Alexandria

 **Essay #3- Revision One** America is the land of the free and the home of many individuals with many opportunities. It is comprised of people from different walks of life, who have different goals and expectations, and are a part of different religions with their own customs. J. Hector St. John De Crevecoeur began writing essays about his visions of America based on his travels and his life as a farmer. The details given in Crevecoeur’s __Letters from an American Farmer__ not only touch on the “American dream” but they also describe the American melting pot. These visions continue throughout his essays and are in complete contrast with the religious fervor that the Puritans and Neo-Puritans expressed in early American society. Leaving behind ancient prejudices and manners and acting upon new principles, entertaining new ideas, and forming new opinions are some of the things that make an American, according to Crevecoeur. This idea that Americans are consistently transforming and accepting is noted in __Letters from an American Farmer__ in //Letter II//: “We know, properly speaking, no strangers; this is every person’s country, and produce hath something which must please everybody” (604). Crevecoeur believes that no matter where someone is coming from, America has something to offer. He goes on to address some of the potential encounters that someone coming from another country will experience, “. . . he sees happiness and prosperity in all places disseminated; he meets with hospitality, kindness, and plenty everywhere; he beholds hardly any poor; he seldom hears of punishments and executions. . .” (605). What Crevecoeur is explaining, is in fact the American dream that everyone longs for. In contrast to this “dream,” the Puritans and the Neo-Puritans felt completely different. They believed that life should be lived for God almighty, not for personal fulfillment. The Puritans believed that Christ saved humankind from eternal punishment and for that we must forever devote ourselves to make God happy; this includes converting. Crevecoeur believes that America reflects an interest of self upon society. Contrary to the religion-obsessed Puritans, this reflection is driven solely by the wants and needs of an individual. Crevecoeur’s ideas and visions of religion, on American society, are rather different than the ideas and visions of the Puritans. It is clear that Crevecoeur believes that religion doesn’t hold much influence over an individual: “Religion curbs them not in their opinions; the general indulgence leaves everyone to think for themselves in spiritual matters; the laws inspect our actions, our thoughts are left to God” (599). This shows that Crevecoeur trusts that people are shaped by their environment rather than religious beliefs. As well as believing in equality, Crevecoeur knows that America has a democracy and must abide by laws that are not created by religion. Instead of believing in a democracy, the Puritans believe that the Bible holds all authority. They live according to God’s commandments and feel it is imperative to convert publicly.Because of Adam’s fall in the Garden of Eden, the Puritans believe that all people are guilty. Not following laws but by process of conversion will lead humans to eternal life in heaven. In reference to their visions of America, it is very difficult to find any similarities between Crevecoeur and the Puritans. Crevecoeur writes about individual choices and personal freedom to find happiness. His views differ from the Puritans, who are almost self-enslaved with their own stringent religious beliefs. However, centuries later, America- the melting pot, is still comprised of people who are just as religious driven as the Puritans and also with those who practice individual freedom like Crevecoeur.

Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards are two authors with shared religious beliefs. Neither of these poets had any shame to integrate their religious beliefs into their poetry. Although delivered very differently, the piety within their works are still talked about today. Bradstreet and Edwards both show their devotion to God within their literary work. However, Bradstreet emphasizes the importance of not only life after death, but also living life right while on earth. She makes it very clear that one must always remember to never place anything before the almighty and describes the beauties of heaven. Unlike Bradstreet who does not use any extremities, Edwards uses fear of hell to deliver his sermons. The use of fear is to convince his followers to convert before it is too late. Anne Bradstreet was raised on Puritan beliefs; as she grew older, her faith became stronger and throughout her life, Bradstreet remained faithful to God. All throughout her poetry, it is clear of the devotion that his given to Him. In her poem, “Here Follows Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House, July 10th, 1666,” Bradstreet does not remain fixated on her home that has been destroyed in a fire; instead, she shows her dedication to God:“ There’s wealth enough, I need no more, / Farewell, my pelf, farewell my store. / My hope and treasure lies above” (212). Instead of blaming God or concentrating on her worthless and materialistic possessions, Bradstreet knows that none of that matters; even through rough times she continues to remain faithful. This poem is uplifting and comforting and also holds enough power to show readers that through it all God is the almighty. Similar to Anne Bradstreet, Jonathan Edwards incorporates religion into his work. However, unlike Bradstreet, Edwards becomes extreme in a push for conversion by his followers. As a pastor, Edwards tries to “restore to his congregation and to his reader that the original sense of religious commitment that he felt had been lost. . .” (385). Edwards believed that in order to be true followers of God, we must be moved by religious ideas not only comprehend them. This excessive religious push is definitely shown in his work “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Throughout this piece, it is very clear that Edwards insists that God hates sinners and he repetitively shows the necessity of converting before Judgment Day or death, “So that, whatever some have imagined and pretended about promises made to natural men’s earnest seeking and knocking. . . God is under no manner of obligation to keep him a moment from eternal destruction.” (429). Edwards makes God seem to be unpitying and angry. This technique of fear he is instilling into his followers is very intense. It is very interesting to compare the works between two very different authors who have some similarities. Although Anne Bradstreet began writing poems for leisure and never intended on having her poetry published it is amazing to see that her poems left a positive effect on American Literature and are still read by present day readers. It is also very interesting that Jonathan Edwards who has created religious controversy and was even turned against by his own followers is also still being read. Their religious piety is greatly expressed throughout their work but their chosen deliverance is what sets them apart.
 * Essay #2- Revision** **One**

