*MY NATIVE AMERICAN STORY*

Zitkala-Sa. The Soft-Hearted Sioux

On a bright day, when the winged seeds of the prairie-grass were flying hither and thither, I walked solemnly toward the centre of the camping-ground. My heart beat hard and irregularly at my side. Tighter I grasped the sacred book I carried under my arm. Now was the beginning of life's work.
Though I knew it would be hard, I did not once feel that failure was to be my reward. As I stepped unevenly on the rolling ground, I thought of the warriors soon to wash off their war-paints and follow me.
At length I reached the place where the people had assembled to hear me preach. In a large circle men and women sat upon the dry red grass. Within the ring I stood, with the white man's Bible in my hand. I tried to tell them of the soft heart of Christ.
In silence the vast circle of bareheaded warriors sat under an afternoon sun. At last, wiping the wet from my brow, I took my place in the ring. The hush of the assembly filled me with great hope.
I was turning my thoughts upward to the sky in gratitude, when a stir called me to earth again.

Zitkala-Sa. The Soft-Hearted Sioux. 18 Mar. 2008 <http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccer-new2?id=ZitSoft.sgm&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=3&division=div1 >

Reflection: After reading this story, I realized I chose it because the people and their different beliefs stuck out to me. When I saw that a young boy was brave enough to approach his people with his own beliefs and a white mans bibles in hand and he would not accept failure, I realized that even young people had the courage to stand up for what they believed in. This has an impact on me for the simple fact, that the choices I make and the belifs and morals that I stick to can change the life ahead of me, just as they did for the Native American Boy.

Dear Diary,
When I reached the new world I was amazed at what was around me. Furthermore as I began to travel I ventured to see many great things. One of the most interesting things that I happened to come across was a little Indian boy with a bible about to preach to his people. The boy was very friendly and his people skills were amazing. The interesting thing about what I witnessed is that soon a man arose who was known as the medicine man and he seemed as if he had something against the boy.

After the boy and the man bickered for quiet some time I came to realize that the whole thing occurred because the medicine man had problems with the boy and decided to ask the people why they were listening to a boys of such foolishness. This kind of took me by surprise because I expected that two natives would get along but I guess when people have different beliefs they act different no matter what.


Essential Question: How is community affected when the American dream may not be assessable to all? Although the Native Americans are the "True Americans" the white mans dreams turns their lives and their dreams into a nightmare, as the white man has only come to oppress them.

* OF PLYMOUTH PLANTATION*

But to omit other things (that I may be brief) after long being at sea they fell with that land which is called Cape Cod; the which being made and certainly known to be it, they were not a little joyful. After some deliberation had amongst themselves and with the master of the ship, they tacked about and resolved to stand for the southward (the wind and weather being fair) to find some place about Hudson’s River for their habitation. But after they had sailed that course about half the day, they fell amongst dangerous shoals and roaring breakers, and they were so far entangled therewith as they conceived themselves in great danger; and the wind shrinking) upon them withal, they resolved to bear up again for the Cape and thought themselves happy to get out of those dangers before night overtook them, as by God’s good providence they did. And the next day they got into the Cape Harbor where they rid in safety.
Being thus arrived in a good harbor, and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet on the firm and stable earth, their proper element. And no marvel if they were thus joyful, seeing wise Seneca was so affected with sailing a few miles on the coast of his own Italy, as he affirmed, that he had rather remain twenty years on his way by land than pass by sea to any place in a short time, so tedious and dreadful was the same unto him.

Reflection: From this story I learned of all of the struggles that the people coming to America were forced to undergo as they were traveling. At many times, the people were endangering their lives in order to reach their destinations, but they relied on God to get out of the dangers that they came across and to resolve their problems. The struggles that they came across affected them in many ways, however, they remained faithful to the "God of Heaven" and continued to persevere.

