A Prelude to Native American Literature

An Excerpt from Apache: the Origin of Fire

"They all agreed that would be fun and helped to gather wood to build up a greater fire. Secretly, Fox tied a piece of cedar bark to his tail. Then he made a drum, probably the first one ever constructed, and beat it vigorously with a stick for the dancing fireflies. Gradually, he moved closer and closer to the fire. Fox pretended to tire from beating the drum. He gave it to some fireflies who wanted to help make the music. Fox quickly thrust his tail into the fire, lighting the bark, and exclaimed, "It is too warm here for me, I must find a cooler place." Straight to the cedar tree Fox ran, calling, "Bend down to me, my cedar tree, bend down!" Down bent the cedar tree for Fox to catch hold, then up it carried him far over the wall. On and on he ran, with the fireflies in pursuit."

"Apache: the Origin of Fire", 1 Jan, 2007. 16 March 2008 <http://www.bedtime-story.com/bedtime-story/apache-fire.htm>.

Self- Reflection

When reading Apache: the Origin of Fire, I was truly amazed at literature used in order to give animals’ human characteristics. The reason I chose the following passage was due to the morals in which it raised as a whole, through the use of the actions of mere animals. As I read the short story, I came to find that the story expressed a vital moral that expressed stealing as a shortcut to achievement. Furthermore, if one is to steal then he or she should be punished in order to capitalize morality. As I read the novel, I asked myself, “Can punishment be too harsh?” This question was answered after I read the novel as I learned that there is always a level of punishment for every crime whether it is severe or light. This short story also pertains to the history of North America as the fox was known for stealing a fire similarly to the white settlers acquiring the land of the Native Indians. On an overall note I was truly delighted to read the short story as I believed it expressed the truth of immoral ethics and how they are to be punished. Additionally the story is similar to the life I am accustomed to, as there are many robbers and thieves however they are typically captured and sentenced to an appropriate punishment. Thus in conclusion I must say that this piece of work truly evokes the moral ethics within life.

Dear Diary,

November 16, 1621

I go by the name of Rising Sun; however, my real name is Madulo and I reside in the Apache village near the Gonsagee River. The white men have invaded our lands and have brought with them many diseases and supplies for constructing residences. I fear that they will steal our lands as they were known to steal the origin of fire from the holy lands of my ancestors. I believe that god has made these gracious lands to share; however, I do believe that we have a right to control the provisions of land to these white settlers as we have lived on these lands far longer than any white man can imagine. I still have yet to see this so-called white man as I have grown up as a child within the limits of my tribe and protection of my family. I truly love the land which has given our tribe as it allows food, prosperity and life. Our land should never be mistreated and instead we should look to preserve the many lands our ancestors lived on in order to allow our traditions to prosper.

~

This land that we cherish is being used by the white settlers for their own benefits and gains rather than an act to preserve the land. Like the fire of my ancestors, the land in which we hold is being taken from us without consent. This is outrageous! How can they be so selfish? Why would they travel distances unfathomable across such a vast body of water. As I ask myself these questions I have come to an answer, “God has spared us these lands to share and preserve with others”. When looking upon the intentions of these white settlers I fear they may look to influence the passive nature of my cultures and traditions and misuse them in order to gain self-benefits. I truly hope that I am wrong about my beliefs and that these white men look only to prosper together with us and enjoy the benefits and love brought by the giving soul of nature. May our spirits stay strong in wind and not falter to any obstacles that may be in sight.

~Rising Sun, Madulo~

Dreamcatcher

A Politcal Extension

Essential Question Answer

In order to achieve a prominent lifestyle, competition must be enacted; as such a lifestyle is not always available at demand and therefore humans are stimulated to try their best to achieve a goal. Such is seen within the Native-Indian folklore, Apache: the Origin of Fire, as a prime character exemplifies cunning traits as he must steal fire in order to promote growth within his lands. The story expresses a sense of competition, as a fox must use sly tactics in order to achieve a better lifestyle through the use of fire. Furthermore, this could be seen within the Puritan era, as the lands of the Native Indians began to deplete due to the invasive force of the white settlers and their thirst for new lands to prosper on. Similarly, within Apache: the Origin of Fire, the Fox’s actions resulted in the anger of the village from which he stole the fire, and therefore he was caught and punished for his unjust actions. Thus the same concept applied during the Puritan Era as Native Indians revolted in order to preserve their lands and lifestyles as they believed that they were being assimilated into the white man’s culture without proper consent. Furthermore, the Native Indians looked to preserve their dreams at the cost of the deaths of white settlers, and therefore a sense of competition was evoked during such an era. Thus in conclusion, it would seem that competition takes place in order to achieve the American Dream, as it is not freely available to all, and therefore in order for one to prosper one must also suffer.