The very famous explorer, Christopher Columbus, and a leader of the Pilgrims, William Bradford, both set sail across the Atlantic Ocean, but did so with completely different intentions. Both of these men, did however, reach the New World, which was thought to be uninhibited. Through Columbus’s “Letter to Luis de Santangel Regarding the First Voyage” and Bradford’s __Of Plymouth Plantation__, both of these voyagers discuss their dreams and their nightmares regarding their journey while in the New World. However, unlike Christopher Columbus, Bradford experienced a totally different encounter with the natives, the native land and landscapes, and he also told an entirely different account. Columbus wrote his letter explaining a dream-like paradise to the King and Queen of Spain, in hopes of continued funding for future voyages. Bradford, on the other hand-who was looking to land in Virginia, described the nightmares he faced during his journey towards religious freedom. Christopher Columbus set off from Spain once a plan was devised to find a new route to China. The route to Asia was not found; instead, Columbus landed in the Caribbean. Landing in the New World was never the intention of Columbus. However, near the end of his voyage, Columbus wrote to the King and Queen of Spain hoping to gain an interest from them, simply, so he could continue to receive financial funding and support for future visits. In his letter, Columbus explains how he has come across landscapes that “are most beautiful, of a thousand shapes, and all accessible and filled with trees of a thousand kinds and tall, and they seem to touch the sky,” describing this tropical place as if it were a paradise. The untouched land, as Columbus explains is rich in minerals and contains “many mines of metals,” and certainly would be perfect for trading. It is not only the home of many little birds and “singing nightingales” but it is also the home of unclothed, timid, and intelligent natives who simultaneously do not own nor know how to use steel or iron weapons. These “innocent” natives are “artless” and are free with their possessions, helpful, and are not seen as a threat. The details that are given, certainly, seem to be in favor of Columbus. This exaggerated dream that he writes about is far from actuality. As the letter continues, Columbus mentions some of the things that he hopes to provide for during future voyages. Because of religious freedom, Bradford and other Separatists petitioned to settle in America. Out of fear of persecution, imprisonment, and the effect of the Dutch culture on their community, it was imperative that they leave Holland. In complete contrast to the paradise that Columbus describes, Bradford finds himself in Massachusetts during the winter months. He tells of the hardships which were suffered in the new land; these accounts sound much more like nightmares. Unlike the landscapes that Columbus describes, Bradford explains that the land in Plymouth has not only already been farmed by the natives but is also a “hideous, desolate wilderness full of wild beasts”. The miseries and difficulties and as well as the “starving time” that Bradford and the Pilgrims faced are expressed in great detail. Bradford also explains that the natives here are uncivilized savages who are “cruel, barbarous cannibals.” This contrasts severely with Columbus’s description of the people he encounters. The reasons behind Columbus’s and Bradford’s journey are compellingly different. Bradford is a man of God; after reading his narrative, it would be difficult to assert that any of what he says is untrue. Columbus, on the other hand, planned from the start to gain financial support from the King and Queen. The exploitation of the natives of the West Indies and their land and the incredible embellishments that he has written only work on his behalf. The dreams that Columbus explains and the nightmares that Bradford describe indicate how they differ.
 * Essay #1- Revision One**

