Transcendentalism Society Con/Pro Essay Question

Question: Do you think your society would be possible in today’s world?

    Swag Town is a Utopian society. It has rules set in place so that all of its residents may be happy. It has specific laws with specific consequences. It is meant to be ultimately safe and secure. However, there are numerous flaws in the way Swag Town is run and its regulations. Swag Town has some very good basic rules. However, Swag Town does not have a firm enough criminal justice system, an army, or an agricultural industry.
   There are some marvelous fundamental rules in Swag Town. Citizens are not allowed to mistreat each other. This ensures cooperation. The environment within the average workplace of Swag Town is perhaps unmatched in productivity. Everyone does a job which they enjoy. This ensures no civil unrest. There are some wonderful basic laws and regulations within the society of Swag Town, but there are many significant flaws as well. Swag Town has no agricultural industry.
   Swag Town has no way of growing their own food. Without food, the citizens of Swag Town would starve. Even if Swag Town imported all of their food, think of the prices they would have to pay. With no food exports whatsoever and all imported produce, Swag Town would be losing so much money that their economy would surely crash. This would cause massive inflation on all goods within Swag Town, especially food. The city would be thrown into horrible disarray and confusion due to riots. Swag Town also does not have a strong enough system of criminal justice.
   Swag Town’s criminal justice system is severely lacking, to say the least. There are no jails or prisons within the city. If a heinous crime were to be committed, the offender would have to be sent away via ship. They could possibly revolt with other prisoners whilst upon said ship. There is little to no law enforcement which patrols Swag Town. The harshest punishment is house arrest. Criminals could easily break free from the confines of their homes. This would cause mass panic and ultimately more trouble. The society of Swag Town has no military force.
   Swag Town is very much crippled by it’s lack of an army. If war were to be declared upon the society, there would be no more than a haphazardly thrown together army of civilians. These citizens would be poorly trained with little to no weaponry or equipment. Swag Town would surely fall to nearly any invaders. They just do not have a reliable defense. Swag Town would require a powerful army to be a successful society. They do not have the supplies needed to defend themselves in the event of an attack.
   Swag Town does have some excellent commodities for its citizens. It has very good basic laws and regulations. But, that is just the problem. They are too basic. There is no way Swag Town would be able to be a functioning society. Swag Town would require an agricultural industry, a stronger criminal justice system, and a powerful military in order to be a successful society.

Walden Essay

Henry David Thoreau’s time in the woods may seem like nothing. It may seem like time wasted. It may seem like time lost. It may seem like simply the musings of a lonely man. It may even seem that Thoreau was insane to have actually spent two months, two years, and two days away from the rest of society. But it was not. Thoreau’s time in the forest was time well-spent, not time wasted.

    Thoreau spent two years, two months, and two days in the forest. No one at that time who could afford not to had dared to do such a thing before. He lived simply. He grew his own food. He observed all of the nature around him and wrote about it. He lived in a simple manner. He lived only in a cabin. No one had thought about doing that. Everybody believed Thoreau to be a strange man. But, he was just a man beyond his own time. His musings on his general surroundings were simple, yet profound. They shape the thoughts of man today. Thoreau’s time spent in the woods was also very important to society today.
    Thoreau’s time spent in the forest was very productive because he wrote many interesting and important things. In fact, if his writings were not important, then society would not still teach about them today. People still bring up Thoreau’s writings in modern arguments about the environment and how industrialism and expansionism threaten to destroy important parts of nature. Thoreau’s writings may not have been relevant back when he wrote them, but they certainly are today. The human population can all learn from what Thoreau has written. Thoreau was a very intelligent man. His writings have much to offer. They are even pertinent to society today. Everyone learns from his writings today.
    Society is still learning from Thoreau’s journals today. People payed him no mind at first. But, later, everyone realized the monumental impact his work could have. Expert researchers still view Thoreau’s journals today when making decisions based on industrialism. Much of Thoreau’s work is studied by students in schools. Thoreau is still teaching us today.
    Henry David Thoreau’s time in the woods was not all for not. He spent two years, two months, and two days in a cabin. He ate food he grew on his own patch of land. He was able to do something that no wealthy man had attempted or thought of seriously before. He wrote his musings in his journals. These musings were very important. He was able to teach society through his journals well after his death. Henry David Thoreau’s time spent in the forest was not wasted; not at all.
    