Dear Diary,
The journey to America was a long, hard and dangerous one! Everyone knew that when we reached America we would have God to thank for his support and for guiding us to saftey. The storms brought much danger and the people amongst me were anxious to reach land and finally be out of harms way. By the time we were out of harm's way everyone was happy and delighted to reach the long awaited land, including me. So it was only right that we thank the one up above.

*ANNE BRADSTREET (1612-1672)*

"To my Dear and Loving Husband"

If ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were loved by wife, then thee; If ever wife was happy in a man, Compare with me, ye women, if you can. I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold Or all the riches that the East doth hold. My love is such that rivers cannot quench, Nor ought but love from thee, give recompense. Thy love is such I can no way repay, The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray. Then while we live, in love let's so persevere That when we live no more, we may live ever.

"By Night while 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 Love him to Eternity.

"In Thankful Remembrance for My Dear Husband's Safe Arrival Sept 3, 1662"

What shall I render to Thy name Or how Thy praises speak? My thanks how shall I testify? O Lord, Thou know'st I'm weak. I owe so much, so little can Return unto Thy name, Confusion seizes on my soul, And I am filled with shame. O Thou that hearest prayers, Lord, To Thee shall come all flesh Thou hast me heard and answered, My plaints have had access. What did I ask for but Thou gav'st? What could I more desire? But thankfulness even all my days I humbly this require. Thy mercies, Lord, have been so great In number numberless, Impossible for to recount Or any way express. O help Thy saints that sought Thy face T' return unto Thee praise And walk before Thee as they ought, In strict and upright ways.

Reflection: When first reading these poems, what caught my attention was how sincere this woman's love was for her husband. The woman cherished the love for her husband more than any riches and felt that nothing could compare to the love that they shared. When the husband was away the woman was weak and her soul was confused. This shows that she needs her husband, for he is her strength, and when he safely returns home there is no one in the world as thankful as her. The couple came together as one and shared love for eachother equally. In the end of the first poem the woman states that since the love that they share is so compassionate, when they live no more their love will continue on.

Dear Diary,
The love that a woman and a man share is something special that should always be cherished. Although at times, times are tough and there are many obstacles to overcome, a couple such as the one in the poem, stick together and perservere through nearly anything. I believe that during these times, a love such as this is valued far more than any riches and the two people can come together as one. Although no one can live forever, the love that the two people share, can and will continue on. The love that people share makes a huge impact on the way that they live their lives and during this time period love means more than anything else. I only hope that for the future generations, love will continue to live on and be valued as meaningfully as it is now!

*HUSWIFERY*

"Huswifery"
By: Edward Taylor

Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheele compleat;

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 Varnish't 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.

Reflection: Grace is an undeserved gift and in this poem, Edward Taylor emphasizes how important it is for one to work for God's grace so that he can go to heaven. Taylor expressed his desire for God’s grace through use of extended metaphor, repetition and diction. Taylor's undying desire for God's grace is so strong that he repeats its' importance so that he knows he will be recieved in heaven.

Dear Diary,

In this poem Edward Taylor truly made me look at my faith in a different way. The move to America was not an easy one, as a matter of fact it was very difficult, however with the grace of God I feel that I can overcome and accoplish anything. This piece of poetry taught me that in order to recieve God's grace I must undergo a personal transformation first. I am thankful that I have come to America as it has taught me to appreciate the relationship that I have with God and it has taught me how important it is to recieve his grace.

*SINNERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD*

"It is no security to wicked men for one moment, that there are no visible means of death at hand. It is no security to a natural man, that he is now in health, and that he does not see which way he should now immediately go out of the world by any accident, and that there is no visible danger in any respect in his circumstances. The manifold and continual experience of the world in all ages, shows this is no evidence, that a man is not on the very brink of eternity, and that the next step will not be into another world. The unseen, unthought-of ways and means of persons going suddenly out of the world are innumerable and inconceivable. Unconverted men walk over the pit of hell on a rotten covering, and there are innumerable places in this covering so weak that they will not bear their weight, and these places are not seen. The arrows of death fly unseen at noon-day; the sharpest sight cannot discem them. God has so many different unsearchable ways of taking wicked men out of the world and sending them to hell, that there is nothing to make it appear, that God had need to be at the expense of a miracle, or go out of the ordinary course of his providence, to destroy any wicked man, at any moment. All the means that there are of sinners going out of the world, are so in God's hands, and so universally and absolutely subject to his power and determination, that it does not depend at all the less on the mere will of God, whether sinners shall at any moment go to hell, than if means were never made use of, or at all concerned in the case. " (Edwards)