America is the land of the free and the home of many. It is comprised with people from different walks of life, who have different goals and expectations, and are a part of different religions with their own customs. J. Hector St. John De Crevecoeur began writing essays about his visions of America based on his travels and his life as a farmer. The details given in Crevecoeur’s “Letters from an American Farmer” not only touch on the “American dream” but they also describe the American melting pot. These visions continue throughout his essays and are in complete contrast with the religious fervor that the Puritans and Neo-Puritans expressed in early American society. Leaving behind ancient prejudices and manners and acting upon new principles, entertaining new ideas, and forming new opinions are some of the things that make an American, according to Crevecoeur. This idea that Americans are consistently transforming and accepting is noted in “Letters from an American Farmer” in //Letter III,// “We know, properly speaking, no strangers; this is every person’s country, and produce hath something which must please everybody” (604). Crevecoeur believes that no matter where someone is coming from, America produces something to offer. He goes on to say, “He sees happiness and prosperity in all places disseminated; he meets with hospitality, kindness, and plenty everywhere; he beholds hardly any poor; he seldom hears of punishments and executions. . .” (605). What Crevecoeur is explaining, is in fact the American dream that everyone longs for. In contrast to this “dream,” the Puritans and the Neo-Puritans felt completely different. They believed that life should be lived for God almighty, not for personal contentment. The Puritans believed that Christ saved humankind from eternal punishment and for that we must forever devote ourselves to make God happy. The self-interest that Crevecoeur believes America reflects upon society is not the same interest that is viewed by the religious driven Puritans. Crevecoeur’s ideas and visions of religion, on American society, are rather different than the ideas and visions of the Puritans. It is clear that Crevecoeur believes that religion doesn’t hold much influence over an individual, “Religion curbs them not in their opinions; the general indulgence leaves everyone to think for themselves in spiritual matters; the laws inspect our actions, our thoughts are left to God” (599). This shows that Crevecoeur trusts that people are shaped by their environment rather than religious beliefs. As well as believing in equality, Crevecoeur knows that America has a democracy and must abide by laws that are not created by religion. Instead of believing in a democracy, the Puritans believe that the Bible holds all authority. They live according to God’s commandments and feel it is imperative to convert publicly. Because of the result of Adam’s fall in the Garden of Eden, the Puritans believe that all people are considered guilty. Not following laws but by process of conversion will lead humans to eternal life in heaven. In reference to their visions of America, it is very difficult to find any similarities between Crevecoeur and the Puritans. Crevecoeur wrote about individual choices and personal freedom to find happiness. His views differ with the Puritans, who are almost self-enslaved with their own stringent religious beliefs. However, centuries later, America- the melting pot, is still comprised with people who are just as religious driven as the Puritans and also with those who practice individual freedom like Crevecoeur.
 * Essay #3- July 26, 2010**

Essay #2- July 21, 2010 Anne Bradstreet and Jonathan Edwards are two poets with shared religous beliefs. Bradstreet was the daughter of the manager of the country estate of the Puritan of earl of Lincoln. Her father, Thomas Dudley, made sure that Anne received an education which was far beyond any young lady her age. Jonathan Edwards, also born to a religious family, was too a very studious child. Neither of these poets had any shame to integrate their religious beliefs into their poetry. Although delivered very differently, the piety within their works are still talked about today. Not living the simplest life, Anne battled with rheumatic fever as a child; however, she found a way to please her father with her poetry. Anne Bradstreet was raised on Puritan beliefs; as she grew older and her faith became stronger, Anne continued to write poetry- specifically, giving praise to God. Throughout her life, Anne Bradstreet remained faithful to God, even though admitting she has felt troubled many times about the truth of the scriptures. However, Bradstreet realizes with her own eyes of the existence of God. Throughout her poetry, it is clear of the devotion that his given to Him. In her poem, //Here Follows Some Verses upon the Burning of Our House, July 10th, 1666,// Bradstreet does not remain fixated on her home that has been destroyed in a fire, instead she shows her dedication to God:“ There’s wealth enough, I need no more, / Farewell, my pelf, farewell my store. / My hope and treasure lies above.” (212). Instead of blaming God or concentrating on her worthless and materialistic possessions, Bradstreet knows that none of that matters; even through rough times she continues to remain faithful. This poem is uplifting and comforting and also holds enough power to show readers that through it all God is the almighty. Similar to Anne Bradstreet, Jonathan Edwards incorporates religion into his poetry. However, unlike Bradstreet, Edwards becomes extreme in a push for conversion by his followers. As a pastor, Edwards tries to “restore to his congregation and to his reader that the original sense of religious commitment that he felt had been lost. . .” (385). Edwards believed that in order to be true followers of God, we must be moved by religious ideas not only comprehend them. This excessive religious push is definitely shown in his work //Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.// Throughout this piece, it is very clear that Edwards insist that God hates sinners and he repetitively shows the necessity of converting before Judgment Day, “So that, whatever some have imagined and pretended about promises made to natural men’s earnest seeking and knocking. . . God is under no manner of obligation to keep him a moment from eternal destruction.” (429). Edwards makes God seem to be unpitying and angry, this technique of fear he is instilling into his followers is very intense. It is very interesting to compare the works between two very different authors who have some similarities. Although Anne Bradstreet began writing poems for leisure and never intended on having her poetry published it is amazing to see that her poems left a positive effect on American Literature and are still read by present day readers. It is also very interesting that Jonathan Edwards who has created religious controversy and was even turned against by his own followers is also still being read. Their religious piety is greatly expressed throughout their work but their chosen deliverance is what sets them apart.