The Dead Poet's Society Follow Up Post

There are many consequences to being a transcendentalist within the movie “The Dead Poet’s Society”. These consequences are dire in nature. They are almost impossible to avoid. You could become an outcast. You could lose your job. You could even get hurt. For example, the teacher in the movie loses his job. You can become an outcast from the outside world. Many people might not agree with your beliefs. The one boy within the movie ends up getting the crap kicked out of him because of his belief that he should seize the day and go after a girl with a boyfriend. There are many consequences when it comes to transcendentalism. These are but a few.

Modern Day Transcendentalist

Besides Lady Gaga, who do you think is a modern day transcendentalist?

     Modern day transcendentalism is scarce and difficult to find. In this day and age, modern man is so concerned about fitting in among his peers. People are often ridiculed for holding separate beliefs than that which has been accepted as truth. There are however, still a handful of those who dare to go outside the traditional system of beliefs. These are defined as modern day transcendentalists. One such example of a modern day transcendentalist would be Barack Obama.

     Barack Obama is the first black president ever to be elected in the United States of America. People doubted he would win the election. They thought the United States was not ready for a black president. These people were wrong. Barack Obama got a wonderful education and put his mind to work. He became a senator. He then ran for president. He gave and still continues to give inspiring and amazing speeches. People told him the United States of America was not ready for a black president. People even made such accusations as to say he was an insider for the radical terrorist group Al Quaida. They said wild things, made up crazy tales. They said the US wasn't ready. He proved them all wrong.

The Student Declaration Of Independence

Student Declaration of Independence 

     The students of Grosse Pointe South High School have put up with unfair treatment for far too long. The rules of the establishment have oppressed the basic rights of the children. School should start much later. It is much easier to learn and do work when one is well rested. We need a more relaxed dress code. Students express themselves through their choice in clothing. It is only fair that they be allowed to wear what they choose. There should be free parking for students. Students may waste time that could be spent learning looking for a place to park. We demand more class work and less homework. Class work allows students to not have to stress about getting their homework completed. Students should be allowed to use their cell phones in class. This also contributes to a relaxed environment. There should not be blocks on the school computers. Students are mature enough to know which websites are appropriate for school and which ones are not. The school store needs to be open all day. This allows students to buy supplies. It also allows them to have a snack in between classes. Food and drink should also be allowed in class. This permits students to be relaxed and focused on learning rather than the fact that they are hungry. We need a longer lunch. Social situations are an important part of high school. Lunch lets students learn social skills. And, finally, we demand that we have more snow days. When it is ten degrees below zero outside with a foot and a half of snow on the ground, it is a bit difficult for us to get to school. These are the basic rights which we as a student body require in order to create a more relaxed, simple, and enjoyable learning environment.

I.          One complaint against school is that school starts way too early. Many students do not get enough sleep at night. That causes students not to function well in school. School should start an hour later. This will allow students to get a better sleep and do better in school.

II.          Students should also get a longer lunch. Students work hard all day and should get more time to relax. A longer lunch would allow students to socialize with friends. Also, students will have time to eat their lunch and not be rushed. As of now, lunch is too short and too rushed.

III.         The school store should be opened all day. This will allow students to get a snack when they are hungry. Many students don’t have time to eat breakfast. The school store will allow students to get food in the morning at school. This will also make more money for the school.

IV.        Phones should be allowed in class. Some may argue that phones are distracting, but if they are on silent they aren’t disturbing anyone. And phones should be allowed in every class on everyday, besides test days. Texting in class doesn’t take the spotlight off the teacher, and doesn’t draw attention to the student texting. Phones can also be helpful in class when students are trying to look something up.

V.        There should not be a dress code at South. Dressing freely is a form of self expression. Kids know what they’re comfortable in, and know not to come to school wearing anything too revealing or inappropriate. In the summer months girls should be able to wear whatever length shorts they’re comfortable in. The rule is unfair since some girls have shorter legs than others, and can get away with shorter shorts. Also, girls can get over heated in long shorts and jeans when its warm out.

VI.        Charging kids for parking at school is extremely wrong. The meters along Fisher road, starting Across from the fitness place, and ending at the library, shouldn’t be in use during school days and school hours. Also, passes for the S-Lot should be free. Students should never have to pay to park when they got to school, since some kids can’t afford to pay the fees everyday.

