Colleen

 Second Revision Response Essay 3 – July 26, 2010 America was the new home to opportunities and dreams for all people and the melting pot of different religions all striving for freedom. One religious group of people that could be exempt from religious freedom and considered as austere were the Puritans. They believed that their way was right and the only way to be saved was through conversion.Benjamin Franklin, one of early America’s most brilliant men, thought differently of religion. Franklin focused more on reason and self-education than religious dogma. Benjamin Franklin lived the American dream. His rags to riches story inspires many, but it did not happen overnight nor does he credit a higher being for his accomplishments. Franklin did not believe that religion played the sole part in his success, but rather his personal hard work and perseverance paid off. Franklin left home at a young age and without the help of his family turned his life into a success story that is still looked upon with admiration today. Religion is not absent from the autobiography completely, but it is in no way a staple. The Puritans would have strongly disagreed with Franklin’s beliefs as they preached that God, the almighty creator, made possible all opportunities and successes in a person’s life. Puritans looked to one place for direction, the bible. The bible was their entire life spelling out the laws they must follow. The American people were considered sinners if they did not fully convert to the code of the Puritans. This differs from Franklin, who could not read enough books. He is credited with establishing the first public library. His constant thirst for knowledge was admirable and inspiring. He was a man with a passion for mathematics and science, both of which cannot be found in the bible. He used reason to solve problems, while the Puritans turned to God for answers. Franklin writes in part two of his autobiography about a sermon he attended, specifically his reaction to the preacher’s five requests,“These might be all good things, but as they were not good Things that I expected from that Text, I despaired of ever meeting with them from any other, was disgusted, and attended his Preaching no more” (525). Shortly after this occurrence he compiled a list of his thirteen virtues as part of his quest for moral perfection. Franklin is a man from the Enlightenment era, which included a shift in thinking among many, away from religion and more toward reason. Franklin also lived a life of principal and self-education. His love of books was just the beginning of his education; he also published the first Almanac called the //Poor Richard’s Almanac//. The popularity of his Almanac allowed Franklin to become a wealthy man. This book contained weather, calendars, puzzles, and astrological information for the entire year. Self-education is what Franklin owes to his success, without his thirst for continuing growth and excessive thirst of knowledge he would not have created this one of a kind book. His principal was to improve himself each day, but did not turn to the church for this new knowledge rather he discovered it on his own. Perry Miller, twentieth century scholar of Puritanism, said, “‘without some understanding of Puritanism, it may safely be said, there is no understanding of America’” (handout). This quote seems outlandish considering that more people today know of Benjamin Franklin, his inventions, his background in politics, and his involvement in the Declaration of Independence. Puritanism presently is no longer an avid religion in the present day, but it was during Franklin’s time and we are thankful for Benjamin Franklin. America would not be the country it is today without figures like Benjamin Franklin. He was an inventor, thought outside the box, worked hard, and reaped the benefits. He is a true American in my eyes. Franklin had the right belief in praising himself for accomplishments, because hard work was and still is the American way.

First Revision Response Essay 2 – July 25, 2010 The early works of American Literature incorporate God in several ways. People came to this new land in hopes of having religious freedom and writers use this autonomy to incorporate personal religious thoughts freely in their works. Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards are two writers that refer to God throughout their works, but there are differences in the way he is integrated. Bradstreet looks upon Him as a higher power watching over her, while Edwards instills fear in others so that they will convert to his beliefs. Anne Bradstreet is the first American women to have her works published. The love she holds for her husband and children is eminent throughout, but she also makes reference to God. She does not preach about her faith, yet the reader senses her belief in the higher power. Bradstreet often refers to God and praises him in writings that deal with sickness and loss.In the poem, “Here Follows Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House, July 10th, 1666,” Bradstreet turns to God during a time of loss.She writes, “And to God my heart did cry / To strengthen me in my distress / And not to leave me succorless” (8-10). The lines are powerful and the reader easily feels the painful loss of her house, but she turns to the one thing that comforts her, which is God. Bradstreet praises God in her writing during the good and bad times, but does not use her writing to instill her personal religious beliefs onto others like Edwards. Unlike Bradstreet, Jonathan Edwards, a Christian preacher in New England during the “Great Awakening” does use his writing for preaching. His writings are about conversion and sinners, which quite differs from Bradstreet.Edwards writes in the way that creates fear within the readers. His over usage of Hell and sinners can be frightful. Edwards is writing what he believes whole heartedly, but those that have different beliefs may be convinced to convert with this scare tactic. His vivid language induces fear even in children: “And you, children, who are unconverted, do not you know that you are going down to hell, to bear that dreadful wrath of that God” (436). He does not exempt those that are young in his fight to convert all. Edwards incorporates this fearful language throughout “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Readers in the present day may consider him to be outrageous in his beliefs, but during the time in which this was written he probably convinced many people that they were indeed sinners in the eyes of God causing many of them to convert. The two authors are similar in the belief of a higher power despite the different ways of communicating it to readers. They both pray to God; however, Edwards takes it to an extreme level of preaching hell and damnation, while Bradstreet includes it casually in her writing showing her deep faith. The time period in which these writings were written included religious curiosity as well as escape from religious persecution. Edwards could use this confusing time to impose his beliefs on naïve people, pressuring them into conversion, while Bradstreet does not intend to persuade anyone, but speaks from the heart.