Reflection: After reading this, I truly realized that it does not matter what kind of man you are, your fate is in the hands of God and he will decide what happens to you. Another thing is that, no matter what any man does in his life, God is the only person who has the person the power to send that man to hell. Throughout this whole narrative, it was stressed that the fate of anyone is in the hands of God, especially if that man is a sinner. When it comes down to it, Gods makes the overall decisions of whether or not a man changes or if he stays wicked, and consiquently, he is sent to hell. This narrative makes me look back at the things that I have done in my life and the decisions that I have made. When I think about everything that has taken place in my life I realize that everyone makes mistakes, but ultimatley God is the one who holds my fate in his hands, and he will decide whether or not I go to heaven or Hell.

Dear Diary,

After reading this narrative, it made me realize that many of the people who have moved into the New World have lost their guidance in the sense that they do not follow the same morals or live the way that they used to, and they do not feel that their are any consequences that follow. However, after reading Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, the narrative made me see that people will be punished for whatever actions that they decide to make. Considering that everyones fate is held in the hands of God, it has made me realize that the only true punishment can come from him.

Essential Question: How is community affected when the American dream may not be assessable to all? For the Puritans the American Dream is to receive God's grace while seeking salvation. The Puritans have hope to escape religious persecution and most of all to be granted God's Salvation and Grace. However, since the dream may not be assessable to all, it leads those in the community to believe that the person who can not achieve this dream has found disfavor with God.

*EQUIANO'S NARRATIVE*

So Equiano begins his narrative in the unassuming, yet ardent voice that carries the reader throughout his life story. He makes his plans entirely clear: he intends his narrative to open the world's eyes to the degradation and inhumanity of slavery. Yet he knows, too, that merely preaching of goodwill towards Africans would not turn any heads. He must show directly the irony that those naming others "barbarians" were the barbaric ones themselves. His intensely personal story, with detailed descriptions of what he saw -- cruel or ordinary -- and of how one African dealt with forced encounters with different lands and cultures, was what it would take for Englishmen to relate and thus to understand. Despite his words in this first paragraph, Equiano did lead an extraordinary life. For one, he was not subject to the extent of horrors of some of his kinsmen --- lifelong bondage to grueling work with no chance of freedom. The modesty with which he views his experiences, triumphant or degrading, will sometimes contrast with the interpretation the reader makes -- furthering Equiano's message. His experiences had "happened to many" and to a far greater intensity. The reader then can imply the absolute horrors of slavery for the rest of the African population. Second, Equiano's life was extraordinary for he found a means to aid his brethren. He was extremely fortunate to acquire learning and literacy, and only through them did he touch the powerful with his words. As a angry slave, Equiano would have had trouble furthering his cause. As an ex-slave, a newly-connected member of British society with powerful ties to wealthy merchants and humanitarians, humble ties to sea men and servants, and moral and spiritual ties to clergymen, Equiano -- "neither saint, hero, nor tyrant" -- related to all. His narrative found immense popularity throughout the world.Reflection: After reading Equiano's narrative, I found out how strong of a person he truly was. Equiano's wanted to open the eyes all over the world on the degradation and inhumanity of slavery. Although Equiano did not have to face many of the horrors that many slaves did, he still wanted to speak out in order to support those who did. Equiano was one of the few slaves who was able to acquire learning and literacy, and because of the powerful ties that he help with wealthy merchants a humanitarians, he was able to speak out and become very popular all over the world.