VII. Websites for high school students shouldn’t be blocked. By the time a child reaches high school, they’re aware of what is right, and what is not. Kids wouldn’t use a school computer for anything inappropriate. And Facebook and Twitter should be unblocked so kids can keep in touch with their teachers and fellow classmates.

IIV.    Being late is affecting not just me but other students attendance as well. As students, we must argue that school starts to early. Getting up early to make the first bell is hard, not only, it affects the grading system. Getting up early will affect the brain to function  and stay focus due to numerous hours of sleep.  This why we must argue that school starts to early.

IX.     Food and drinks should  be allowed in class. Teachers and students will argue with this law. Without food, the brain will not function correctly. Getting up for school is already to early, there is no time for people to stop to grab a donut or just a coffee. Breakfast is the main meal of the day. Without  the option to eat or drink in class, we as students can not function correctly. Food and drinks should be allowed in class.

X.      Over the years in Michigan, the weather has been getting worst. In the summer the weather is usually 90°F and in the winter its below 20°F. When it snows over 6in. the district still makes all schools open. If there is sleet and snow on the ground, why should have to continue to go too school if the weather is bad? When the weather is bad, its a higher chance for students and teachers to become ill. to prevent this, school should be closed on snow days.

We the students declare independence from the school board and King Provenzano for all of the reasons just spoken. We want school to start later. We want more snow days. We want to have the power to use cell phones in class. We want an elimination of the dress code. We want a longer lunch time. We want more work in class and less work at home. We want the parking outside of the school to be meter free. We want all of the websites unblocked. We want the school store to be open all day. We want food and drinks to be allowed in all classes.

We have stated the consequences if these things do not happen. The students will create a new, free and independent education system. We have tried to bargain and bring forth an agreement of our requests and the board’s failure to complete these things has created our want for independence.  We, the students of the great Grosse Pointe South High School publish and declare our right to be free and independent from the school board and the class of King Provenzano. There is no longer a connection between the students and the school. We find it our right to write and pledge this document and to declare our independence for the better of all of the students against the school board and the class of King Provenzano. Through this declaration we mold a new alliance and mutually defend our rights and our honor. 

Eric Addy

Semonika Drain

Kaelyn Moceri

Josh Dauphinais

Alex Cascio

The Crucible Epilogue

The Crucible Epilogue

    Many years had passed since the witch trials at Salem. Reverend Hale had long since ceased to believe in witches after the horrors he had witnessed. Now, whenever he is summoned to search for evidence of witchcraft he simply shows up and disproves any evidence of what other people may see as contracting with Lucifer. There was, on occasion, a call involving a legitimate crime, such as robbery or murder. But, those were few and far between. Most of the time, a town’s legal system was more than capable of determining a logical reason for a crime and sentencing the offender accordingly. People were not as quick to jump to the conclusion of witchcraft now. Not since the insanity that had gone down in Salem. Not since the blood of the innocent had been spread across the land like butter upon a slice of bread.
    No; now Hale was getting on in years significantly. He had a good life. It was much less hectic now. He lived with his wife—Lily was her name—and his son, Joseph. His son was of the age where he could assist his aging father around their farm. This made work around their land much easier on Hale.
    Hale would often visit his dear friend, Elizabeth. After the witch trials at Salem, they stayed in touch. Hale comforted Elizabeth after the death of her husband. John Proctor had martyred himself to save many other’s lives. He may not have understood it in its entirety then, but now Hale viewed John Proctor as a hero.
    Elizabeth had remarried to a man named Jacob Smith. Jacob was a kind man. Elizabeth’s children had grown quite fond of their stepfather. Hale had a good friendship with Jacob. They would go into town together and drink. They spoke of life and of God with one another. They helped each other with labor around their properties. Yes, it was truly a good friendship indeed.
    Hale lived quite a good life now. He was very content with the way things were. He no longer had to fear for the loss of life due to lying and deceiving. The witch trials were long finished. His wife and son loved him very much, as did his dear friends. All was well. All was peaceful.

