Dear Abigail,
They say that time heals all wounds and I assure you, that has been the truth in my case. I just wanted to begin by telling you that I forgive you unconditionally. You must return home. It has been six months since John Proctor‘s death and I have been dying of solitude. You must return to me Abby and forgive me just as I have forgiven you. I cannot stand being so lonesome. Salem despises me for all of my diligent work. They are all jealous fools. I need you and you need me. The hope of finally finding you is the only thing that gets these old bones moving every day. Now that I have found you, I must say that I cannot stand selfishness in anyone Abby and I hope that is what I am not seeing with you. I hesitate to say this, but it must be done. I have heard that you have become a harlot in Boston. This breaks my heart in two and draws sympathy to me from every inch of my being. You have soiled my name yet again. I would not mind that you fulfill your sensual pleasure so long as it did not threaten my very life. Last week a dagger was placed in my door with a note attached to it which threatened my very survival. How could yew? Why wood yew? I will run yew through! The threats played upon my fears and I ran to the courthouse and pleaded for help but they were too selfish to help a minister who had been bringing them to God since they could recall. Later that evening I hid within my study and waited for night to fall. By then I was surrounded by walls and the thickness of my overturned altar. It was impervious to any shot or blade. I had blessed numerous traps to give them a holy efficiency in subduing my aggressor and within the first hour of my refuge I had heard the soft thumping of a drum. It was neither loud nor sharp enough to be a firearm, but I approached my window ever so cautiously and peered onto my land. To my happiness there was no armed mob waiting to hang me by my entrails, but was no drum either. There was a fire ablaze in the center of my property. I did not sense my foe’s presence, however I waited six more hours, as one can never be too careful. When I arrived in my yard the fire was still burning! I had deduced that these logs must be an expensive breed. They bore a strong resemblance to my very own yew logs which I had received over my time as a minister. I ran over to my cache of yew logs and to my dismay they were not where those boys had stacked them. I noticed that there was a log not too far from my location. I walked over to it and stooped down to examine it when I noticed another right in front of it and another in front of that one. There was an entire trail that led me from my yew cache all the way to the fire. My precious logs! I broke down and wept. I was wallowing in my sadness and my mind sought out the worst possible scenarios that could have happened to put my mind at ease. I imagined my house being robbed. I chuckled at the fact of any man attempting to venture in that fortress. The entire house was solid yew and could not be broken into by anyone on their mightiest day. At that exact moment the fire finished burning as though it had been washed away by my tears. I dried my eyes and smelled more burning yew. I thought the aggressor was a fool to bring more wood to burn than I already possessed on my property. I turned round to see the madness unfolding. My home was completely engulfed by flames. So pray you Abby, return home before I lose more wood. I promise that I will allow you to earn your forgiveness back on the conditions that you relinquish your promiscuous ways and appreciate me as your father. You may wish to return quickly as I will eliminate your desire to be evil, for I will whip the devil out of you!
Sincerely,
Reverand Parris
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Rossi, 1
Michael Rossi
December 16, 2009
Advance Placement English Language and Composition/ Mr. George
The Crucible: Write a one page character description of John Proctor
Uncle Sam John Proctor am
Proctor is a righteous man in an evil society.
Proctor is the only man in The Crucible who is and demonstrates true integrity. Proctor did not shy away from death, and in doing so he earned forgiveness from himself, Elizabeth, and God. Proctor’s corpse fell with such an impact upon the trigger the sound of a gunshot rang into Salem’s homes and through the people’s hearts and minds: “I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the statutes" (Miller 129). Danforth cocked a revolver at himself and the hysteric court he represented. Proctor’s corpse fell with such an impact upon the trigger the sound of a gunshot rang into Salem’s homes and through the people’s hearts and minds.
