Scarlet Letter 6: p.126-144

"I, your pastor, whom you so reverence and trust, am utterly a pollution and a lie!" (131)

Guilt is one of the worst punishments a human can have. Reverend Dimmesdale is the representation of God for his people, but he has committed a major sin. Besides this fact, he does not tell anyone of his doings. This is very contrary to the religious leader he is supposed to be. Th town looks up to him as an earthly saint, and this is how he is acting? Dimmesdale knows he is a liar, but  does not want to tell the Bostonians. Due to his duty to God, he cannot let his people go away from Him once they are disheartened by his conduct. This connects to how Proctor thought God was dead in "The Crucible".

"And there stood the minister, with his hand over his heart; and Hester Prynne, with the embroidered letter glimmering on her bosom; and little Pearl, herself a symbol, and the connecting link between those two" (140)

This is an interesting family portrait. They all stood on the scaffold together, displaying their sin. This family was rooted in evil. Adultery was at the center, and Pearl was the product. Hopefully, this foreshadows that the family will be judged together, even with Dimmesdale. The scarlet A did shine over them in the night sky, perhaps referring to the darkness of their sin and as a future sign that everyone will know the truth. 

Questions:

1) Will they be judged together?

2) Will Dimmesdale open up to the town?

Scarlet Letter 5: p.107-126

"he was often observed [...] to put his hand over his heart, with first a flush and then a paleness, indicative of pain" (110)

This is a somewhat awkward quirk of Reverend Dimmesdale. Knowing this action, one can guess that Dimmesdale may be the father of Pearl. Why would he randomly grab his chest when in an instance of uncertainty or suddenness? This sounds similar to Hester with her scarlet letter, a constant reminder of sin and evil, bringing forth pain. It even states Dimmesdale becomes flush, which may be eluding to the fact that Pearl has a rosy essence. Dimmesdale is definitely the father.

"'I must needs look deeper into it. A strange sympathy betwixt soul and body! Were it only for the art's sake, I must search this matter to the bottom!'" (125)

Chillingworth will not stop until he knows the answer to a problem. He mentions this when trying to find who Hester cheated with. Chillingworth is not one to fool around with. He can feel the guilt within Dimmesdale, but he is trying to find out why Dimmesdale feels this way. Chillingworth will watch every single move of Dimmesdale until he knows the answer to his "disease". It seems that Chillingworth begins to grow suspicion of Dimmesdale in relation to Hester's adultery.

Questions:

1) Will Chillingworth find out that it is Dimmesdale?

2) Will Hester give in to Chillingworth?

Scarlet Letter 4: p.91-107

"this boon meant [...] to keep the mother's soul alive, and to preserve her from blacker depths of sin into which Satan might else have sought to plunge her!" (104-105)

Though Pearl was a symbol of sin, she was a constant reminder of the mistakes in Hester's life.  Knowing our mistakes, we can learn how to act in the correct way. Pearl helps Hester to become better and to repent for her sin. This argument is supported when Mistress Hibbins asks Hester to go to the forest to do what I suppose is witchcraft, or to sign with the Black man. Hester refuses because she has to take care of Pearl. Pearl manifests her guidance in abstract ways. 

"'No, my little Pearl!' said her mother. 'Thou must gather thine own sunshine. I have none to give thee!'" (94)

This furthers the idea that Hester has accepted her sin. She feels she has no goodness inside of her. All her sunshine was gone after her adultery. Hester does not want her child to look up to her, for she has nothing good to offer, only sin. This may have been why the magistrate wanted Hester to give up Pearl for another family to take care of. Though Hester cannot support Pearl well enough, she is her only and most valuable possession, thus the name Pearl.

Questions:

1) Why did Pearl take Dimmesdale's hand and put it against her cheek?

2) Is Pearl going to become to the devil Hester thinks she is?

Scarlet Letter 3: p.72-91

"Thus the young and pure would be taught to look at her [...] as the figure, the body, the reality of sin" (73)

This quote explains the severity of punishment in theocratic Boston. Hester had committed something totally contrary to their Christian beliefs, and they wanted to torture her for it. Her punishment was to be the role-model of sin. Hester was basically being compared to the Devil. This would have to be the worst punishment other than death. This quote carries on from what was said earlier about Hester being a walking and living example of sin for everyone else. 

"The chain that bound her here was of iron links, and galling to her inmost soul, but could never be broken" (74)

The sin Hester committed would never be forgotten, by others or herself. The scarlet A would always remain on her bosom, and the guilt she felt would always remain. This abstract captivity caused the loneliness and banishment that Hester felt. This was also an acceptance of her wrongdoing and the punishment she was given. Nothing could help her now: "She could no longer borrow from the future to help her through the  present grief" (73).

Questions:

1) Will Hester have a better future, or will she always be in "captivity"?

2) Will  anyone stand up for her or be her friend?

Scarlet Letter 2: p.56-72

"And my child must seek a heavenly Father; she shall never know an earthly one" (64)

Hester wants God to be the only father that her child knows. The earth is full of imperfection; God created us with blemishes. Hester does not want her daughter to be in connection with any of these blemishes, but to be in relation to only God, the epitomization of goodness. Hester has made her mistakes, and probably does not want her child to make the same. She has already given her daughter a bad name, and hopes to appease it by helping her find God. She wants her child to look to God for guidance, so that the child will never do wrong.

