,"
6Let no man know is my Desire.
7I starting up, the light did spy,
8And to my God my heart did cry
9To straighten me in my Distress
10And not to leave me succourless.
11Then coming out, behold a space
12The flame consume my dwelling place.
13And when I could no longer look,
14I blest his grace that gave and took,
15That laid my goods now in the dust.
16Yea, so it was, and so 'twas just.
17It was his own; it was not mine.
18Far be it that I should repine,
19He might of all justly bereft
20But yet sufficient for us left.
21When by the Ruins oft I past
22My sorrowing eyes aside did cast
23And here and there the places spy
24Where oft I sate and long did lie.
25Here stood that Trunk, and there that chest,
26There lay that store I counted best,
27My pleasant things in ashes lie
28And them behold no more shall I.
29Under the roof no guest shall sit,
30Nor at thy Table eat a bit.
31No pleasant talk shall 'ere be told
32Nor things recounted done of old.
33No Candle 'ere shall shine in Thee,
34Nor bridegroom's voice ere heard shall bee.
35In silence ever shalt thou lie.
36Adieu, Adieu, All's Vanity.
37Then straight I 'gin my heart to chide:
38And did thy wealth on earth abide,
39Didst fix thy hope on mouldring dust,
40The arm of flesh didst make thy trust?
41Raise up thy thoughts above the sky
42That dunghill mists away may fly.
43Thou hast a house on high erect
44Fram'd by that mighty Architect,
45With glory richly furnished
46Stands permanent, though this be fled.
47It's purchased and paid for too
48By him who hath enough to do.
49A price so vast as is unknown,
50Yet by his gift is made thine own.
51There's wealth enough; I need no more.
52Farewell, my pelf; farewell, my store.
53The world no longer let me love;
54My hope and Treasure lies above.
Lancashire, Ian. "Verses Upon the Burning of our House, July 18, 1666". Representative Poetry Online. March 17, 2008. http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poem/218.html

REFLECTION: Bradstreet appears to struggle with her faith in this poem; or she may be torn between whether or not she wants to acknowledge her faith, due to her misfortune. She goes back and forth in this poem. In some lines she wishes to hold her precious worldly possessions again, but at the same time she knows her eternal resting place is in heaven. If she grieves for her personal loss on earth, she will never earn her glorious home in heaven. Religion in modern times is not so limiting for most people. Not many can lose everything they own and still be happy with just their God. The world is too materialisitic for this type of poem to be reality today, especially in the United States.

DEAR DIARY,
During the night my home burnt to the ground, and before me lay my life reduced to ashes. It hurts me so, to see my hard work disentigrate into undistinguishable black soot. But I cannot admit such things; I should not think them. God has a final home for me which will not burn down. My place here on earth is not permanent therefore I should not treat it as if I am ruined forever. What He gives us, He can take away. Mourning the loss is defiance of his decisions; I must remain faithful and not call ownership to material items. For the ultimate life is after death if faith be my passage.

The Question Is...What impact did the decisions and cultures of those who began the American community have on today's modern community setting and life as we know it?: Tragedies such as the one portrayed in the above poem happen frequently, and the internal conflict described by Bradstreet almost always follows. The amount of vanity among our people has ballooned to a rediculous volume, making losses all the more devastating. These early settlers foreshadowed aspects of our lives and were guinea pigs of sorts.

The Age of Faith: Anne Bradstreet's Poetry 2

By Night when Others Soundly Slept

By night when others soundly slept
And hath at once both ease and Rest,
My waking eyes were open kept
And so to lie I found it best.
I sought him whom my Soul did Love,
With tears I sought him earnestly.
He bow'd his ear down from Above.
In vain I did not seek or cry.
My hungry Soul he fill'd with Good;
He in his Bottle put my tears,
My smarting wounds washt in his blood,
And banisht thence my Doubts and fears.
What to my Saviour shall I give
Who freely hath done this for me?
I'll serve him here whilst I shall live

And Loue him to Eternity

Bradstreet, Anne. "Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672)". March 23, 2008. http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/Bradstreet/bradstreet.html#bynight

REFLECTION: Anne's Bradstreet's poetry reflects the importance of religion in all aspects of her life. All of her misfortunes are solved by her faithful God; everything from the burning of her house to a restless, uneasy mind during a sleepless night is resolved by the consultation of her Saviour. Bradstreet uses this poem to show how God is needed for everything in her life; He is necessary for her to live without fears and doubts. I would imagine Bradstreet would feel uncontrollable anxiety if it weren't for her trust in her Lord. Her poetry constantly reinforces how ultimately thankful she is for His presence in her life. She is dedicated to and lives to serve the one that gets her through every obstacle.