The Crucible Essay

There are many characters responsible for the witch trials in Salem. There are three characters particularly at fault. Abigail Williams accuses many people of witchcraft. Parris is aware that the girls were partaking in dancing and possible rituals and he does not mention it to anyone. Mary Warren is at fault because she would not testify against Abigail in court. There are numerous characters responsible for the Salem witch trials, but Abigail Williams, Parris, and Mary Warren are most at fault.
    Abigail Williams initially starts the witch trials. She has an affair with John Proctor. She then becomes unhealthily obsessed with him. She decides to try and kill his wife, Elizabeth, by partaking in a ritual and drinking chicken blood. Back in those times, this was a legitimate attempted murder. The people of Salem actually did believe that this would kill someone. Therefore, Abigail is really the only one to ever partake in the dark art of witchcraft in Salem. She blames others to take suspicion off of herself. She threatens the other girls with death should they report her ruse. “Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, 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). They believe she will kill them if they say anything to contradict her. She then attempts to kill John Proctor’s wife by accusing her of witchcraft. She causes much chaos within the town. Abigail is the most at fault for the witch trials in Salem, but her uncle, Reverend Parris, is also partly to blame.
    Parris is a greedy reverend. He worries only about himself and his position of power. He knows that Abigail and the other girls were partaking in rituals, however, he does nothing about it. He is afraid that if it is found out that his daughter and niece are found out to be lying and sentencing people to death, that he, in turn, will be removed from power as the town’s reverend. Therefore, even when good people’s lives depend upon it, he does not mention what he witnessed. He says to Judge Danforth when John Proctor gives the evidence that Abigail is lying “Excellency, you surely cannot think to let so vile a lie be spread in open court” (89)! He denies that his niece is, even though the evidence against her is immense. Parris is, in fact, a very bad minister. However, Mary Warren does not help to dismiss Abigail’s lies either.
    Mary Warren is more or less a friend of Abigail’s. She is a very naive and weak-minded girl. She is not a leader. She is a follower. She follows Abigail out of fear. When John Proctor tells her to testify against her in court, she refuses, saying such things as “I cannot do it, I cannot” (80)! She has a great fear of Abby. She truly believes that defying Abigail Williams will result in her own death. She testifies only because John Proctor threatens her life. “I will bring your guts into your mouth but that goodness will not die for me” (80)! John Proctor is referencing the fact that he will kill Mary Warren, lest she testify against Abigail to prove his wife’s innocence. Perhaps, if Mary Warren held her ground and stood firm, the people of Salem would start to notice that the other girls were lying.
    Abigail Williams commits the crime of adultery with John Proctor. She then tries to kill his wife by drinking blood. She is discovered attempting to conjure spirits in the forest, however, by her uncle, and is found out. She tries to keep suspicion off of herself by accusing others of witchcraft. Her uncle, Reverend Parris, is afraid of losing his position of power within the town of Salem and so he goes along with her accusations. Mary Warren had many a chance to disprove Abigail’s lies, but she was too frightened to take any of them. She always crawled back to Abby in the end. These three characters are the most responsible for the horrible tragedy of the Salem witch trials.

The Crucible Post 2

     I would lie to keep myself out of trouble. I would not like it, but I would do it. I am fairly certain it is just a part of human instinct to lie. If I were going to die and I could only prevent it by lying, then yes, I would lie. If I were accused of witchcraft, why wouldn't I just admit to it and prevent my death? Everyone else could do the same, as well. Then, no one would truly get hurt. I would also lie to protect my friends and family.
     As for what John Proctor did, I think he was right morally. However, rationally he was wrong. He could have just lived life fine without upsetting anyone. However, he decided to tell Elizabeth that he had cheated on her with Abby. If I were put in the same situation, I would probably have told the truth as well. I would not be able to live with myself. I am certain this is what the case was with John Proctor. He told the truth to make himself feel better. But I am not sure that is the only reason he did it. Perhaps he thought he would make his wife feel better because he was so honest with her.

The Crucible Post 1

     By the end of act one, the power in Salem has shifted drastically. The girls, who previously had little to no power, now have all of the power. They were merely children. They were also girls, and women did not have a lot of power back then. But, after the suspicion of the Devil pops up within the town of Salem, and the girls seem to have all the answers, people start to pay much more attention to them. Anything they say goes. They are able to accuse others of witchcraft and be believed without question. Nobody objects to what they say. Abigail leads the other girls and they fear her; so they listen to her.

