*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.