Dear Diary,
Equiano truly spoke to me through his narrative, as he was taking a stand for something that he believed in. Although Equiano was not forced to face many of the horrific events that other slaves did, he still worked hard to open the eyes of people all around the world so that the issue of slavery could be looked at in a different way, from a different perspective. I think that it is so important for people to stand up for what they believe and try to make the best of any situation. I look up to Equiano for being such a strong person and for making a difference to people all around the world, and I hope that people will look up to him the way that I do, and try to make a difference for not only their location, but for people all over the world.

Essential Question: How is community affected when the American dream may not be assessable to all? Although Equiano was a black man and for him to achieve his American Dream seemed nearly impossible to those around him, he stood strong and not only reached his dream, but he spoke to others and made a difference throughout the world. For most black men their dream was to become educated and escape the cruelty of slavery. Equiano was an educated black man and he was known by powerful people and because of this he had more of an advantage of getting farther in life than most people of his race and background.

*PATRICK HENRY*

"Give me Liberty or Give Me Death"
By: Patrick Henry

Reflection: In this speech by Patrick Henry he uses persuasion on a logical, emotional and ethical level in order to start a revolution. Henry concedes that the courts have made a valid point, but he wants the court to listen to a point that he wants to make. Henry appeals to emotion through words such as freedom, slavery and treason. Henry also used ethos as he proves that he is credible because of the experience he has and for the fact that he has suffered the same thing as the British. Henry uses logic as he is trying to make a point that people are not treating the British the right way. Patrick Henry is fighting/ attempting to persuade the court that England does not have the right to charge them and that a revolution should begin.

Dear Diary,
It is hard for me to be anything other than angry at England. I have done nothing but fight and after the short time of peace they want us to fight again. Although a war with England may end our struggles, I am scared to lose my life, for I now have a family that counts on me to support them. I also do not want to fight, for the simple fact that England has a larger army and they would have a great advantage of winning the war from the very beginning. Last but not least I am tired of the chaos, another war will cause nothing but more of this dreadful chaos, and honestly I'm just not sure how much more of it I can take. I don't want to fight, I don't want to lose my life, and I don't want to lose my family, they need my support.

*Section from "The Crisis, No.1" *

"The Crisis, No.1"
By: Thomas Payne

Reflection: Thomas Payne writes his persuasive speech based on the usage of emotional, logical and ethical arguments. The Crisis No. 1, is an attempt to start the American Revolution. In his speech Payne generalizes America's conflicts with the country Britain. In doing so Payne implies that Britain is demonic, while America is holy. Thomas Payne connects with the public on a religious level as he knows that the public is already angry because of the persecution that they experienced in Europe, therefore he connects with his audience by the use of emotion. Payne continues to ask the community whether or not they are going to let Britain obstruct them, or if they will stand up for what is right, and decide to fight back, and here he connects with his audience on both a logical and ethical level. Payne furthers in his argument that God will win the war for them, as he feels that America is honorable and Britain is evil and has no support from God. Throughout this speech Thomas Payne includes emotions, logic and ethics in an effort to sway the public into believing that America should seek independence from Britain.



Dear Diary,
I feel so bad for both my wife and my son. I never knew that maintaining a plantation and joining a club would make such a dramatic impact on the life of not only myself, but also my family. I feel that I am always working, but when I do have the time to sit down with my family for dinner or speak of my great work in the fields with my wife, I enjoy it oh so much! As I learn more and more everyday that Britain is taking advantage of America, I figured that it would be the right time to explain to my family about the changes taking place in the world around them. When the time was right I told my family that there must be a revolution and that it would bring about the changes in America that everyone has been waiting for, for so many years. I could immediately see the fear in their eyes, as they are clueless as to what would happen to America, their home. Along with both my wife and son, I am worried of a what a revolution would mean for us, but I know that when the time is right, changes need to be made and I will do whatever it takes to support those who are willing to make a difference.