"Live, therefore, and bear about thy doom with thee, in the eyes of men and women,–in the eyes of him thou  didst call thy husband,–in the eyes of yonder child! And, that thou mayest live, take off this draught" (68)

Mr. Chillingworth is provoking Hester into giving up the name of the man she slept with. He tools with her pride and then the things she loves. If she continues to keep the name secret, Chillingworth says the town and her husband will continue to look down on her. He then mentions Hester's daughter.  Hester loves her child, yet she is a symbol of Hester's sin, something her daughter will  have to bear for the rest of her life. The child would probably be embarrassed when she grows up to be known as the child of the adulteress. Though Chillingworth tries to get it out of her, Hester remains steadfast.

Questions:

1) Will Hester's daughter grow up with shame pressed upon by the town?

2) Is the A going to be removed?

Scarlet Letter 1: p.45-56

"a people amongst whom religion and law were almost identical, and in whose character both were so thoroughly interfused, that the mildest and the severest acts of public discipline were alike made venerable and awful" (47)

Just as in Salem, Boston is structured as a theocracy. Religion and law were made one. This explains why the old women surrounding the jail sound so pious, especially when stating punishments from the Bible for Hester's acts. This quote also says any act against the religion or law of Boston, no matter the severity, would be punished harshly. This explains why Hester's punishment is ridiculous, having to where a letter on her gown to show she represented something wrong or unclean and having to stand before the public as a subject of ridicule or hate. Another interesting thing to mention was that the kids were given a half-day just to go see her stand in the marketplace before everyone.

"It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and enclosing her in a sphere by herself" (51)

The scarlet letter on Hester's grown was made brilliantly; its design and embroidery was exquisite. It definitely had the effect that the people wanted, for it showed that she was different. But Hester took advantage of her punishment by making her mark of uncleanliness look so beautiful. This could interpreted as Hester's own way of going against the people of Boston, getting back at them for her punishment.

"the town-beadle [...] represented in his aspect the whole dismal severity of the Puritanic code of law, which it was his business to administer in its final and closest application to the offender" (49)

The town-beadle is similar to Judge Danforth from The Crucible.

Questions:

1) Will the old women try to rid Hester of her beautifully-made letter?

2) Will Hester be forgiven?

Crucible Essay #2

Daryl Thomas

AP English- Mr. George

3 December 2008

“The Crucible” Essay 2: Toying with Emotions

Abigail Williams elicits a plethora of vile emotions; one’s head is overwhelmed by anger, hate, annoyance, frustration, and irritation when thinking of her. Those who have seen or read “The Crucible” would have some exceedingly foul words for Abigail. Why is this so? To the ignorant in Salem, she may be the only hope for amity, but Reverend Hale and John Proctor know that Abigail Williams is merely “a lump of vanity” (Miller, 110). As the play proceeds, her treacherous actions and deceitful manipulations create a character that manifests the Devil, which forms a fervent feeling of animosity towards her.  When her devilish ways are put into question, she rides the ignorance of others to circumvent losing her reputation and being caught lying. From sinfully committing lechery with John Proctor until sneakily fleeing for the Barbados, Abigail Williams was always a conniving and devious minx.

As the chaos in Salem was imminent, accusations of witchcraft were proliferating. When Tituba was incriminated for this act, she cunningly stated that she worked for the Devil, yet was now obedient to God. She then began to shift the blame by condemning others for this sinful deed. Inspired by the effectiveness of Tituba’s duplicity, Abigail found an opportunity to obtain revenge on Elizabeth Proctor. Since Abigail slept with John, Elizabeth was creating a bad name for her. When asked about the removal of Abigail, Elizabeth would coldly say, “she– dissatisfied me” (112). The townspeople interpreted Elizabeth’s words as insinuating Abigail for doing something unacceptable. Salem was a strictly theocratic society that wanted “to keep the community together […] and to prevent any kind of disunity that might open it to destruction by material or ideological enemies” (7). Therefore, any intimation of misbehavior was taken seriously. Abigail then followed the footsteps of Tituba, saying, “I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the Devil; I saw him; I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus” (48). Thereafter, she trumped false charges against others, eventually accusing Goody Proctor. Abigail’s vengeance laid the foundation for her treacherous actions.

Abigail’s false accusations were mere appetizers to the main course of her profound deceit. Having lied once, it was necessary to continue lying to avoid being caught. She used the townspeople’s ignorance of witchcraft to instill fear as a diversion. An example of this was the poppet Mary Warren gave Elizabeth. Abigail purposefully stabbed herself in the stomach, knowing that Mary stuck a needle in the poppet. She then lied saying that Goody Proctor’s spirit hurt her, knowing that the poppet would back her claim. This brought horror upon the people of Salem for it was their validation of witchcraft. The scheming Abigail successfully diverted their attention, continued to get her revenge on Elizabeth, and could use Mary Warren as a scapegoat if need be. This constant manipulation of others helped Abigail continue to disrupt Salem.

Many fell for Abigail’s exploitation. Though she may have been a girl in a masculine society, her words were assertive and seemed true. When Abigail guided the girls to be equivocal when speaking of the night they danced, she threatened them if one told the truth: “Now look you. All of you. We danced. And Tituba conjured Ruth Putnam’s dead sisters. And that is all. And mark this. Let either of you breathe a word, […] and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you” (20). All the girls were forced to conform to Abigail’s liking for she instilled fear, just as she did to the whole town. When Judge Danforth questioned Abigail if the spirits were merely an illusion, she took away his superiority by manipulating his idea of the witness being the only truth; if she were to help his problem, then he would have to believe her: “I have been hurt, Mr. Danforth; I have seen my blood runnin’ out! I have been near to murdered every day because I done my duty pointing out the Devil’s people–and this is my reward?” (108). At this point, Abigail controlled the head of theocracy in Salem. Her power was at its maximum as she headed towards pure evil.