Of Plymouth Plantation

An excerpt from Of Plymouth Plantation:

"After they had enjoyed fair winds and weather for a season, they were encountered many times with cross winds and met with many fierce storms with which the ship was soundly shaken, and her upper works made very leaky; and one of the main beams in the mid-ship was bowed and cracked, which put them in some fear that the ship could not be able to perform the voyage. So some of the chief of the company, perceiving the mariners to fear the insufficiency of the ship as appeared by their mutterings, they entered into serious consultation with the master and other officers of the ship, to consider in time of the danger, and rather to return than to cast themselves into a desperate and inevitable peril. And truly there was great distraction and difference of opinion amongst the mariners themselves; fain would they do what could be done for their wages’ sake (being now near half the seas over) and on the other hand they were loath to hazard their lives too desperately. But in examining of all opinions, the master and others affirmed they knew the ship to be strong and firm under water; and for the buckling of the main beam, there was a great iron screw the passengers brought out of Holland, which would raise the beam into his place; the which being done, the carpenter and master affirmed that with a post put under it, set firm in the lower deck and otherwise bound, he would make it sufficient. And as for the decks and upper works, they would caulk them as well as they could, and though with the working of the ship they would not long keep staunch, yet there would otherwise be no great danger, if they did not over-press her with sails. So they committed themselves to the will of God and resolved to proceed."

Bradford, William. "Of Plymouth Plantation", 14 June 2004. 16 March 2008
<http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/english/coke/bradford.htm>

Self-Reflection

The passage, Of Plymouth Plantation, truly encompassed the variety of hardships in which the white settlers were encumbered with on their journey to freedom in the new lands of America. Initially I chose this piece of work as it depicted the harsh brutalities that the new settlers had to overcome in order to be relieved from economic and religious persecution. As a reader of the passage, the words and emphasis used to describe the nature of life on the Mayflower were unparalleled as it I could experience many of the hardships the settlers faced. Furthermore, the author of the passage explicitly aimed to explain the many hardships the white settlers were to face ranging from: the harsh storms at sea to the raids of Native Indians. As a result I truly find this piece as a great example of the American Dream, as settlers traveled to North America in hopes to find a better life and method of living. Therefore, I was truly amazed at the willpower and physical strength that the early settlers possessed. Likewise it was seen that, the white settlers were ready to lose valued persons in order to be liberated from the political and economic persecutions from their old lands. As a reader of the 21st century, I myself can relate this experience to the countless immigrants who take refuge in the United States in order to strive for the “American Dream”. Thus I must relate this story to the American Dream of achieving a new level of life, in order to provide a better standard of living.

Dear Diary,

January 28, 1622

My name is Edward Sumner and I have just arrived in these new lands known as America after traveling across the vast body of water known as the Atlantic Ocean. The god has provided me with great spirits and will power as it was his intention to allow me to survive such a brutal expedition. I could remember two weeks into the fierce journey of how I was made to suffer the putrid stench and the sights of people suffering from dysentery and tuberculosis. In addition to these terrible sights of death, we were meant to suffer the great storms and winds brewing at sea. God has provided me with the ultimate protection as I am still here to write about the perils in which I have faced out at sea. To this day I am thankful for the provisions that have been provided to me and I hope to prosper along with my friends and family.

As I have reached the land of America, I have faced many struggles and hardships between fellow settlers involving disputes between territories for construction. On my journeys outward I have witnessed people of brown color. At first I was frightened however I came to realize that these were the inhibitors of the land and they were known as Native Indians. I ask myself, “Do they Come in peace, or do they mean to do us harm?” I pray to god everyday hoping that all will work out and that peace will occur between these colored peoples and us. As the days continue I have found many of my fellow settler to be captured and raided by these people, and I fear that if the conditions worsen that we will not be able to live in peace. If such is to happen then it would god’s will for us to remain in our homelands. I thank god for the great spirits that he has provided us with on this perilous journey and settlement and oh how I wish for the best of luck.

The Mayflower

(An Adaptation of an Artist as the

Mayflower nears Cape Cod)

A Politcal Extension

The Poems of Bradstreet

The Poems of Anne Bradstreet

"To My Dear and Loving Husband"

“If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee, give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay,
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persevere
That when we live no more, we may live ever.”