DEAR DIARY,

I lay awake on this night, and everything is quiet. The wind does not blow, the animals do not stir, and life seems frozen in stillness. It is at times such as this that the worries and doubts of living such a new life clutter my head. My only consolation is my Saviour, without whom I would not get through. When mankind is unable to take my hand and calm the restless internal seas, the Lord is there. I need not ask for His help, for He wants not my distress. There is nothing on Earth to be so thankful for as the existance of the eternal Saviour to cleanse my soul of all humanly burdens.

The Question Is...What impact did the decisions and cultures of those who began the American community have on today's modern community setting and life as we know it?: The religiousness of the Puritans, such as Anne Bradstreet, began the religions that so many of us follow today. So many aspects of life are formed around the concepts surrounding religious issues.

The Age of Faith: Anne Bradstreet's Poetry 3

Upon a Fit of Sickness, Anno 1632 Aetatis Suae

Twice ten years old not fully told since nature gave me breath,

My race is run, my thread spun, lo, here is fatal death.

All men must die, and so must I; this cannot be revoked.

For Adam's sake this word God spake when he so high provoked.

Yet live I shall, this life's but small, in place of highest bliss,

Where I shall have all I can crave, no life is like to this.

For what's this but care and strife since first we came from womb?

Our strength doth waste, our time doth haste, and then we go to th' tomb.

O bubble blast, how long can'st last? that always art a breaking,

No sooner blown, but dead and gone, ev'n as a word that's speaking.

O whilst I live this grace me give, I doing good may be,

Then death's arrest I shall count best, because it's Thy decree;

Bestow much cost there's nothing lost, to make salvation sure,

O great's the gain, though got with pain, comes by profession pure.

The race is run, the field is won, the victory's mine I see;

Forever known, thou envious foe, the foil belongs to thee.

Bradstreet, Anne. "Upon A Fit of Sickness". March 23, 2008. http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/Bradstreet/bradstreet.html#fit

REFLECTION: Once again, Bradstreet writes about her God. In this poem, she appears to have fallen ill and is pondering the possibility of death as a result. Putting her trust in the Lord into words gives her comfort in her time of misery, and helps her to fear not death, as she reassures herself that death shall bring only better things; God has a better life for her. She wonders how long life will actually last before she meets her wonderful Creator, and realizes exactly how hard life is. We are born dealing with worry and we die the same way. Bradstreet must believe that there has got to be something more, even if not among the physically living.

DEAR DIARY,

I have fallen ill, and find myself bedridden and burdened with worries and wonders. I now see exactly what life really is; we live and die in strife. It is knowing that life's real victory will come after death that keeps my fears at bay. Shall I pass during this bout of sickness, there is nothing to fret about. I have served the Lord here on His Earth for fewer than many years, but I have always remained faithful. Whatever ails me now is surely His intention, but am I ready to let go of earthly life?

The Question Is...What impact did the decisions and cultures of those who began the American community have on today's modern community setting and life as we know it?: The religiousness of the Puritans, such as Anne Bradstreet, began the religions that so many of us follow today. So many aspects of life are formed around the concepts surrounding religious issues.

Puritan Literature: Edward Taylor's "Huswifery"

Make me, O Lord, thy Spining Wheele compleate.
Thy Holy Worde my Distaff make for mee.
Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neate
And make my Soule thy holy Spoole to bee.
My Conversation make to be thy Reele

And reele the yarn thereon spun of thy Wheele.

Make me thy Loome then, knit therein this Twine:
And make thy Holy Spirit, Lord, winde quills:
Then weave the Web thyselfe. The yarn is fine.
Thine Ordinances make my Fulling Mills.
Then dy the same in Heavenly Colours Choice,
All pinkt with Varnisht Flowers of Paradise.

Then cloath therewith mine Understanding, Will,
Affections, Judgment, Conscience, Memory
My Words, and Actions, that their shine may fill
My wayes with glory and thee glorify.
Then mine apparell shall display before yee

That I am Cloathd in Holy robes for glory.

Lancashire, Ian. "Edward Taylor, Huswifery". Representative Poetry Online. March 26, 2008. http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/poem/3108.html

REFLECTION: Taylor's poem follows a pattern common among Puritan poetry; the writer is first compared to a spinning wheel, then a loom, and finally the clothing created by both. In these comparisons, Taylor is referring to his devotion to God. The speaker is a man who deeply believes in God and observes himself evolving into the product of living in God's hands. In this poem, he is turning himself over to the Lord, asking Him to mold him as He pleases.