Since Abigail overpowered everyone in Salem, the fate of the accused laid in her hands. The justice of God was expected to judge the case, yet the final judgment was that of the Devil. Though she fled for the Barbados before the hangings, Abigail left her influence; she did enough damage to Salem. Elizabeth Proctor did not get killed, but many innocent, pious men and women were collateral damage for her demoniac intentions. Murder could now be added to the long list of wrongs committed by Abigail.

            From vengeance to pure evil, Abigail Williams fully transformed into the Devil. A lie to save her name opened a door to get revenge. This led to chaos in a whole town and the death of innocent people. Knowing Abigail for the villain she is, it is a relief that Salem “had no ritual for the washing away of sins” (20). Though she may run away from the responsibility, she will always be stained with the blood of those killed for the rest of her life, as she marches towards Hell.

From Reverend Hale to Danforth in response to his rulings

Dear Judge Danforth,

            Have you not been so daft this entire time? Those girls are speaking lies! These stories of witches and the Devil are all hogwash. How could petty teenagers fool such a respected judge? Do you realize the wrongdoing in your decisions? You have killed innocent men and women, actually men and women that were very pious and adored by the community. How could you be so foolish? To me, you are the only one showing signs of the Devil in Salem.

            All this chaos was due to vengeance. If you only took heed of what the men had to say or what the depositions wrote, there would not have been such a bedlam. You would have realized that Abigail Williams was a whore, or that Thomas Putnam was out to get Giles Corey’s land. If for once had you forgotten about yourself and your reputation, these realizations may have occurred.

            I am completely aware that my words in this letter will get me punished, but I do not care. You are not the judge of me or anyone else. Only God is. All those that have been killed will be brought to new life in the kingdom of Heaven. I only hope that God will shine his light upon you. Amen.

                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                Reverend Hale

From Abigail to Goody Proctor after the Lechery

Dear Goody Proctor,

            I have finally mustered the courage to speak to you. It is I, Abigail Williams. I hope this name does not make you crumple the letter immediately, for I have to bring up a matter of importance. I beseech you to forget about the past in order for you to take my words seriously.

            Your husband, John Proctor, was a good man. He loved you and cared for his family. That night that I lured him, I could sense the guilt from inside of him. Sadly, the desire at that moment caused him to forget the things he really cared for. After that night, the goodness of John Proctor was made evident, for he confessed the sin he committed. Every time John and I talked since that night, he showed complete disgust in me and always defended his true wife. I tried to lure him completely away, but he threatened to confess to the whole town of what we did. John stayed true to you, Goody Proctor. He always loved you. The Devil just tempted a good man. All humans are prone to make mistakes, and this was a mistake John made. You should not feel coldhearted towards him, for I know that John has a fiery passion for you in his heart. He could never feel the same for anyone else, especially for whore like me.

            All in all, I do not ask for your forgiveness for I do not deserve it, but I ask for you to forgive John. Please forget what he did before, for I know he only wants you.

                                                                                                  God bless,

                                                                                                  Abigail Williams

From Proctor (in heaven) to Abigail 1 Year Later

Dear Abigail,

            Remember me, John Proctor? Probably not, for I guess that you have moved onto another man, or should I say men. I am the one you infatuated, once loved. You broke my wife, Elizabeth, and I apart. All your love was mere pretense for you later framed and defamed me. Your actions brought upon my death.

            I have hopefully sparked a memory in your childish brain. I may have done lechery with you, yet God found a place for me in his kingdom. In the end, goodness won my heart. I realized that the Lord was the final judge of everything, no one else .  With this epiphany, I found God and allowed for Danforth to hang me. I died with darkness in my heart, yet awoke to a new light, the light of heaven.

            Though I still loathe you, I would like to give you my forgiveness. This concept may seem foreign to you for you are the Devil, but the goodness of God has motivated me to forget our differences and love the sinner. With my new understanding of Our Father, I have realized that we are all human, and He made us imperfect. I should not hate you, but the actions you have done.

            Abigail, I beg of you to leave your past behind and go onto the road to heaven. It is hard to forget what you did to me, but when God took me in his hands, I realized that evil would never overcome. God has opened my eyes, and he could do the same to yours. In heaven, everyone is equal. You do not have to worry about your reputation and never have to feel pride. Lying is not a necessity, something we both know you seem to worship. One just has to embrace God’s love and always try to share that love onto others. You once loved me Abigail; show me that it was true.

                                                                                                Proctor

Crucible Essay #1

Daryl Thomas

AP English: Mr. George

22 November 2008

“The Crucible”: Who is to blame?

Cause for a Crucible

            What is theocracy? It can be epitomized by the Salem of 1692. Rules and lifestyles were based on celestial values and the Bible; God judged everything. But, with the uprising of the witches, Salem headed towards chaos. The fate of the accused lay in the hands of Judge Thomas Danforth, making him the manifestation of God: “There is nothing but goodness in God, […] nor does anything that is evil come from him; he is not the author of sin, […] [and] strongly forbids it, under pain of his displeasure” (Gill, 93). God was the essence of goodness and justice, yet Judge Danforth succumbed to “his displeasure”, losing his reputation. He allowed his pride to determine the verdict and ended up killing innocent people. He held the highest status on the theocratic scale and used this as an appeasement for the fraud he felt in his “black heart” (Miller, 120). Though thinking he was powerful and wise, simple teenage girls were able to fool Danforth into playing the blame game. God would be ashamed to see Danforth as his representative. The judge had the power to stop this bedlam, but he did not due to his selfish intentions; Danforth had hold of the reigns, but steered the horse off course instead of stopping it.