Sinners Follow Up Post

     This sermon was terrifying many years ago when it was first given. However, if given today, it would not have the same effect on people as it did then. People now are much more capable of rational thinking. Back then, people were much more religious. Now, people depend mostly on science for the answers to their problems. Many people have many different beliefs. There are far more than one religion nowadays. If this sermon was given today, many people would not pay it as much attention as they did all those years ago.

"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" Post

     On July 8^th, 1741, John Edwards delivered a sermon.  But, not just any sermon. His sermon scared Americans into becoming more religious and practicing their beliefs. It is widely considered the greatest sermon ever spoken. Due to its graphic nature, it is referred to as "the sermon for which New England never forgave him". It told of Hell and the consequences you should face were you to end up there. It was quite gruesome.
     I think that Edwards must have spoken of some pretty horrific things. I think he must have spoken of such things as the skin being peeled and scratched off from your every bone. Your bones then being heated so much by the flames of Hell that they turned to paste. Every limb and appendage cut off. Every oriface being stabbed with thousands upon thousands of pins. Perhaps your skin would turn to bark. Then, you would burn just like a tree in a forest fire. I think those are the type of things that Edwards spoke about.

Descriptive Post

http://www.scanchattanooga.com/gallery/scenicviews/baldriverfalls?full=1

    

     The roaring waters crash over the rocks with immense velocity. They are a rhinoceros on the charge. The rock which forms the base over which they fall has become rippled into the shape of steps due to erosion. A pool of water is gathered where it falls. The rocks near the pool are soldiers, shot down by the intense speed of the roaring water. They are scattered throughout the battlefield. The trees in the background create a modest discoloration, disrupting the overall color scheme. They have much brighter coloration and are being hit by the sunlight. This makes them appear to be of much lighter color than the solemn warzone of the roaring water.

Successful English Student Essay

     To succeed in English class one must contribute to class discussions, write notes when necessary, and complete homework assignments on time.

     Reading is an important part of any English class. This is why it is important that one contribute to class discussions. If a book is read, it is easier to keep fresh in the memory if discussed. This becomes easier the more it is mentioned. It also becomes easier the deeper the story is examined. Many teachers also give credit based on participation. Credit is a very important part of passing any class. Contributing to class discussions is an important part of English class, but so is writing notes.

     One must write notes when it is necessary in English class. Notes allow what has been learned by an individual to be reflected upon. Notes may aid in preparing for tests. Well-organized notes allow one to remember terms that would otherwise need to be looked up repeatedly. They also help in memorizing themes in a story without having to go back and re-read a portion of said story all over again. Some tests are even open note tests. This means that if one were to write down everything that was to appear on a test within notes, it would assure a good grade. Good grades are always crucial to passing a course. Although excellent note taking skills are an important asset in any English class, so is the ability to complete homework assignments on time.

     Homework is an inevitable accessory to any English class. Being able to turn in homework assignments on time is imperative to achieve success. Homework helps to keep material taught fresh in one’s mind. In the long run, it contributes to outstanding achievement on tests and quizzes. These usually make up the most of one’s grade. Therefore, being able to complete homework on time is a crucial asset to any person striving for success. One must always be sure to be aware of any and all homework assignments. This is essential to academic achievement in English class.

    

About Me

     My name is Josh. School started a couple of days ago for me. Mr. P. assigned us this blog post as homework. Blog post for homework? Yeah, it's awesome. Mr. P. is my favorite English teacher. He makes English fun. He is hilarious. I feel bad for the kids who do not have Mr. P. guiding their path of learning.
     I enjoy doing many activities in my spare time. I play videogames, like a lot of kids my age. Computers interest me as well. I'm not a huge fan of reading, but sometimes I'll find a good book. I have been told I am an excellent writer, but I have yet to write an actual story of any sort. Sometimes I'll get writer's block when I am trying to write things. A lot of people get that, I suppose. It's not as if I am in the minority.
     I hope everyone and anyone who reads this blog enjoys it and finds it intriguing. I am not sure what Mr. P. has in store for us this year. I am sure it will be fun. Last year was pretty cool. Mr. P. was also my teacher last year, in case you could not infer that from what you have already read. I hope what we do this year is as awesome as last year. We made a movie last year. It was pretty cool. Until next time, I wiill see you later.