First Revision Response Essay 3 – July 25, 2010 America, the new land considered to be bustling with opportunities and dreams, the melting pot of different religions all striving for freedom. One religious group that could be exempt from religious freedom and considered as austere are the Puritans. They believed that their way was right and the only way to be saved was through conversion. Benjamin Franklin, one of early America’s most brilliant men, thought differently of religion. Franklin focused more on reason than religious dogma. Benjamin Franklin lived the American dream. His rags to riches story inspires many, but it did not happen overnight nor did he credit a higher being for his accomplishments. Franklin did not believe that religion played the sole part in his success, but rather his personal hard work and perseverance paid off. Franklin left home at a young age and without the help of his family turned his life into the success story that is still looked upon with admiration today. Religion is not absent from the autobiography completely, but it is in no way a staple. The Puritans would have strongly disagreed with Franklin’s beliefs and they preached that God, the almighty creator, made possible all opportunities and successes in a person’s life. Puritans looked to one place for direction, the bible. The bible was their entire life spelling out the laws they must follow. The American people should have abided by the code and without full conversion people were considered sinners. This differs from Franklin, who could not read enough books. He is credited with establishing the first public library. His constant thirst for knowledge was admirable and inspiring. He was a man with a passion for mathematics and science, both of which cannot be found in the bible. He used reason to solve problems, while the Puritans turned to God for answers. Franklin writes in part two of his autobiography about a sermon he attended, specifically his reaction to the preacher’s five requests,“These might be all good things, but as they were not good Things that I expected from that Text, I despaired of ever meeting with them from any other, was disgusted, and attended his Preaching no more” (525). Shortly after this occurrence he compiled a list of his thirteen virtues as part of his quest for moral perfection.Franklin is a man from the Enlightenment era, which included a shift in thinking among many, away from religion and more toward reason. Perry Miller, twentieth century scholar of Puritanism, said, “‘without some understanding of Puritanism, it may safely be said, there is no understanding of America’” (handout). This quote seems outlandish considering that more people present day know of Benjamin Franklin, his inventions, his background in politics, and his involvement in the Declaration of Independence. Puritanism is no longer an avid religion in the present day but, it was during Franklin’s time and we are thankful for Benjamin Franklin. America would not be the country it is today without figures like Benjamin Franklin. He was an inventor, thought outside the box, worked hard, and reaped the benefits. He is a true American in my eyes. Franklin had the right belief in praising himself for accomplishments, because hard work was and still is the American way.