            "Mr. Hale, as God have not empowered me like Joshua to stop this sun from rising, so I cannot withhold from them the perfection of their punishment" (130). Danforth took advantage of the power God supposedly gave him. He compared himself to the biblical figure of Joshua, who led God's people to conquer the Promised Land. He believed it was his duty to punish the accused because God told him to, just as Joshua was told to punish the Canaanites. Danforth felt his power was unlimited. The people were to look to him as the final judge, as if he were God. If the accused were guilty in his eyes, then they would be guilty in everyone else’s eyes:  "But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between" (94). God could only have this kind of power, no human being could handle it, for all humans are imperfect and can fall for evil. In this case, Danforth fell for pride.

            C.S. Lewis described pride as “the complete anti-God state of mind” (Lewis, 122). As Judge Danforth entered the story, he was assertive with his power, bolstered by stating his accomplishments. When Proctor and other men went to plea for their wives’ lives, Danforth only wondered if they were questioning his authority:  “Do you know who I am, Mr. Nurse? […] And do you know that near to four hundred are in the jails from Marblehead to Lynn, and upon my signature? […] And seventy-two condemned to hang by that signature?” (Miller, 87). With such love for his reputation, Danforth was cautious that his actions did not mar his prestige. This led to the death of many innocent people: "You misunderstand, sir; I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime. It is not just" (129). For having final say about the fate of the accused and being the voice of God, Danforth's thinking here was absurd. He said that it would only be fair to kill the remaining witches because many were already hung. He did not take heed of any breakthroughs in the evidence or the depositions, for his vision was clouded by pride. If he did not kill the rest of them, many in Salem would look down on him; he was trying to save his own name instead of upholding justice. Since Danforth’s judgment was impaired by pride, he needed the help of others to make decisions for him, others being the unreliable and duplicitous witnesses.

            "In an ordinary crime, how does one defend the accused? One calls up witnesses to prove his innocence. But witchcraft is [...] an invisible crime, is it not? Therefore, who may possibly be witness to it? The witch and the victim. None other" (100).  To base his decision solely upon the witnesses was a very foolish move.  Abigail Williams and the other girls were not to be trusted. Though the Devil may not have actually been wandering Salem, he was represented by Abigail, “for Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). She lied once and would not stop lying to save herself, while the other girls just tagged along. Once again, Danforth was an idiot, this time for listening to Abigail. She was the witness, the angel of light; he had to believe. Of course, Danforth did not have “the slightest reason to suspect that the children may be deceiving [him]” (Miller, 91). A judge of his caliber, or if he so claimed to be, should have taken this into consideration. It seemed as if Danforth did not even consider the accused innocent until proven guilty, but the proof was there, the accusations of Abigail and the other girls. Danforth really dug himself a hole here by believing them. He could have stopped their little blame game by considering what Proctor and others had to say. Unfortunately, he fell for the Devil’s cunning.

            No matter what anyone did, Judge Danforth had final say, and with this power, he judged incorrectly. He felt that he was on the same level with God. As this pride filled him, it harmed his thought process and decision-making. As his mind was blurred, Abigail and the girls easily tricked him into believing their words and accusations. For these reasons, Judge Danforth was to blame for all the mess in Salem. He let the reigns of the horse slip out of his hands.

Works Cited:

Gill, John The Body of Doctrinal Divinity The Baptist Standard Bearer, Inc., 2001.

Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity London: Macmillan Publishers, 1952.

Miller, Arthur. “The Crucible” New York, NY: Penguin Group, 1952.

 The Bible: Authorized King James Version Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1998

Crucible HW p.128-145 Giles is my boy.

"You misunderstand, sir; I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime. It is not just" (129) Judge Danforth

For having final say on the Salem Witch Trials and being the voice of God in this matter, Danforth's thinking here is absurd. He says that it is not just if he does not kill those who are still accused, for it would be unfair to those who have already been killed. Just because others have been killed does not mean he has to kill the rest of the accused, especially after finding a breakthrough in the evidence. He is just trying to save shame from marring his name.  This continues the whole "importance of reputation" theme.

"Mr. Hale, as God have not empowered me like Joshua to stop this sun from rising, so I cannot withhold from them the perfection of their punishment" (130) Judge Danforth

Danforth seems to take advantage of the power God has supposedly "put upon him". He compares himself to the biblical figure of Joshua, who led God's people to conquer the Promised Land. Personally, Danforth has not shown any sort of leadership. He may be assertive of his power, but this does not mean he is a good leader. He judges only with the concern that nothing taints his name. He believes he has to punish the accused because God told him to, just as Joshua was told to do to the Canaanites. This time in biblical history does show a "bad" God who ordered the genocide of a whole people just so the Israelites could have their land. This connects to Danforth who orders the death of the accused witches just to protect his own name. Knowing God to be the essence of goodness, I feel that the actions of Judge Danforth are then despicable.  

Questions:

1) Would Proctor have gone ahead with the confession if Rebecca Nurse did not get into his head?

2) Is Elizabeth still angry at John for his lechery?

Crucible HW p.113-127

"I may shut my conscience to it no more- private vengeance is working through this testimony!" (114) Reverend Hale

This is the finalization  of the characterization shift of Reverend Hale. He has left the notions he had before, and completely moves away from the reputation-minded Hale to the sensible Hale. He finally tells the truth about his feelings on the issue going on, and from his perspective can also see that all these accusations were created through vengeance. This is the second time that the idea of vengeance running through Salem has been brought up since Proctor says, "vengeance is walking Salem" (77). The Proctors and now Hale seem the be the only voice of reason throughout the play.