Essential Question: How is community affected when the American dream may not be assessable to all?The Revolutionary Period Strengthened the American community and was based on the American Dream. Men such as Thomas Payne and Patrick Henry were both determined to create change and they were even more determined to take the time and work in order to make a difference. Because of this determination and because of the risks that were taken the United States of America was created and we were born free, and America eventually won the war against the British after many years of protest. Many people found this dream to be impossible or far out of their reach, which caused those people to become separated from the community, however, America decided that it was best to get rid of theses people and stay determined and meet their goals. Overall those who felt that it was impossible to reach their dream, or felt that they were not given the opportunity did not effect the community in such a way that others could not accomplish and enjoy their dream, thus concluding that the American Dream helped to create our American Society.

*INTERVIEWS*

"Have you achieved your American Dream?"

1. Alan Jones
Yes. I have achieved my American dream by fulfilling nearly all that I have ever dreamed of. Although it is right to say that my dream will not truly be achieved until I am no longer living, I have reached so many goals and persevered through so much. I married the woman that I love, I have three wonderful children, I am able to afford a house of my own for my family. Another thing that is so important to one is being able to supply my children with the things that I didnt have when i was growing up. And last but not least Good health is something that is involved with my American Dream. All of my family, including myself, is in good health and are living their lives to the fullest.

2. Ronda Barberich
Yes. Although there are little parts of my dream that have yet to come true, the most important things to me have been achieved. It was always my dream to move from the mountains and move to the place I love, the beach. Not only did I achieve this dream, but once I was where I wanted to be, my dream also expanded, as I now have an amazing family, a stable job and good relationships with all of my family and friends.

3. Sabra Robbins
Yes. To me the American Dream is all about Freedom of Choice. I had the choice in the career that I wanted to spend the rest of my life in and I am doing what I love, teaching. I have the freedom of so much in this world and because of that I am able to achieve and enjoy my dreams. I have the freedom to live where I want, say what I want and do what I feel is necessary in order to achieve my goals and live my life the way I have always dreamed. I have a great family and amazing friends who support me in everything I do and love me for who I am and for the Dreams that I have accomplished.

- Although the three people that I interviewed seemed to be satisfied at where they are in life there are many people who were defended by the question, "How have you reached your American Dream". The reason that people would take defense to this question is because the Standard for the American Dream has changed so much over time. No longer do people look at the American Dream as being happy, having a stable job, being healthy and having a wonderful family and friends, yet they see it as having lots of money and being wealthy enough to keep up with everyone around them.

*MY ANTONiA- CREATiVE WRiTiNG*

Chapter 1:
I was ten years old when I moved with my Aunt and Uncle to Houston Texas and here is where I had my first encounter with an immigrant family. As we passed the sign welcoming us to Houston Texas, I noticed a large group of Hispanics getting off of a bus, they all looked exhausted as if they had been traveling for days, little did I know that I was right, they finally reached their destination. Although the journey was hard for me I can’t even imagine what it was like for them. Every year nearly half of the Hispanics who make an attempt at crossing the border die because of the deserts and unbearable weather that they are exposed to.

Although I complained that I had to sleep in the backseat of my aunt and uncles truck, after seeing all of those displaced families, I began to wonder where they slept and what they had eaten for what must have been those long, hot days. The one person that I first noticed was a young boy, later I found out that his name was Jose, he now is not only the boy I saw getting off of a bus, he is my neighbor. The Lopez family was seeking a better life and hoping for a brighter future for their children. Although the Lopez’s were doing what they thought was right, many other people discriminated against them because they feared that they would steal their jobs and more so because of the fact that they are immigrants.

When I first saw how Jose I saw that he was just as scared as me. I never lived in a place where things were unfamiliar, but here nothing seemed familiar, and I could tell that he felt the same, this was the first night that I didn’t pray before I went to sleep, for I felt that what life brought me is what I would receive. I wonder what Jose was thinking, I wonder if he was scared, I wonder if he was angry that people weren’t accepting, I wonder if he wanted to leave this place as much as I did.....