The much famous explorer, Christopher Columbus, and a leader of the Pilgrims, William Bradford, both set sail across the Atlantic Ocean, but did so with completely different intentions. The rather different explorers, did however, reach the New World, which was thought to be uninhibited. Through Columbus’s “Letter to Luis de Santangel Regarding the First Voyage” and Bradford’s “Of Plymouth Plantation,” both of these explorers discuss their dreams and their nightmares regarding their journey to the New World. However, unlike Christopher Columbus, Bradford experienced a totally different encounter with the natives, the native land and landscapes, and he also told an entirely different account.
 * Essay #1- July 13, 2010**

Christopher Columbus set off from Spain once a plan was devised to find a new route to China. The commercially possible route to Asia was not accomplished and instead Columbus landed in the Caribbean which he named Hispaniola. During his voyage, Columbus wrote to the King and Queen of Spain hoping to gain an interest from them, simply, so he could continue to receive financial funding and support for future visits. In his letter, Columbus explains how he has come across landscapes that “are most beautiful, of a thousand shapes, and all accessible and filled with trees of a thousand kinds and tall, and they seem to touch the sky,” this tropical place was given a description as if it were a paradise. The untouched land as Columbus explained is rich in minerals and contains “many mines of metals,” certainly would be perfect for trading. It is not only the home of many little birds and “singing nightingales” but it is also the home of unclothed, timid, and intelligent natives who simultaneously do not own nor know how to use steel or iron weapons. These “innocent” natives are “artless” and are free with their possessions, helpful, and are not seen as a threat. The elements that are given, certainly, seem to be in favor of Columbus. This exaggerated dream that he writes about is far from actuality, these details are what Columbus wishes for during future voyages.

Because of religious identity, Bradford and other Separatists petitioned to escape to America. Out of fear of persecution, imprisonment, and the effect of the Dutch culture on their community, it was imperative that they leave England. In complete contrast to the paradise that Columbus describes, Bradford escapes to the New World and finds himself in Massachusetts during the winter months. Once settled in Plymouth, the accounts written by Bradford explained the hardships which were suffered in the new land; these accounts sound much more like nightmares. Unlike the landscapes that Columbus describes, Bradford explains that the land in Plymouth is not only already farmed by the natives but is also a “hideous, desolate wilderness full of wild beast”. The miseries and difficulties and as well as the “starving time” that Bradford and the Pilgrims faced are expressed in great detail. Bradford also explains that the natives here are uncivilized savages who are “cruel, barbarous cannibals,” this compared to what Columbus says is completely opposite.

The motifs between Columbus and Bradford are compellingly different. Bradford is a religious man of God, after reading his narrative it would be difficult to understand why any of what he says is untrue. Columbus on the other hand, planned from the start to gain financial support from the King and Queen. The exploitation of the natives of the West Indies and their land and the incredible embellishments that he has written only work on his behalf. The dreams that Columbus explains and the nightmares that Bradford describe indicate how they differ.