Response Essay 3 – July 16, 2010 America, the new land considered to be bustling with opportunities and dreams, the melting pot of different religions all striving for freedom. One religious group that could be exempt from religious freedom and considered as austere are the Puritans. They believed that their way was right and the only way to be saved was through conversion. Benjamin Franklin one of early America’s most brilliant men thought differently of religion. Franklin focused more on reason than spiritual nature. Benjamin Franklin lived the American dream. His rags to riches story inspires many, but it did not happen overnight nor did he credit a higher being for his accomplishments. Franklin did not believe that religion played the sole part in his success, but rather his personal hard work and perseverance deserved the credit. Franklin left home at a young age and without the help of his family turned his life into the success story that is still looked upon today. Religion is not absent from the autobiography completely, but it is in no way a staple. The Puritans would strongly disagree with Franklin’s beliefs and preach that God is almighty creating all opportunities and successes. Puritans consult one place for advice, the bible.The bible to them is their entire life and laws they must follow. The American people should abide by this code and without full conversion are considered sinners. This differs from Franklin, who could not read enough books. He is credited for establishing the first library. His constant thirst for knowledge is admirable and inspiring. He is a man with a passion for mathematics and science, both of which cannot be found in the bible. He uses reason to solve problems, while the Puritans turn to God for answers. Franklin writes in his part three of his autobiography about a sermon he attended, his reaction to the preacher’s five requests: “These might be all good things, but as they were not good Things that I expected from that Text, I despaired of ever meeting with them from any other, was disgusted, and attended his Preaching no more” (525). Shortly after this occurrence he created his thirteen virtues on his quest for moral perfection. Franklin is a man from the Enlightenment era, which included a shift in thinking among many, leading more towards rationalization than religion for answers. Perry Miller, twentieth century scholar of Puritanism, says, “‘without some understanding of Puritanism, it may safely be said, there is no understanding of America’” (handout). This quote seems outlandish considering that more people present day know of Benjamin Franklin, his inventions, his background in politics, and his involvement in the Declaration of Independence. If American’s know less about Puritanism than of Benjamin Franklin, who grasped the true understanding of America? American would not be the country it is today without figures like Benjamin Franklin. He was an inventor and thought outside the box, he worked hard and reaped the benefits. He is a true American in my eyes. Religion now is considered to some a convenience or requirement, and non-existent to others. Franklin had the right belief in praising himself for accomplishments he earned, because hard work is the American way.

Response Essay 2 – July 15, 2010 The early works of American Literature incorporate God in several ways. People came to this new land in hopes of having religious freedom and writers use this autonomy to incorporate personal religious thoughts freely in their works. Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards are two writers that refer to God throughout their works, but there are differences in the way he is integrated. Bradstreet looks upon Him as a higher power watching over her, while Edwards instills fear in others so that they will convert to his beliefs. Anne Bradstreet is the first American women to have her works published. The love she holds for her husband and children is eminent throughout, but she also makes reference to God. She does not preach about her faith, yet the reader senses her belief in the higher power. Bradstreet tends to refer to God and praises him in writings that deal with sickness and loss. The poem, “Here Follows Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House, July 10th, 1666,” Bradstreet turns to god during a time of loss. She writes, “And to god my heart did cry / To Strengthen me in my distress / And not to leave me succorless” (212). The loss of her house is great, but she turns to the one thing that comforts her, which is God. This praise to God is common for many allowing the readers to sympathize with Bradstreet during this horrific time rather than using her writing to instill her personal beliefs onto others like Edwards. Jonathan Edwards was a Christian preacher in New England during the “Great Awakening.” His writings are about conversion and sinners, quite different from Bradstreet.Edwards writes in the way that creates fear within the readers. His over usage of Hell and sinner can be frightful.Edwards is writing what he believes wholly, but for those that have different beliefs may be convinced to convert with this scare tactic. His vivid language induces fear in even children: “And you, children, who are unconverted, do not you know that you are going down to hell, to bear that dreadful wrath of that God” (436). He does not even excuse age in his fight to convert all. Edwards incorporates this language throughout the entire piece of “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Readers in present day may consider him to be outrageous in his beliefs, but during the time in which this was written he probably convinced many people that they were indeed sinners in the eyes of God. The two authors are similar in the belief of a higher power despite the different ways of communicating it to readers. They both pray to God; however Edwards takes it to an extreme level of preaching, while Bradstreet includes it casually in her writing showing belief. The time period in which these writings were written included religious curiosity as well as escape from religious persecution. Edwards could use this confusing time to impose his beliefs on naïve people pressuring them into conversion, while Bradstreet does not intend to persuade anyone.