Proctor is like the United States. He represents ideals and concepts far greater than himself. The people of the United States have always fought and died for themselves when their ideals have been threatened. In the same way, Proctor laid down his life for the eradication of witchcraft. Even in times of error, the United States has stood by its flag and tried to follow the constitution the best way its people knew how. Proctor still valued his commandments even when he failed to follow them. United States soldiers fought and died to help secure victory during World War II Nazi tyranny came to a screeching halt. In the same respect, Proctor liberated Salem from its Witch hunt hysteria by laying down his life for other.
Proctor bears a striking resemblance to the musician Tom Morello who had been arrested on multiple occasions protesting for the rights of the American people.
Michael Rossi
December 16, 2009
Advance Placement English Language and Composition/ Mr. George
The Crucible: Write a one page character description of John Proctor
Uncle Sam John Proctor am
Proctor is a righteous man in an evil society.
Proctor is the only man in The Crucible who is and demonstrates true integrity. Proctor did not shy away from death, and in doing so he earned forgiveness from himself, Elizabeth, and God. Proctor’s corpse fell with such an impact upon the trigger the sound of a gunshot rang into Salem’s homes and through the people’s hearts and minds: “I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the statutes" (Miller 129). Danforth cocked a revolver at himself and the hysteric court he represented. Proctor’s corpse fell with such an impact upon the trigger the sound of a gunshot rang into Salem’s homes and through the people’s hearts and minds.
Proctor is like the United States. He represents ideals and concepts far greater than himself. The people of the United States have always fought and died for themselves when their ideals have been threatened. In the same way, Proctor laid down his life for the eradication of witchcraft. Even in times of error, the United States has stood by its flag and tried to follow the constitution the best way its people knew how. Proctor still valued his commandments even when he failed to follow them. United States soldiers fought and died to help secure victory during World War II Nazi tyranny came to a screeching halt. In the same respect, Proctor liberated Salem from its Witch hunt hysteria by laying down his life for other.
Proctor bears a striking resemblance to the musician Tom Morello who had been arrested on multiple occasions protesting for the rights of the American people.
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Crucible read to the end
Quote 1:
"If retaliation is your fear, know this-I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the statutes" (Miller 129).
Analysis 1:
Danforth demonstrates how ridiculous sixteenth century courts were. The modern day American idea of a law is that a law is created to serve and protect people. Any law that does not do so is an unjust law. Danforth is virtually stating that he will kill those who refuse to follow these unjust laws. This idea of ruling with an iron fist has many occurrences throughout human history. Louis XVI was beheaded by french revolutionists who thought it to be their duty to rid themselves of the tyrant. In the same way witchcraft had been eradicated by the end of The Crucible. The revolutionaries of Proctors time where set off by him and others like him to destroy Salem's hysteric tyranny. One can build a throne of bayonets, but he cannot sit on it for long.
Quote 2:
"Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" (Miller 143).
Analysis 2:
Throughout The Crucible Proctor has been grappling with Elizabeth to try to get an ounce of forgiveness from her. In the end Proctor realized what Elizabeth had been trying to tell him all along, that he needed to forgive himself. Proctor was originally satisfied with signing the confession. He realized that signing the confession and running from the injustice would only leave him to his home with the same guilt. Proctor washed away his sins with his blood and became a martyr against Salem's hysteria. Through Proctor Miller demonstrated that in Salem, no morally upright man lives the life he deserves. Unless he abandons his purity through lies he will be dead and cold in a place where they are needed most.
"If retaliation is your fear, know this-I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the statutes" (Miller 129).
Analysis 1:
Danforth demonstrates how ridiculous sixteenth century courts were. The modern day American idea of a law is that a law is created to serve and protect people. Any law that does not do so is an unjust law. Danforth is virtually stating that he will kill those who refuse to follow these unjust laws. This idea of ruling with an iron fist has many occurrences throughout human history. Louis XVI was beheaded by french revolutionists who thought it to be their duty to rid themselves of the tyrant. In the same way witchcraft had been eradicated by the end of The Crucible. The revolutionaries of Proctors time where set off by him and others like him to destroy Salem's hysteric tyranny. One can build a throne of bayonets, but he cannot sit on it for long.