*EMERSON*

"Self-Reliance"
"Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Accept the place the divine providence has found for you, the society of your contemporaries, the connection of events. Great men have always done so, and confided themselves childlike to the genius of their age, betraying their perception that the absolutely trustworthy was seated at their heart, working through their hands, predominating in all their being. And we are now men, and must accept in the highest mind the same transcendent destiny; and not minors and invalids in a protected corner, not cowards fleeing before a revolution, but guides, redeemers, and benefactors, obeying the Almighty effort, and advancing on Chaos and the Dark."

Reflection: This piece of literature by Emerson is saying that an individual should trust the concept of his or her individuality. It is also explaining that inside ones heart there is an essence of god and that person should be in tune with not only the individual that they are but also the almighty God. Everson says that imitating someone else is suicide because that person is silencing their own voice only to become more like someone else. Each man can fulfill his dreams by following his own destiny and being his/herself.

Dear Diary,
After reading Everson's "Self Reliance", I truly realized the concept of individuality. Many people that surround me strive to be like someone else, and at times although it is hard not to do the same, I strive for something completely opposite, to be no one but myself.

"Nature"
"To go into solitude, a man needs to retire as much from his chamber as from society. I am not solitary whilst I read and write, though nobody is with me. But if a man would be alone, let him look at the stars. The rays that come from those heavenly worlds, will separate between him and what he touches. One might think the atmosphere was made transparent with this design, to give man, in the heavenly bodies, the perpetual presence of the sublime. Seen in the streets of cities, how great they are! If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown! But every night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile."

Reflection: When reading Nature, Everson conveys that when one’s mind is open to the nature then it is going to influence your sole. The nature surrounding you extends your character, as age is unimportant as it brings back memories that are not contained by age. At many times people become so busy that they take things for granted such as nature and its significance for granted. However, Everson implies that if you become a part of the nature you also become a part of God and although one can never perfect nature, the more time they spend in it, those imperfections are merely invisible.

Dear Diary,
After reading "Nature" I began to think of the time that I spend out in nature and after this I realized that it doesn't happen very often. However, the time that I do spend out in nature is a time that I am able to relax and clear my mind of all of the other things that occupy my time. I guess you could say that I have taken my environment for granted, as I never really understood the significance of it, however after reading this I realize that I need to spend more time with nature, for it triggers memory, which would make me think of all the old/good times, and it re-nourishes the soul, which after a long day at school or an all nighter doing homework, is good for anyone!

Transcendental Eyeball:

Reflection: "A Line-Storm Song"
The poem “A Line-Storm Song” written by Robert Frost refers to a man who is completely in touch with the nature around him. In this poem the particular man speaks of the nature as if it is his love, he enjoys being around it for it brings back memories and puts him at ease. Everson is a transcendentalist and I chose this poem to go along with the transparent eyeball that I created as it reflects his poem “Nature” and explains his theory that as long as one has nature he will rejuvenate his soul and be able to be at peace.

Reflection: "The Beauty of the Trees"
Likewise, the other poem that I chose to go along with Everson’s “Nature” and my transparent eyeball is the poem called “The Beauty of the Trees” by Chief Dan George. I chose this poem because it describes how a man is able to connect with his surroundings and the nature becomes a part of him. The man in this particular poem says that the nature surrounding him speaks to him, and transcendentalist, Everson, reflects that same opinion, for he is one in nature and believes that it can be used as a tool for personal growth. When one is connected with nature such as these three men, there is a great deal of appreciation for the land and what it brings to each person that many people take for granted. After reading each of these pieces of literature I realize that there are many things that I take for granted, but more importantly, I learned that if I take time for myself and spend some of that time outside in “Nature” I will reach a better understanding of the world around me and what I can fix within myself.