DEAR DIARY,

As my days on this new soil grow in number, I know that it is necessary to turn my life over to God. He will protect me from the unknown dangers of this unexplored land. I know that I will not survive these hard times without the protection of the Lord's all-knowing hands. I pray to be molded and taught as He sees fit, and to live under the guidance of He who knows the future. I turn myself over completely, for the job required I cannot complete.

The Question Is...What impact did the decisions and cultures of those who began the American community have on today's modern community setting and life as we know it?: The religiousness of the Puritans, such as Edward Taylor, began the religions that so many of us follow today. So many aspects of life are formed around the concepts surrounding religious issues.

Puritan Literature: Jonathan Edwards

Sinners At the Hands of an Angry God!
They are already under a sentence of condemnation to hell. They do not only justly deserve to be cast down thither, but the sentence of the law of God, that eternal and immutable rule of righteousness that God has fixed between him and mankind, is gone out against them, and stands against them; so that they are bound over already to hell. John 3:18. "He that believeth not is condemned already." So that every unconverted man properly belongs to hell; that is his place; from thence he is, John 8:23. "Ye are from beneath:" And thither he is bound; it is the place that justice, and God's word, and the sentence of his unchangeable law assign to him.
Edwards, Jonathan. "Jonathan Edwards - Sinners at the Hands of an Angry God". March 28, 2008. http://www.piney.com/JonEdwSinHands.html

REFLECTION: Through his writing, Edwards seems like a harsh person. In his speech, he does not in any way sugar-coat what he faithfully believes to be the fate of sinners and non-believers. But we must take ourselves back to the age of Puritans; religion was life as they knew it. It was the most important thing. Sadly, however, I seem to remember that the Puritans came to America to escape the type of rigid faith that they established here themselves. Maybe their American dream was simply that; it was impossible to unlearn such ingrained religious ways in an environmnt where they would become comfort and hope. Dreams are, apparently, often just good intentions. Edwards is blunt and firm in his writing; the type of person that prevented the diminishing of the Puritan religion among a growing sea of others for so long.

DIARY ENTRY: After being on the other side of the world for this long, life has settled down. But the strong faith we brought along with us remains; it may even be stronger now. People like Mr. Edwards keep God at the front of all minds. I overheard a speech of his recently, and it left me stock still in prayer. It is for the unashamed sharers of God's truths that we should be thankful. Any faithful person can spread God's love, but it takes a true believer to repeat those things at which we close our ears. We are all reminded now of our duty on this earth.

The Question Is...What impact did the decisions and cultures of those who began the American community have on today's modern community setting and life as we know it?: The Puritans began and developed the religions that have become most common in our every day society. The different religions all the cultures brought to America has resulted in the diverse country we live in.

A Slave Narrative: Olidah Equiano's Account of the Middle Passage

The Middle Passage by Oloudah Equiano

One day, when we had a smooth sea, and a moderate wind, two of my wearied countrymen, who were chained together (I was near them at the time), preferring death to such a life of misery, somehow made through the nettings, and jumped into the sea: immediately another quite dejected fellow, who, on account of his illness, was suffered to be out of irons, also followed their example; and I believe many more would soon have done the same, if they had not been prevented by the ship’s crew, who were instantly alarmed. Those of us that were the most active were, in a moment, put down under the deck; and there was such a noise and confusion amongst the people of the ship as I never heard before, to stop her, and get the boat to go out after the slaves. However, two of the wretches were drowned, but they got the other, and afterwards flogged him unmercifully, for thus attempting to prefer death to slavery. In this manner we continued to undergo more hardships than I can now relate; hardships which are inseparable from this accursed trade. - Many a time we were near suffocation, from the want of fresh air, which we were often without for whole days together. This, and the stench of the necessary tubs, carried off many.

Equiano, Olidah. "The Middle Passage". April 16, 2008. http://www.brycchancarey.com/equiano/extract3.htm.

REFLECTION: The imagery in this passage is spine-chilling. Equiano's vivid description of his terrible experience holds nothing to be desired. It evokes so much anger and sorrow; often the brutal reality is hard to hear. To think that conditions could be so horrible, and that so many people would jump to their deaths is truly tragic. And yet, it makes so much sense. Most accounts of immigrants (voluntary or not) from this time period display the lack of humanity we truly are capable of. But I wonder how common it is for these immigrants to become suicidal; I know how much it really takes so much for it to come to that. The fact that Olidah lived to tell his story demonstrates the strength of a person who values life. He deserves applause for revealing the truth behind the Middle Passage to so many ignorant Americans.