"A Letter to Her Husband: Absent Upon Public Employment"

“My head, my heart, mine eyes, my life, nay, more,
My joy, my magazine of earthly store,
If two be one, as surely thou and I,
How stayest thou there, wilst I at Ipswich lie?
So many steps, head from the heart to sever,
If but a neck, soon should we be together,
I, like the Earth this season, mourn in black,
My Sun is gone so far in's zodiac,
Whom whilst I 'joyed, nor storms, nor frost I felt,
His warmth such frigid colds did cause to melt.
My chilled limbs now numbed lie forlorn;
Return, return, sweet Sol, from Capricorn,
In this dead time, alas, what can I more
Than view those fruits which through thy heat I bore?
Which sweet contentment yield me for a space,
True living pictures of their father's face.
O strange effect! now thou art southward gone,
I weary grow the tedious day so long;
But when thou northward to me shalt return,
I wish my Sun may never set, but burn
Within the Cancer of my glowing breast,
The welcome house of him my dearest guest.
Where ever, ever stay, and go not thence,
Till nature's sad decree shall call thee hence;
Flesh of thy flesh, bone of thy bone,
I here, thou there, but both but one.”

"The Author to Her Book"

"Thou ill-form'd offspring of my feeble brain,
Who after birth did'st by my side remain,
Till snatcht from thence by friends, less wise than true
Who thee abroad, expos'd to publick view;
Made thee in rags, halting to th' press to trudge,
Where errors were not lessened (all may judge)
At thy return my blushing was not small,
My rambling brat (in print) should mother call,
I cast thee by as one unfit for light,
Thy visage was so irksome in my sight;
Yet being mine own, at length affection would
Thy blemishes amend, if so I could:
I wash'd thy face, but more defects I saw,
And rubbing off a spot, still made a flaw.
I stretcht thy joints to make thee even feet,
Yet still thou run'st more hobbling than is meet;
In better dress to trim thee was my mind,
But nought save home-spun cloth, i' th' house I find.
In this array, 'mongst vulgars mayst thou roam
In critics hands, beware thou dost not come;
And take thy way where yet thou art not known,
If for thy father askt, say, thou hadst none:
And for thy mother, she alas is poor,
Which caus'd her thus to send thee out of door.
1678”

Bradstreeet, Anne. "To Her Dear and Loving Husband" 21 November 2006. 16 March 2008 <http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/Bradstreet/bradhyp.htm>

Self-Reflection

The following three poems by Anne Bradstreet exemplify the many different lifestyles experienced by white women during the Puritan era in America. As I read the three poems I was perplexed at the many different connotations that were expressed in order to express a primary point. Furthermore, the poems truly gave an insight to the lives of women and the duties they performed in order to maintain a healthy family. After reading Anne Bradstreet’s poems, I found that she expressed love in the lives of women as well as the many different thoughts that were undergone. Additionally, it was interesting to find the repetitive use figurative language within the poems in order to connote a main message. Therefore, I came to find that these pieces of work signified the lives of women during the Puritan Era within the early times of America and the different lifestyles that took place. Similarly, as I read the poems I was amazed at the different feelings that Anne Bradstreet expressed within her poems and how she utilized her language in order to convey a main purpose. After a while I asked myself, “Is an author capable of expressing so many ideas in so little words?” As a result, I found many emotions within the poems ranging from love to a sense of gloominess which I was perplexed to find. Thus it would seem that the three poems truly exhibited the lives of women and the many different feelings that they endured during the Puritan Era.

Dear Diary,
February 5, 1622

The days have passed and I have had a lot of spare free time on my hands, and therefore I have been reading poetry. As I stumbled upon the poems of Anne Bradstreet I decided to write a few poems myself, including the many domestic tasks that would take place within the house. As I walk around the new lands of America I have found that many of my fellow white settlers see women to perform jobs within the house in addition to performing other domestic tasks. Women have grown accustomed to an era in which their primary task is to care for children and provide meals for men who return from days of work. I wonder whether this had been the will of god, or instead an atmosphere created by the dominance of men in correlation to women. Now as I sit on my bed I have decided to write a poem myself relating the will of God to the tasks performed by women in the house. Similar to Anne Bradstreet, I have also shown my dedication to my true lover who I wish to marry in these new lands. I must honor the work of women, as it would be impossible to maintain the quality of a house without proper care and willingness. How would our children fare without the caring hands of women? How could we survive without women? What could we eat? These questions have all passed through my head as I write my poem.