"For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud- God damns our kind especially, and we will burn, we will burn together!" (120) John Proctor

This is Proctor's last shot at trying to knock some sense into the "superiority". They have remained blind on the possibility that all this witchcraft and accusations may be false. Mary Warren and the girls have completely turned them away from this idea by acting abnormal and crazy to pretend some Devilish spirit is in their presence. Mary confesses that John is a witch himself who has controlled her all this time. However, all of this is blatantly untrue, but the dull-witted judges now fully believe Proctor is a liar. This being said, there seems to be no more hope in Salem. Proctor has done all he can and believes God will eventually punish them for their wrongdoing.

Questions:

1) What happens to Hale in the end?

2) Will the judges continue to fall for Abigail's actions?

Crucible HW p.98-113

"In an ordinary crime, how does one defend the accused? One calls up witnesses to prove his innocence. But witchcraft is... an invisible crime, is it not? Therefore, who may possibly be witness to it? The witch and the victim. None other" (100) Danforth

This quote reveals two things: the difficulty of convincing that witchcraft is not about and the stupidity of the judges for not thinking that the witnesses may be lying. Judge Danforth had final say on the accusations. This being said, it would be hard for one to convince an old reputation-minded judge to refute his own thinking. Judge Danforth is only looking to assert his power and gain fame. Another thing is that he does not even think about the girls lying. A judge of his caliber, or if he so claims to be, should have put this into consideration.

"There might also be a dragon with five legs in my house, but no one has ever seen it" (104) Proctor

Again, the stupidity of the authorities is unbelievable. How could they not think that all the evidence is fake or unreasonable? This quote also proves once again that Proctor is one of the only sensible people in Salem at this time. Salem is supposed to be a pious town, so why do they not consider as their first thought that one is innocent and once proven guilty, at least consider the evidence faulty? Salem seriously needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

Questions:

1)  Will Judge Danforth begin to consider the falsity of witchcraft?

2) Will Mary Warren crack under all the pressure she is in?

Crucible HW p.83-98

"Excellency, he claims hard evidence for his wife's defense. I think that in all justice you must--" (86) Reverend Hale

This quote is a turning point in the characterization of Reverend Hale. Before, Hale had all the evidence, being the one person that knew "everything" about witchcraft. After feeling guilty about the accusations towards Elizabeth Proctor, Hale realizes witchcraft may not be the problem. The effect of this is shown when Giles has evidence that his wife is not a witch. He wants Judge Danforth to consider the evidence as said in the quote above.

"But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between" (94) Judge Danforth

This just proved how pathetic the decision making during the Witch Trials was. If it made sense to Danforth, the judge of the court, then you were free. Remember that Salem is plagued by vengeance, in which case, this type of judicial system is improper. Danforth may even have some bias himself, so his decisions could not be the lone guideline to determine a witch or not, no matter what his reputation states. This is unfair to those being accused.

1) Has Reverend Parris become the new Reverend Hale?

2) Will the evidence of the husbands be put into consideration?

Crucible HW p.68-83

"Question Abigail Williams about the Gospel, not myself!" (70) Elizabeth Proctor

Once again, the whole blame game continues. Elizabeth has been accused of witchcraft and authorities have come to take her away. Elizabeth tries to show them she is a good Christian, yet they cannot falter to the truth she is saying. They had to listen to the "court". Seeing no other options left, she accuses Abigail, the girl who her husband cheated on with, as a witch to turn the blame. Abigail was her accuser, so Elizabeth decides to accuse her back. This idea of vengeance is created, which leads to the second quote.

"I'll tell you what's walking- vengeance is walking Salem" (77) John Proctor

This idea of witchcraft is all made up. In the midst of all the chaos, vengeance lies as the reason for all the hate and accusations. Three prominent examples of vengeance being created are through Nurse versus Putnam about the choosing of the minister, Abigail and Elizabeth over John, and Martha Corey and Walcott over pigs.

Questions:

1) Did Abigail and Mary work together to accuse Elizabeth?

2) Does Proctor really care for his wife?

Crucible HW p.49-67

"John- grant me this. You have a faulty understanding of young girls. There is a promise made in any bed-" (61) Elizabeth

Clearly, Elizabeth still holds something against John. He had cheated on Abigail, and Elizabeth has not forgotten this, no matter what John did, even if he owned up to the adultery. She feels that Abigail is trying to hurt her by accusing her she is a witch. Abigail supposedly wants to get rid of her and take her place as John's partner. This defines the hate Elizabeth has for Abigail. John just wants her to forget about it and appreciate his honesty. Their relationship somewhat defines Salem and their relationship with God. Everyone seems so pious, yet they hide their sins from others and keep to themselves to not be judged by others of Salem and God. When the truth is out or a lie is spread, this causes chaos, especially in a strict pious community or a strict Christian relationship.

"Nonsense! Mister, I have myself examined Tituba, Sarah Good, and numerous others that have confessed to dealing with the Devil. They have confessed it." (68) Hale

This quote questions the legitimacy of Hale's practice. He says the courts have strong proof, and their proof is the examinations of Hale. How could they even believe him? Hale just talked about things others normally did not in their society, so he was treated as special or superior. His word was credible proof. This is pathetic.

Questions:

1) Is Hale legit?

2) Is John Proctor a good Christian?