DEAR DIARY: This ship is so sickening. Despite the crowded quarters, the worst part is the filth. So many bodies are pressed together in this dark, smelly abyss under the deck. But I have hope, because I get to go above deck today. I cannot wait for the fresh air to fill my deprived lungs and rejuvenate the life in me that has long since been smothered by this floating cage. I talked to a friend of sorts earlier today who was supposed to go above deck...the only thing she would say was "i'm getting out of here today" with this eery smile on her face and numb eyes, lusterless eyes. I knew what she meant, but I did not want to, so I played dumb. I have not seen her since...I do wonder of her success.

The Question Is...What impact did the decisions and cultures of those who began the American community have on today's modern community setting and life as we know it?: Had slaves not been transported to America, I doubt there would be so many different and unique races and ethnicities in America presently. If these slaves had not told their stories, we might never would have outlawed it ourselves.

Patrick Henry: Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!

excerpt from "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" by Patrick Henry

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the house. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.
This is no time for ceremony. The question before the house is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at the truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Valenti, Mark D. "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death (The War Inevitable) by Patrick Henry (March 23 1775)". April 16, 2008. http://www.liberty-page.com/foundingdocs/givemeliberty/main.html.

REFLECTION: Henry is a very respectful man, at least in his speeches. He makes it clear that he is in no way conceited or forcing his opinions on others, but he conveys his message of urgency just the same. He acknowledges that his ideas are not the only ones. Henry was smart enough to know that this appealed to the listener and convinced them he was worth listening to. I would really like to know if he was at all successful, but history has never been my forte. I love how he throws patriotism in as a reason for speaking his opinion; and he is correct, to me. If he did not bring to light what others may not have seen, results would ultimately be somewhat his fault. His speech was also very well written, to me. It contained magnitudes of thought. I notice his reference to God several times; I do wonder how much Puritans influenced Patrick Henry's era?

DEAR DIARY: Today, I stood before the leaders of my country and spoke. My once unstoppable mouth for once yearned to remain closed, but I fought it, for I feel it is my duty to alert my country; to urge them to choose the right path before another one chooses them. The development of this country has prospered fairly despite the conflicts, and I would hate to see its downfall. Although I do not harbor all the answers, I would forever feel guilty and undeserving of freedom if I did not point out the possible ones. The concepts that clearly come to me may not ever enter the head of our leaders; it is up to each citizen to make known what is right. After all, our faithful leaders are human as well; we must not over nor under estimate them. If war is the answer, let it be. ---Patrick

LOGOS/ETHOS/PATHOS: Patrick Henry uses all three elements in this particular speech. He refers to logic numerous times, for example "I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate". Ethos is also very prevalent, and it is the first thing noticed by the audience. Henry begins by humbling himself and respectfully addressing those whose attention he must captivate. Emotional language can also be seen in the speech, but not quite to the degree as logic and ethics. His tone of urgency and loyalty earn him influence over his listeners, and therefore also the ability to almost manipulate their feelings through his words.

The Question Is...What impact did the decisions and cultures of those who began the American community have on today's modern community setting and life as we know it?: Had no one spoken up and had America not fought for freedom, today's communities and customs might not have existed at all. All these "dead guys" we always complain about learning about fought our most difficult battle for us. It ultimately shaped American society.

Thomas Paine: The Crisis No. 1

excerpt from "The Crisis No. 1" by Thomas Paine
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine
patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that
stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like
hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder
the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem
too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how
to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial
an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to
enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to
BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is
not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the
expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.

Paine, Thomas. "Selection from “The Crisis, No. 1” by Thomas Paine". April 16, 2008. http://www.puc.edu/Faculty/Rosemary_Dibben/English11/NewNation/PaineCrisis1.pdf.

REFLECTION: Thomas Paine is not only urging, but challenging his people. He claims that the average soldier will not fight this battle, but only the true Americans. The comparison of the war to Hell is certainly a blunt but truthful way to put it; and I would agree with him, that being under British rule and law fits the description of slavery. Of all that is said, I feel the most important reason he stated for going to war is the fact that Britain is NOT God, but they continue to assume His duties! As Paine says, freedom is valuable, even though people take it for granted today.

DEAR DIARY: I read the most inspiring words today;it was in a pamphlet I found among my father's belongings. These words made me realize that we must fight for our freedom. Britain has no good intentions; we can try to hide that as long as we want, but when Americans are living in poverty there will be no ignoring it. If I were more than a teenage girl, I would get myself involved, but we all know that is not an option. Despite my encouraging disposition, I cannot hide the pit in my stomach that tells me our losses will be great, whether or not they are worth our efforts.