As I have furthered into the process of completing my poem, I have found out many truths about women and how they must also rely upon men in order to provide a stable income and life to preserve. If it were not for men, women would not qualify to live under a roof, and therefore it is for this reason that I believe that a sense of codependence occurs between a wife and husband. After weeks of deciding, I have truly found a sense of happiness within me as I write these poems. It is to the greatest extent that I believe it is the will of god that establishes the basis upon the duties of a woman and man. I must say, the poems of Anne Bradstreet truly exemplify the truths about the relationship between a man and a women and how duties are split within a family. Overall, I must say that I have truly enjoyed reflecting upon the poems of Anne Bradstreet as they truly express the duties within a family.

Poetry Charts

A Politcal Extension

Edward Taylor's "Huswifery"

4. Read Taylor's poem "Huswifery" - and refer to instructions above. (Poetry Chart)

An Excerpt from the poem, "Huswifery"

"Make me, O Lord, thy Spinning Wheele compleat;

Thy Holy Worde my Distaff make for mee.

Make mine Affections thy Swift Flyers neate,

And make my Soule thy holy Spoole to bee.

My Conversation make to be thy Reele,

And reele the yarn thereon spun of thy Wheele."

Taylor, Edward. "Huswifery" 30 June 2006. 16 March 2008
<http://www.puritansermons.com/poetry/taylor14.htm>

Self-Reflection

The Poem Huswifery expresses the many household and domestic tasks that take place within the house of a family between a wife and a husband, and as a result the many tasks are shown to make up a greater entity. The reason I chose this passage, was due to its intensity as it appealed to a greater deity (god) through the use of symbolic language and connotation. After reading the poem, I came to find that it focused primarily upon the domesticities, “labors,” that took place in the house and how they made up the hands of god. It would seem that a sense of male superiority was depicted throughout the course of the poem and how men performed tasks of more importance than the “simplicity” of the domestic tasks performed by women. This same mentality was also presented during the Puritan Era in North America when women were considered inferior to men in that they could not perform tasks other than those performed in the house. I myself could not stand for a sense of male superiority within community, as it would be foolish for men to take on every physical role within the typical lifestyle of a family. It angered me to find that males believed that they could perform any task better than women. Many men to this day believe they can hold positions of leaderships better than women. An example portraying this can be seen in the record of presidency, as there have been no women holding the office as president. Overall, this piece of work depicts the lifestyle of a typical puritan family and how the male inherits a position of leadership within the house.

Dear Diary,
February 16, 1622

As I was walking back to the new settlement in Cape Cod a friend of mine handed me a poem that he claimed to have found on the Mayflower. The poem my friend has found, is apparently called “Huswifery” written by a man named Edward Taylor. The poem in which I have read encompasses a variety of metaphors in order to explain the many household and domestic tasks that all come to make up a spinning wheel which he compares to god. As I read the poem the spinning wheel within the poem really captured my attention as it was used as an extended metaphor by Taylor in order to make a plea towards god. I believe that such a notion was truly powerful as a man wished to only to perform activities that would be completed by the hands of women. Such a mindset would never be thought of in our community as men are known to perform physical tasks rather than the so thought “mundane,” activities performed by women. Similarly within the poem I was amazed to find that the author did not find any restrictions upon gender and the activities that were thought to be performed. Such a mindset is amazing to me as the typical male mindset within the white settlements is to perform only the hard work and leave women to care for children. The world that I have come to treats males as a predominant gender within community however the poem in which I have read truly expresses the importance of the job of women. In conclusion I am impressed to find that the author this poem truly appeals to god as he looks to perform similar tasks to that of a woman.

After reading the poem through depth I have found myself to be truly involved with the structure in which the poem is written. As the poem continues I have found that the author truly appeals to god in a manner in which he explains the tasks of women through the different working parts of the spinning wheel. As I read the poem I was truly amazed as Taylor expressed the yarn of the spinning wheel in such a rhythmic trance through the use of a metaphor. As I read the poem I understood that the yarn within the poem was compared to a conversation held with a supreme deity known as god. Similarly, my attention was drawn towards the poem as Taylor expressed the different fragments of the spinning will through an extended metaphor compared to god. I was interested to discover that each part of the spinning wheel was compared to a word or phrase that the author believed god to speak of. In conclusion I was truly impressed at this great piece of work written by Taylor, as it expressed household tasks and how they could also be performed by males.

Poetry Charts

An insight towards "Sinners in the hands of an Angry God!"