Quote 2:
"Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" (Miller 143).
Analysis 2:
Throughout The Crucible Proctor has been grappling with Elizabeth to try to get an ounce of forgiveness from her. In the end Proctor realized what Elizabeth had been trying to tell him all along, that he needed to forgive himself. Proctor was originally satisfied with signing the confession. He realized that signing the confession and running from the injustice would only leave him to his home with the same guilt. Proctor washed away his sins with his blood and became a martyr against Salem's hysteria. Through Proctor Miller demonstrated that in Salem, no morally upright man lives the life he deserves. Unless he abandons his purity through lies he will be dead and cold in a place where they are needed most.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
The Crucible, to page 127
Quote 1:
Proctor: "I say- I say- God is dead!" [...] I see his filthy face! And it is m face, and yours Danforth! (Miller 119-120).
Analysis 1:
Proctor is finally understanding his society as the reader does. The entire trial is debating the specifics of a a false concept (witches). Reason has long been gone and Proctor has finally accepted it. Proctor cannot convince the court that witches do not exist, so he found a new alternative. By accepting Mary's accusation and taking on the role of the devil Proctor has accepted his already inevitable death. Proctor is going to die in a more meaningful ways than those before him. Rather than deny his charges and pass without anyone remembering him, he will will bring Danforth down with him and cripple Salem's Court. This will frighten the officials away who would fill Danforth's position.
Quote 2:
Tituba: "We goin' to Barbados, soon the Devil gits here with the feathers and the wings" (Miller 122)
Analysis 2:
Tituba exemplifies the Salem's wickedness because she has developed a fear of God. In her experience, those who acted in God's name only persecuted her. It was only through blaming the Devil that she was saved. Tituba's concepts of God and the Devil were thus inverted. God has become the evil and the Devil has become the good. Tituba believes Salem to be evil and representing God. The Devil, who is emblematic of goodness, is closely associated with Barbados which harbors all of the happy memories in Tituba's life.
Proctor: "I say- I say- God is dead!" [...] I see his filthy face! And it is m face, and yours Danforth! (Miller 119-120).
Analysis 1:
Proctor is finally understanding his society as the reader does. The entire trial is debating the specifics of a a false concept (witches). Reason has long been gone and Proctor has finally accepted it. Proctor cannot convince the court that witches do not exist, so he found a new alternative. By accepting Mary's accusation and taking on the role of the devil Proctor has accepted his already inevitable death. Proctor is going to die in a more meaningful ways than those before him. Rather than deny his charges and pass without anyone remembering him, he will will bring Danforth down with him and cripple Salem's Court. This will frighten the officials away who would fill Danforth's position.
Quote 2:
Tituba: "We goin' to Barbados, soon the Devil gits here with the feathers and the wings" (Miller 122)
Analysis 2:
Tituba exemplifies the Salem's wickedness because she has developed a fear of God. In her experience, those who acted in God's name only persecuted her. It was only through blaming the Devil that she was saved. Tituba's concepts of God and the Devil were thus inverted. God has become the evil and the Devil has become the good. Tituba believes Salem to be evil and representing God. The Devil, who is emblematic of goodness, is closely associated with Barbados which harbors all of the happy memories in Tituba's life.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Crucible 99
Quote 1:
Hale: "Excellency, I have singed seventy-two death warrants; I am a minister of the Lord, and I dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it" (Miller 99).