Second Revision - Essay #1 - July 15, 2010 America is referred to as the land of the free, home of the brave, and the place for opportunity; however, we owe our freedom to those that first colonized this land.Life in the late 1400’s through the early 1600’s is written about in many different ways. Christopher Columbus engages readers with his letters to the King and Queen of Spain where he describes a beautiful topical landscape and obliging natives, whereas William Bradford writes about the horrors of the landscape, harsh weather and the savage beasts that occupy the land. Columbus and Bradford encounter opposite experiences in the new land. Christopher Columbus is known as the explorer that “discovered” America. He receives his funds from King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to voyage across the vast ocean in search of “Cathay,” but instead makes a much larger discovery than he will ever know. Since he is funded by the King and Queen, he writes about his new discovery in the way that would guarantee additional funding, yet may be lacking in truth.Landing in what is now known as the Caribbean, Columbus writes about the beauties that he sees and trees that are rich with color: “I am told that they never lose their foliage, which I can believe, for I saw them as green and beautiful as they are in Spain in May” (Columbus). He goes on to explain his discoveries of gold and spices that he will be able to provide in unlimited amounts to the King and Queen and embellishes the potential of the land in this letter.Columbus makes the land seem as if it is a dream come true and he could not have come across anything richer. William Bradford writes about the new land in a much different light. He makes America appear as a nightmare which should not be inhabited. The difference for Bradford is he landed in the winter months in the Northeast where it is cold and during that time of year is brown and lifeless with not much vegetation. Bradford is disappointed by the weather since he anticipated land that is rich and beautiful.Bradford writes about what the pilgrims and he saw upon their arrival: “Besides, what could they see but a hideous and desolate wilderness, full of wild beasts and wild men?” (116). The words he uses to describe this new land are harsh and contrast with those of Columbus. The pilgrims thought they were landing in Virginia, but instead land in the northeast which does not offer relief from their already horrific Atlantic passage, making the experience even more nightmarish. Columbus encounters natives in the new world during his exploration. He informs the King and Queen of the native people and explains that he does not fear them, but rather is in awe of their lack of clothing and weapons. He describes the natives’ timid behavior, but does acknowledge that these native people have finally made contact: “It is true that after they have been reassured and have lost this fear, they are so artless and so free with all they possess, that no one would believe without having seen it” (Columbus). He makes them sound like docile children living in an Eden like land that he can supervise and convert. Columbus seems to be delusional or untruthful in this letter.He really makes the island sound like paradise, a dream come true. Bradford, on the other hand, describes the natives as being as hostile as the winter landscape. Bradford describes them as if they are animals ready to attack. He says his people are, “In continual danger of the savage people, who are cruel, barbarous, and most treacherous, being most furious in their rage, and merciless where they overcome” (108-9). Bradford really captures the reader’s attention with this description and continues speaking boldly of these beings and accuses them of being cannibals, yet he does not know this information to be fact or fiction. The words are written before he reaches the new world. Bradford appears to have already made up his mind about the natives before he meets them, which is not just. The natives deserve a chance and in the long run help Bradford and his people to survive. Christopher Columbus and William Bradford both write compelling descriptions of the new land, but they provide conflicting reports. They both describe the land and its people, but they seem to be on different opposite sides of the earth. Columbus has come across a land that is a complete paradise right down to the people and its resources, an American dream, while Bradford bashes the new world with his portrayal of a harsh and savage place, a nightmare.

Revision Essay #1 – The American Dream-7/9/10 America is referred to as the land of the free, home of the brave, and the place for opportunity; however, we owe our freedom to those that first colonized this land.Life in the late 1400’s through the early 1600’s is written about in many different ways. Christopher Columbus engages readers with his letters to the King and Queen of Spain where he describes a beautiful topical landscape and obliging natives, whereas William Bradford writes about the horrors of the landscape, harsh weather and the savage beasts that occupy the land. Columbus and Bradford encounter opposite experiences in the new land. Christopher Columbus is known as the explorer that “discovered” America. He receives his funds from King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to voyage across the vast ocean in search of “Cathay,” but instead makes a much larger discovery than he will ever know. Since he is funded by the King and Queen, he writes about his new discovery in the way that would still guarantee his funding, yet may be lacking in truth.Landing in what is now known as the Caribbean, Columbus writes about the beauties that he sees and trees that are rich with color: “I am told that they never lose their foliage, which I can believe, for I saw them as green and beautiful as they are in Spain in May” (Columbus). He goes on to explain his discoveries of gold and spices that he will be able to provide in unlimited amounts to the King and Queen and embellishes the potential of the land in this letter. Columbus makes the land seem as if it is a dream come true and he could not have come across anything richer. William Bradford writes about the new land in a much different light.He makes America appear as a nightmare which should not be inhabited. The difference for Bradford is he landed in the winter months in the Northeast where it is cold and during the time of year is brown and lifeless with not much vegetation, which is disappointing when anticipating land that is rich and beautiful. He writes, “Besides, what could they see but a hideous and desolate wilderness, full of wild beasts and wild men?” (116). The words he uses to describe this new land are harsh and contrast with those of Columbus. The pilgrims thought they were landing in Virginia, but ended up in the northeast which offers no relief from their already horrific Atlantic passage making the experience even more nightmarish. Columbus living the dream in paradise encounters the natives that inhabit the land. He does not seem to fear them, but instead is in awe of their lack of clothing and weapons. He describes their timid behavior, but acknowledges that they have finally made contact: “It is true that after they have been reassured and have lost this fear, they are so artless and so free with all they possess, that no one would believe without having seen it” (Columbus). He makes them sound like docile children living on this paradise land that he can supervise and convert. Columbus seems to be delusional or untruthful in this letter. He really makes the island sound like Eden within the letter, a dream come true. Bradford, on the other hand, seems to continue with his negative remarks by describing the natives as being as hostile as the winter landscape.Bradford describes them as if they are animals ready to attack.He says his people are, “In continual danger of the savage people, who are cruel, barbarous, and most treacherous, being most furious in their rage, and merciless where they overcome” (108-9).Bradford really captures the reader’s attention with this description and continues speaking boldly of these beings and accuses them of being cannibals, yet he does not know this information to be fact or fiction. The words are written before he reaches the new world.Bradford appears to have already made up his mind of the natives before he meets them, which is not just. The natives deserve a chance and in the long run ended up helping the Bradford and his people to survive. Christopher Columbus and William Bradford both write compelling descriptions of the new land, but they often provide conflicting reports. They both describe the land and its people, but they seem to be on different opposite sides of the earth.Columbus has come across a land that is a complete paradise right down to the people and its resources, an American dream, while Bradford bashes the new world with his portrayal of a harsh and savage place, a nightmare.