Crucible Character List p.36-48

 means new person or an addition to previous characterizations

Reverend Hale- from Beverly, feels superior to those unknowledgeable of his subject, feels he is "with the best minds of Europe" (36), wants to preserve goodness and God

Rev. Parris-  priest living in Salem, mean, no care for children,  cares for his position and reputation, does not want ppl to think he is connected with the Devil 

Putnam- child sick, wants help from Hale, wanted Bayley as minister

Ms. Putnam- child sick, lost seven kids during childbirth, doesn't like Rebecca

Rebecca Nurse- judgmental, her family was against having Putnam's choice of Bayley as minister, Putnams don't like her

Giles Corey- "No one has ever been blamed for so much" (40), crank, nuisance, but innocent and brave, wife reading Devilish books, he can't pray when she reads

John Proctor- rebellious, "John Proctor would rebel against (the two-man patrol)" (5)  farmer, does not believe in witches, authoritative -> "I've heard you to be a sensible man, Mr. Hale. I hope you'll leave some of it in Salem" (37) 

Betty Parris-  daughter of Rev. Parris  "His daughter, Betty Parris, aged ten, is lying on the bed, inert"(3)  Hale tries to help her, tried to jump out of window, Devil might be in her, admits to many women being involved with the Devil

Abigail- danced with other girls supposedly as Tituba called upon the dead, they drank blood, acts innocently, says it was Tituba's fault, accuses others of working with Devil

Tituba- black servant of Parris, loves Betty, loves God, accused of conjuring dead and working with Devil, denies the Devil and confesses to other "white" women working with Devil

Crucible HW p.36-48

"I must tell you all that I shall not proceed unless you are prepared to believe me if I should find no bruise of hell upon" (38) -Reverend Hale

The fantasy of witchcraft is evident through Reverend Hale's statement. This quote is a sort of liability agreement from Hale. If he is wrong in his actions, then he should not be blamed. The people have to be ready for any conclusion he comes to. Hale is just proving that he does not want people to know that he is telling lies. This manifests the falsity of Hale's occupation and the idea  of witchcraft.

"And then he come one stormy night to me, and he say, 'Look! I have white people belong to me.' And I look-- and there was Goody Good" (47) -Tituba

Even in 1692, color was an issue. Tituba, a black slave,  was telling Reverend Hale about her interaction with the Devil. It seems as if the blame for all the illnesses shifts from Reverend Parris, to Abigail, and finally to Tituba. This finger-pointing continues as Tituba blames it on a bunch of other women, who were "white". She does not want her own kind being punished, for they were hurt enough. She shifts the blame to many other white women, and Abigail follows in her lead.

Questions:

1) Are Tituba and Abigail lying about the other women being involved just to save themselves?

2) Does Reverend Hale really have any experiences of interacting with the Devil, or is he just lying about his past for fame?

Crucible HW p.20-36

"These people had no ritual for the washing away of sins. It is another trait we inherited from them, and it has helped to discipline us as well as to breed hypocrisy among us" (20).

This quote is key for during the whole witch crisis, sinners, or suspected sinners, had no way of being forgiven of their sins. They were just hung by their accusers. Since they knew sinning would bring them to their end, many from Salem led spurious lives. Others would know them for one thing, yet the sinner actually hid his true sinful identity. This life of hypocrisy would lead to suspicion, which brought upon the abominable accusations of witchcraft to everyday social conventions. Hiding sin or wrongdoing would lead one to their death. 

"the Devil may become evident as a weapon, a weapon designed and used time and time again in every age to whip men into a surrender to a particular church or church-state"(33).

From 1692 to 2008, people are always inclined to do the "right" thing or do what is "good". Good is considered to be worthy of God, whereas evil or bad is favored by the Devil. Salem was a tight-knit community that lived by one standard, a very religious-based one. For everyone in Salem, their standard  was "right". If one person went out of line, they were considered an angel from the Devil and became an outcast. This was what became of the "witches". This idea of the Devil and his evil was used as a "weapon" to set aside those who were not part of the norm. 

Questions:

1) How do all of the characters connect under the choosing of the ministry between Bayley and Parris?

2) Though the community is very pious, why is there no consistency in the pulpit of the ministry?

Crucible HW Macda's B-Day p.8-20

"But if you trafficked with spirits in the forest I must know it now, for surely my enemies will, and they will ruin me with it" -Rev Parris (10).

 

- Reverend Parris is more worried about his reputation and position rather than his daughter's health. 

-Is only urgent for information in order to be ready to take on those who are going to attack his reputation

Does Rev. Parris care more for his daughter Betty or for his reputation?

"You did, you did! You drank a charm to kill John Proctor's wife! You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor!" -Betty Parris (19)

 

-Betty tells the truth about the night before, that Abigail drank blood to conjure a charm that would kill Mrs. Proctor

-this also foreshadows that Abigail is probably going to be a suspected witch

-Abby seemed like a nice girl before, but now that we know the truth, she is actually bad, and we can see this when she threatens the other girls to not give any more info about that night

Why  did Abigail want to kill Proctor's wife?

Crucible Classwork

Rev. Parris-  priest living in Salem, mean, no care for children 

"He believed he was being persecuted wherever he went, despite his best efforts to win people and God to his side" (3)

Betty Parris- daughter of Rev. Parris 

"His daughter, Betty Parris, aged ten, is lying on the bed, inert"(3)

John Proctor- rebellious

"John Proctor would rebel against (the two-man patrol)" (5)

Martha Corey- suspected "witch" 

"Martha laid herself down on his chest and 'nearly suffocated him'" (7)

The Crucible talks about the town of Salem, where its people just want everything to be normal. Their standards of normal are for everyone to be pious and communal. If one did not follow these common measures, then one would be shunned. The overture states that there would be a two-man patrol looking out for anything out of the ordinary. This is going to be important when the suspicion of witches occurs.

To wrap that up, one key quote to remember from the overture is that "the people of Salem developed a theocracy, a combine of state and religious power whose function was to keep the community together, and to prevent any kind of disunity that might open it to destruction by material or ideological enemies" (7). They were to be one community that followed the rules of the state and the Church. If they went out of the line, the individual would be hurt, and so would the community.