Analysis 1:
Hale's logic against the court would reign victorious in present-day. Hale demonstrates a concern for human life and is using his conscience in the correct manner. The immense obstacle that Hale has been unable to over come is the mentality of the court, specifically Danforth. He believes that he acts as though he is infallible and since he has condemned so many, change would be a disastrous product. A historical parallel can be drawn to Adolf Hitler. Hitler forcefully advocated the Aryan race. Hitler's was to cleanse the world of those who did not have blue eyes and gold hair. When Hitler's Germany had allied itself with the imperial Japan his people were bewildered. If Hitler had openly acknowledged that the Japanese were not of the Aryan race, his position would be destroyed. Instead Hitler declared the Japanese were the long lost cousin's of the Aryan race, and amazingly appeased his people. In the same way, Danforth will not cease killing witches.
Quote 2:
"In an ordinary crime, how does one defend the accused? One calls up witness to prove his innocence. But witchcraft is ipso facto, on its face and by its nature, an invisible crime, is it not?" (Miller 100).
Analysis 2:
Danforth once again believes that he sits upon an infillable throne. If witches truly did exist, then Danforth would be making an insightful point, however he is not leaving his mind open to the possiblity that witches could not exist. Unless Danforth can open his mind his logic will remain clouded and Proctor will lose this case. A syllogism for Danforth's arugment helps to properly demonstrate where he is mistaken. Witches exists. Therefore witch's acts can be determined through the victims. Abigail can determind who is a witch. The error exists in the major premise. If witches did in fact exist, then the argument would be sound.
Hale: "Excellency, I have singed seventy-two death warrants; I am a minister of the Lord, and I dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it" (Miller 99).
Analysis 1:
Hale's logic against the court would reign victorious in present-day. Hale demonstrates a concern for human life and is using his conscience in the correct manner. The immense obstacle that Hale has been unable to over come is the mentality of the court, specifically Danforth. He believes that he acts as though he is infallible and since he has condemned so many, change would be a disastrous product. A historical parallel can be drawn to Adolf Hitler. Hitler forcefully advocated the Aryan race. Hitler's was to cleanse the world of those who did not have blue eyes and gold hair. When Hitler's Germany had allied itself with the imperial Japan his people were bewildered. If Hitler had openly acknowledged that the Japanese were not of the Aryan race, his position would be destroyed. Instead Hitler declared the Japanese were the long lost cousin's of the Aryan race, and amazingly appeased his people. In the same way, Danforth will not cease killing witches.
Quote 2:
"In an ordinary crime, how does one defend the accused? One calls up witness to prove his innocence. But witchcraft is ipso facto, on its face and by its nature, an invisible crime, is it not?" (Miller 100).
Analysis 2:
Danforth once again believes that he sits upon an infillable throne. If witches truly did exist, then Danforth would be making an insightful point, however he is not leaving his mind open to the possiblity that witches could not exist. Unless Danforth can open his mind his logic will remain clouded and Proctor will lose this case. A syllogism for Danforth's arugment helps to properly demonstrate where he is mistaken. Witches exists. Therefore witch's acts can be determined through the victims. Abigail can determind who is a witch. The error exists in the major premise. If witches did in fact exist, then the argument would be sound.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Crucible, to page 98
Quote 1:
"I-I think I cannot" (Miller 92).
Analysis 1:
Throughout history the vast majority of individuals who become zealots for a cause are those who are personally affected. History has painted the picture that the Northern abolitionists cared mostly for the black slaves laboring in the cotton fields. The personal experience drives the afflicted to stand up to injustice for others and defeat it as a whole. Proctor always believed witchcraft to be ludicrous and he now has developed an intolerance to witchcraft and will not rest until every woman i free even at the cost of his life. Dred Scott was once a black slave who exploited the court to help his fellow black slaves. Scott warrant more significance than other white abolitionists because he felt the lash of the whip and toiled in the plantations. So was it the North who cared mostly for the slaves? If not who did? The answer is the slaves.
Quote 2:
"I have until this moment not the slightest reason to suspect that the children may be deceiving me. Do you understand my meaning?" (Miller 91).