Essay #1 – The American Dream-7/7/10 America is referred to as the land of the free, home of the brave, and the place for opportunity; however we owe our freedom to those that first colonized this land.Life in the late 1400’s and early 1500’s is written about in many different ways.Christopher Columbus engages readers with his letters to the King and Queen of Spain where he describes a beautiful topical landscape and obliging natives, where as William Bradford writes about the horrors of the landscape, harsh weather and the savage beasts that occupy the land.Columbus and Bradford encounter opposite experiences in the new land. Christopher Columbus is known as the explorer that “discovered” America.He receives his funds from King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to voyage across the vast ocean in search of “China”, but instead makes a much larger discovery then he will ever know.Since he is funded by the King and Queen he writes about his new discovery with a sense of false truth to continue his financial funding.Landing in what is now known as the Caribbean, Columbus writes about the beauties that he sees and vegetation that is rich with color:“I am told that they never lose their foliage, which I can believe, for I saw them as green and beautiful as they are in Spain in May” (Columbus).He continues on to explain his discoveries of gold and spices that he will be able to provide in unlimited amounts to the King and Queen and embellishes the entirety of the land in this letter.Columbus makes the land seem as if it is a dream come true and he could not have come across anything richer. William Bradford writes about the new land in a much different light.He makes America appear as a nightmare which should not be inhabited.The difference for Bradford is he landed in the winter months in the Northeast where it is cold and during the time of year is brown and lifeless with not much vegetation.The discoveries after a long and grueling ocean voyage are too much to handle when thinking that the land is rich and beautiful. He writes, “Besides, what could they see but a hideous and desolate wilderness, full of wild beasts and wild men?” (116).The words he uses to explain this new land are harsh and opposite of what Columbus writes.They thought they were landing in Virginia, but ended up in the northeast which reveals no relief from their already horrific travel that ends in an even larger nightmare. Columbus living the dream in paradise encounters the natives that inhabit the land.He does not seem to relay any fear towards them, but instead is in awe of their lack of clothing and weapons.He describes their timid behavior, but acknowledges that they have finally made contact:“It is true that after they have been reassured and have lost this fear, they are so artless and so free with all they possess, that no one would believe without having seen it” (Columbus).He makes them sound like gods on this paradise land.Columbus seems to be delusional or lying in this letter.He really makes the island sound like Eden within the letter or that it possibly is just a dream come true. Bradford on the other hand seems to continue with his negative remarks about the new land and even the natives that live there.Bradford does not like the people at first and describes them as if they are animals ready to attack.He says, “In continual danger of the savage people, who are cruel, barbarous, and most treacherous, being most furious in their rage, and merciless where they overcome” (108-9).Bradford really captures the reader’s attention with this description and continues speaking boldly of these beings and accuses them of also being cannibals.He does not seem to be telling the complete truth, but then he does not have anything to lose as does Columbus. Christopher Columbus and William Bradford both write compelling descriptions of the new land, but they contain conflicting reports.They both describe the land and its people, but they seem to be on different opposite sides of the earth.Columbus has come across this land that is a complete paradise right down to the people and its resources, the American dream, while Bradford continues to bash the new world with his portrayal of this harsh and savage place, the nightmare.