Journal Entry from Blind Person

Dear Diary,

            Today we got back our pictures from Picture Day. I heard everyone talking about how ugly they looked, while others comforted them saying they looked great. The footsteps of Ms. Gerard grew louder as she neared towards my desk to hand me my pictures. I got a hold of them and that was it. I did not know what to say. Did I look great or ugly? Was my hair combed nicely? Heck, what the hell did I even look like?

           

            When my mom picked me up, she was so excited to hear that they gave the pictures out. She said, “O Honey, you look so beautiful.” I felt that I was supposed to feel warm inside, but my heart was cold. The word “beautiful” was void to me all my life. I heard so many times how “beautiful” the sunset was or how  “beautiful” the stars twinkling at night were. What the hell is “beautiful”? This essence of “beauty” will never be a part of my life, rather, my sight.

            I hate being blind, Diary. It stinks. Everyone has more opportunities than me. I can’t go play ball after school; I can’t go to the movies; I can’t see. In school, I hate all the questions, “what’s it like?” or “why does your paper have all those bumps?” And what gets me the most is when they don’t treat me like a normal person and try so hard to fit “my needs”. “Hey, I got that,” or “Let me explain to you.” I know they have good intentions, but it just becomes annoying every single time. Each time is a reminder of my abnormality. I’m not normal. 

Pregnant Girl Journal

Dear Journal,

            As usual, another rough day.

            I can’t wake up without being reminded of “the big mistake you made” or being “the embarrassment to the family. My brother and I used to be cool, but now he just glances at me with disgust. I think my family has become a family.

           

            After getting by the diatribe from my parents, it was a workout to get ready for school. The baby won’t let me be as flexible as I used to. Both putting clothes on and taking a shower is one of the hardest parts of the day. No one helps me, for the people that should don’t want to.

           

           

            When 7:10 came, I walked over to the bus stop. Of course, right when I reach the stop, the bus rolled past. “Fuck”. Luckily enough, a car drove by to splash water on me. “Fuck”.

           

            Once I got to school, it was halfway through second period. I tried to find any papers that said “Pre-Calculus” in my locker and walked to math class. The teacher glared at me as I walked over to my seat. I could already sense the change in atmosphere once I sat down. The boys in the back were already crumpling up pieces of paper, while the click of girls on the side was already murmuring. The paper balls started flying, and the girls were giggling. Why couldn’t they just leave me alone? They had no idea what I was going through. I ran out of the classroom bawling.

            Of course, my mom didn’t want to pick me up, so I continued with the school day. At lunch, I finally got some peace and ate without annoyance. Once school was over, I took the bus back home. On my phone, I listened to six new voicemails from David saying that, “Bitch, that child ain’t mine.” Once I got home, I walked straight to my room to not hear the second round of self-examination. I was so tired from walking between classes and just emotionally drained.

           

            I have no friends; I have no family; I have no social life; My reputation is destroyed. This baby has been on my mind, and David doesn’t want a part of it. This child will have a life just like me, but it’s just too hard to have a baby now. I’m too young for this, and I have no idea what the future holds. God help me—I mean us.

  Sincerely,

                        Bonquiqui

Pregnant Girl Perspective

-worried about future

-scared for reputation

-scared of what family will think

-nervous about her health

-stressed out due to watching out for another person, or "the baby"

-loneliness- everyone shuns you due to shame.

-QUESTIONS

- what to do with the baby>> Abortion v. Birth

- who will support me?

Letter To Teacher (#5)

Dear My Beloved Mr. Kmack,

            I know we have been through a lot, but these last three years have been a great experience. I heard a lot about you from Devin coming into the school, but all he said became an understatement after I finally got to meet you.

            After my first weeks of school, I always used to laugh at your attempt-to-be-serious face, the way you scolded the rowdy kids, how you always tried to be funny, and your futile attempts at instilling fear in students. I could never take you seriously, yet I knew what you had to say must be true, for you were the Dean of Academics. I became fond of you for the things you did for the school. You coached the volleyball team and boy’s basketball team to the playoffs; you helped to rid the school of the students who induced a bad influence; you were known as one of the best history teachers ever. All you do for Trinity, Mr. Kmack, has not gone unnoticed.

            Coming into sophomore year, I had the pleasure of having you as my history teacher. By the end of that year, you became the best teacher I have ever had. You successfully mixed fun with study, using your comical enthusiasm, lighthearted seriousness, and goal to better the knowledge of your students. I had such a fun time with that class that I would take it again with no regrets.  You were a wonderful teacher.

            As sophomore year continued on, the heat of the spring weather was inconceivable. We ran hard at practice and won meet after meet. I remember, Mr. Kmack, that you recognized my goal to qualify for states in the mile and 800 meters and pushed me hard whenever you could come to a practice. The rest of the team would run 3 miles, when I dragged myself behind you for 3 more. I may not have qualified, but my improvement was astonishing.

            Mr. Kmack, you do so much. Thank you for the things you do for Trinity Catholic and the things you do for me. You are one person I can always look to for help or advice, and you are always first to make fun of. Don’t worry, I love you Kmack.

                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                Daryl Thomas

Letter To Yourself From Yourself (10 years ago) (#4)

Deer Fewture Daryl,

            How are you? I hope everything’s okay. I am doing fine, thanks you. I just finished eating my Eggos and watching PBS kids for the last 3 hours. Do you eat Eggos still? I like Eggos a lot. I like Arthur, too. D.W. is so kwezy. She always makes Arthur angry. I’m like D.W. to my brother. I get him angry a lot, and he hurts me. I always get a big boo boo on my arm, but Mummy cleans it up. I hope your strong, fewture Daryl, so Devin can get a boo boo sometimes. I think you should go find the Red Ranger and learn how to become a Power Ranger. That would be so kewl.