Analysis 2:
Abigail is the embodiment of evil. She plays on the hearts of the court, leads a cult (of sorts), and tortures Proctor. Because Proctor had fallen for Abigail he believes he growing farther and farther away from God. In actuality, Proctor is making amends for his adultery by washing away the evil he is responsible for. Abagail's punishment suits the crime. She has began her mischievous trend with drinking blood and now John will cleanse his sins with her blood.
"I-I think I cannot" (Miller 92).
Analysis 1:
Throughout history the vast majority of individuals who become zealots for a cause are those who are personally affected. History has painted the picture that the Northern abolitionists cared mostly for the black slaves laboring in the cotton fields. The personal experience drives the afflicted to stand up to injustice for others and defeat it as a whole. Proctor always believed witchcraft to be ludicrous and he now has developed an intolerance to witchcraft and will not rest until every woman i free even at the cost of his life. Dred Scott was once a black slave who exploited the court to help his fellow black slaves. Scott warrant more significance than other white abolitionists because he felt the lash of the whip and toiled in the plantations. So was it the North who cared mostly for the slaves? If not who did? The answer is the slaves.
Quote 2:
"I have until this moment not the slightest reason to suspect that the children may be deceiving me. Do you understand my meaning?" (Miller 91).
Analysis 2:
Abigail is the embodiment of evil. She plays on the hearts of the court, leads a cult (of sorts), and tortures Proctor. Because Proctor had fallen for Abigail he believes he growing farther and farther away from God. In actuality, Proctor is making amends for his adultery by washing away the evil he is responsible for. Abagail's punishment suits the crime. She has began her mischievous trend with drinking blood and now John will cleanse his sins with her blood.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Crucible 67-81
Quote 1:
Hale: "Man, remember, until an hour before the Devil fell. God thought him beautiful in Heaven" (Miller 71).
Analysis 1:
What Hale professes is a complete deconstruction of God. God is a perfect being. He is not a mythological Greek God, who is is like a human with magic powers. Hale's word choice suggests that God can be fooled. Hale is hiding behind his contorted book knowledge to justify his neutral suspicion. If God was not perfect why then would we need him? The truth is, God was not fooled. Hale is the fool for suggesting it, especially as a clergyman.
Quote 2:
Cheever: "You've ripped the Deputy Governor's warrant, man!" [...] "Pontius Pilate! God will not let you wash your hands of this!" (Miller 76-77).
Analysis 2:
Proctor uses religous justification in the correct way. Unlike Hale, Proctor states biblical law and does not offer his own interpretation. Hale uses his religion to try and calm Proctor, for no other reason than to surpress him to deal with the issue later. By drawing the parellel between Cheever and Pontious Pilate (with biblical fact) he is demonstrating that his society is commiting an injustice on a catastrophic level. Proctor's resolution is to save his wife, this was made lucidly clean to Mary Warren and show society the hysteria they have fallen into.
Hale: "Man, remember, until an hour before the Devil fell. God thought him beautiful in Heaven" (Miller 71).
Analysis 1:
What Hale professes is a complete deconstruction of God. God is a perfect being. He is not a mythological Greek God, who is is like a human with magic powers. Hale's word choice suggests that God can be fooled. Hale is hiding behind his contorted book knowledge to justify his neutral suspicion. If God was not perfect why then would we need him? The truth is, God was not fooled. Hale is the fool for suggesting it, especially as a clergyman.
Quote 2:
Cheever: "You've ripped the Deputy Governor's warrant, man!" [...] "Pontius Pilate! God will not let you wash your hands of this!" (Miller 76-77).
Analysis 2:
Proctor uses religous justification in the correct way. Unlike Hale, Proctor states biblical law and does not offer his own interpretation. Hale uses his religion to try and calm Proctor, for no other reason than to surpress him to deal with the issue later. By drawing the parellel between Cheever and Pontious Pilate (with biblical fact) he is demonstrating that his society is commiting an injustice on a catastrophic level. Proctor's resolution is to save his wife, this was made lucidly clean to Mary Warren and show society the hysteria they have fallen into.
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