LOGOS/ETHOS/PATHOS: Paine highly appeals to all three concepts. He uses his discussion of putting value on freedom to logically prove why the fight is so important. Then he challenges his audience, and puts emphasis on words implying great emotion, to evoke a certain emotion that will prove his point. But throughout the whole speech, his grammar and speech remain clear, sincere, and appropriate. This is a successful speech.

The Question Is...What impact did the decisions and cultures of those who began the American community have on today's modern community setting and life as we know it?: Had no one spoken up and had America not fought for freedom, today's communities and customs might not have existed at all. All these "dead guys" we always complain about learning about fought our most difficult battle for us. It ultimately shaped American society.

Today's American Dream

Interview #1: Wanda Price (my mom)
All her life, my mother grew up forming her own idea of what the American Dream was, although she says she never thought of it that way. Very confidently, she explained to me that she knows her American Dream has been fulfilled. Most of her criteria for the Dream consisted of getting married, having one son and one daughter, being a stay-at-home mom for her children, going to school functions, and just being the ordinary mom from the suburbs. She says she lived the Dream for long enough, and things are different now. This does not discourage her, because even "the American dream" gets boring and repetitive.

Interview #2: Becky Proctor (my mother's sister)
Despite growing up in the same household environment as my mother, my aunt's idea of the American Dream took the opposite path. A natural leader, she wanted to go to school and be successful in what used to be a man's world (business), as well as start a family. My aunt still lives her American dream, as she co-owns three restaurants and has a son, a daughter, and a grandaughter.

Interview #3: Bill Price (my dad)
My father knew what he wanted his American Dream to be early on. He went to school and became a successful salesman who was well known for those successes. Soon, the perfect wife came along and he soon had an average American family to call his own; the wife, daughter, son, and dog. Today, he says he never imagined he would be doing what he is now, but sometimes dreams change with age and goals.


REFLECTION: I find it interesting that three of my close family members have such different ideas of the American Dream, but it doesn't surprise me at all. Everything a person goes through influences and shapes one's ideal life and achievements in this country. Most of us desire whatever puts us on top; whatever makes us accepted and similar to others. That in itself is a matter of opinion. My mother and aunt were exposed to mostly the same life, but came out with completely different goals for their independent lives. I believe a person will shape their American Dream to utilize one's talents as well as fulfill desires. As of now, in my youth of little experience, I completely base everything I want to become on everyone else. If growing up in poverty was considered "cool", that would be my dream. All three people that I interviewed told me that this would change as I learned some self-worth. I wonder if they were ever like me.

My Antonia

1) When does language interfere with equal opportunity for immigrants? Krajiek takes advantage of the Shimerdas when they need a place to live by overcharging them for the shabby living quarters he offers; because they do not speak English, they are unable to see through the scam.
2) How does one’s culture pre-destine a person for a specific lifestyle? When coming to America, culture and ethnicity play a huge part in how you will be treated upon arrival. There are so many people who discriminate against minority cultures and do not offer equal treatment to those outside their own culture. Despite this, foreigners in this country will most likely stand out due to a lack of knowledge of the American culture barrier through which they have penetrated.
3) Which characters are able to step out of their pre-destined position? Lena Lingard is a “hired girl” and is expected to become nothing more; instead she becomes a successful, independent business woman.
4) Which characters struggle with their assigned place? Why does Cather allow the reader to see this struggle? How is it part of the American Dream? Mrs. Shimerda struggles to become something more than a destitute foreign woman, achieving nothing but appearing to be greedy and unpleasant. Jim also struggles to figure out where he fits into the American puzzle; he struggles with whether or not it’s appropriate to date hired girls, as well as what to do with his life as an adult.
5) Boundaries: where do boundaries occur in the novel? (community recreation and housing and customs) Jim isn’t sure that dancing with/dating the hired girls is proper. The immigrants do not get the nice housing.
6) Immigration: identify the different immigrants and indicate each one’s circumstance. Mrs. Shimerda – mother and wife from Bohemia; speaks little English; lives in poor conditions; wants everything for her family and will stop at no amount of greed to get what she wants. Mr. Shimerda – father and husband from Bohemia; lives in poor conditions; was forced to come to America and is very unhappy; commits suicide. Antonia Shimerda – sister and daughter from Bohemia; lives in poor conditions; befriends Jim Burden and learns English from him; is ordered around by her brother Ambrosch; ends up with a child and no husband until the end of the story. Ambrosch Shimerda – brother and son from Bohemia; takes control of the household after his father’s suicide. Pavel and Peter – Russian immigrants who were exiled; Pavel falls while working and dies, leaving Peter to fail at life and leave Nebraska.