            So, fewture Daryl, do you have a big house yet? I want a big house. I could play with my cars everywhere. I hope you have a lot of money, too. Then I could buy all the computer games and action figures I want. This 3^rd grader told me that an 8^th grader punched a 7^th grader in the face during recess. Isn’t that awesome? O man, that must have been kwezzy. I hope when you’re in 8^th grade that you can beat someone up like that.  O wait, you’re in high school. I think Devin’s almost there now. He’s like in 3^rd grade.

            Well, fewture Daryl, I hope you’re cool. I hope you have a lot of friends and have a lot of money. I know you’re only in high school, but—Did you know Rugrats is coming on? Talk to you later, Daryl.

                                                                                                From,

                                                                                                Little Daryl

            

Letter To Yourself From Yourself (10 Years in the Future) (#3)

Dear Daryl,

            I remember when you used to say, “the stuff you do now controls the outcome of your life in the future”.  I can tell you now that you are totally right. The future holds a lot for you, Daryl. Remember how Mom and Dad and your teachers always said you had “something going for you”, or “your future looks bright”. Remember when Jonathan used to say he would pay you if you would find the cure to AIDS so that he could keep “gettin’ it in”. You were so curious about the future, and now here I am, the future you. I do not want to tell what is going to happen, but I will forewarn you and lead you onto the right paths.

            Hopefully, you still have that ambition to get good grades. I’ll tell ya, you will need them. Your grades will bring you very far. They will help you get that dream job and that perpetual cash flow.  There may be times when the work will be hard, but know that the benefits are plenty in the future.

            Stay close to your family and friends. They will be your support throughout life. Remember to always put them ahead of yourself. Just think of all the things they do for you now and think of all the things they will do for you in the future, and I know they will do a lot.

            I bet you were expecting a lot of facts from the future, but that’s just unfair, and I know you know that. If you keep up your grades and relationships, the future you have always wanted will become a reality.

                                                                                                With love,

                                                                                                Daryl

P.S. Riddhi’s a keepa.

Letter to my Future Wife (#2)

Dearest Wife,

Where are you? Who are you? My heart desires your affection. I have been sick all my life, and you are my only cure. My soul feels no fire, no passion, no purpose. I need you to feel complete.

I have been thinking about you everyday of my life. I always wonder if my eyes have seen you yet. Maybe there has been a glance; maybe I see you all the time. I feel blind without you in sight.

I have been thinking about you everyday of my life. I always wonder if my ears have heard you yet. Maybe there have been a couple of words overheard; maybe I hear you all the time. I feel deaf without your voice near.

I have been thinking about you everyday of my life. I always wonder if my mouth has spoke to you. Maybe there have been words exchanged; maybe I speak to you all the time. I feel mute without you to talk to.

I have been thinking about you everyday of my life. I always wonder if my nose has smelled you. Maybe a whiff of your scent; maybe I smell you all the time. I feel my nostrils stuffed without you to smell.

I have been thinking about you everyday of my life. I always wonder if my skin has touched your skin. Maybe a slight brush as our arms bump into each other; maybe I feel you all the time. I feel untouchable without your essence close.

Honey, you fulfill me. You bring me into a state of awe and wonder. I can imagine that you look like the fall foliage, speak like the smooth, beating waves of the ocean, listen like one to their conscience, smell like a fresh batch of roses, and feel like the soft skin of a baby. Baby, you are perfect, and I cannot wait to meet you. Be safe, my love.

Your love,

Daryl

Letter from the Devil to God (#1)

Dear Enemy,

 

            I have been doing wonderful. Have you seen what’s been going on in your Earthly kingdom? The destruction in war, greed for power and money, your children starving and dying, a culture full of sex, pride, and prejudice. Seems to me that my side is winning. I’m not saying we are at war or anything; we’re just better.

            Hey, it’s okay to be a loser. You may have good intentions, your Highness, but good can’t mess with evil. Just because I may be a cheating scoundrel, does not mean I don’t influence the hearts of others. I make the people hate, steal, kill, jealous, etc. I am sorry if I hurt your feelings—well, not really. That’s the point. I want to hurt you by hurting the people you care for.

           

 

Earlier today, I was laughing looking at the people go to Church for Mass. I find it funny that all these people are going to Church for me, not you. I have driven them into insanity with the conflict between good and evil in their conscience that they have to go to Church to feel better. Nice try, Lord. 

So this is farewell, O Holy One. I hope we get to see each other soon, maybe at the Apocalypse. Love ya, bitch.

Sincerely,

D. E. Vil

Forgiveness Letter

Dear Daryl,

            Words definitely speak louder than actions. The statements uttered out of your mouth that day have left a lasting mark on my heart.

 

            Daryl, I always told you to listen to me, but you did not. After every single time I was right, you persisted to not listen. Do you remember when I said to set a schedule for yourself? Do you remember when I said to ask those around you first before deciding anything? Do you remember that I love you?

            It does not matter, because you only remember how sad you were when you did the opposite of what I said. All I want to know is, “Why?” You know I love you, Daryl. I only wanted the best for you, yet you took the affection and care I had for you and threw it into the garbage. A relationship has to retain love from both parts, but when one says, “I hate you,” a relationship becomes split.

 

            Right after I heard you say that, I never thought our friendship would come back again. I began to hate you for saying that you hated me. I held our bond as a huge priority in my life, but when the person I care about does not care as much, why waste my time?

           

            That week became so miserable. I felt so lonely after we did not talk to each other. I realized how important you were to me, and that I have been hard on you. I could not live without you, so I want to forgive you, Daryl. I am sorry for whatever made you want to say that you hated me. It is okay, but just remember that I love you.

                                     Your brother always and forever,

                                     Devin