Jonathan Edwards

An excerpt from Sinners in the hands of an Angry God!:

“All wicked men's pains and contrivande which they use to escape hell, while they continue to reject Christ, and so remain wicked men, do not secure them from hell one moment. Almost every natural man that hears of hell, flatters himself that he shall escape it; he depends upon himself for his own security; he flatters himself in what he has done, in what he is now doing, or what he intends to do. Every one lays out matters in his own mind how he shall avoid damnation, and flatters himself that he contrives well for himself, and that his schemes will not fail. They hear indeed that there are but few saved, and that the greater part of men that have died heretofore are gone to hell; but each one imagines that he lays out matters better for his own escape than others have done. He does not intend to come to that place of torment; he says within himself, that he intends to take effectual care, and to order matters so for himself as not to fail.

But the foolish children of men miserably delude themselves in their own schemes, and in confidence in their own strength and wisdom; they trust to nothing but a shadow. The greater part of those who heretofore have lived under the same means of grace, and are now dead, are undoubtedly gone to hell; and it was not because they were not as wise as those who are now alive: it was not because they did not lay out matters as well for themselves to secure their own escape. If we could speak with them, and inquire of them, one by one, whether they expected, when alive, and when they used to hear about hell, ever to be the subjects of misery: we doubtless, should hear one and another reply, "No, I never intended to come here: I had laid out matters otherwise in my mind; I thought I should contrive well for myself -- I thought my scheme good. I intended to take effectual care; but it came upon me unexpected; I did not look for it at that time, and in that manner; it came as a thief -- Death outwitted me: God's wrath was too quick for me. Oh, my cursed foolishness! I was flattering myself, and pleasing myself with vain dreams of what I would do hereafter; and when I was saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction came upon me."

God has laid himself under no obligation, by any promise to keep any natural man out of hell one moment. God certainly has made no promises either of eternal life, or of any deliverance or preservation from eternal death, but what are contained in the covenant of grace, the promises that are given in Christ, in whom all the promises are yea and amen. But surely they have no interest in the promises of the covenant of grace who are not the children of the covenant, who do not believe in any of the promises, and have no interest in the Mediator of the covenant.

So that, whatever some have imagined and pretended about promises made to natural men's earnest seeking and knocking, it is plain and manifest, that whatever pains a natural man takes in religion, whatever prayers he makes, till he believes in Christ, God is under no manner of obligation to keep him a moment from eternal destruction.”

Edwards, Jonathon. "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", April 1 2008. March 20 2008 <http://www.piney.com/JonEdwSinHands.html>

Self- Reflection

The sermon, Sinners in the hands of an Angry God, by Jonathon Edwards evokes a sense of divine justice that is established through the hands of a supreme deity known as god. As I was reading the sermon I was truly intrigued by the passive tone in which the speaker used in order to connote a sense of anger towards the men who committed sins within their lifetime. As the preacher, Jonathon Edwards, included god in his statement, I was hooked into the sermon as many of the actions were produced by the hands of the god. After reading into the sermon my insight upon god grew and it became very clear that god solely possessed the divine authority to sentence men to “hell” or a descent to a world of demise. The primary point within the sermon was to preach the powers of god and how such a deity possessed the ability to determine the future path of men after their death. This sermon related to the Puritan era as it was preached in every school as it instilled respect and gratitude within children and to provide an insight towards wisdom so that it could be used in order to help others. Furthermore, many white settlers looked to god in order to receive guidance in times of crisis and famine. As I read this sermon I feared the great power that god was shown to possess, however instantaneously I also was at awe at the great power and the abilities that god was capable of releasing. This learning tool within the Puritan era also relates to the present day as many today look to god for guidance and supreme justice. Thus in conclusion it would seem that I was truly captivated by the powers that one possessed in order to execute justice within the lives of humans.

Dear Diary,

February 19, 1622

Through my education in the new lands, I have come to become well acquainted with a famous sermon by Jonathon Edwards. Within my school, this speech known as, “The Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” has been preached day and night in order to give us societal values about the good and bad men of the world. After listening to this Puritan sermon countless times I have come to understand the nature of god and how those who exhibit evil characteristics always come to pay dearly through the hands of punishment. Initially when listening to the sermon my attention was primarily focused upon the divine power possessed by god to cast any man into the underworld in order to undergo reparations for his sins. As I sat in class I pondered this aspect of the sermon and believed solely that god has the divine power of command by his side in order to set order within the world. Therefore it is not wise to make any objections upon the will of god. Similarly, as Jonathon Edwards furthers into his sermon, he dictates the anger of god towards men are vile and cruel, and as a result such men have already been sentenced to the underworld. From this I found that men did not have a choice in their afterlife, however it was their actions that dictated their future and whether it would be aimed for the better or the worse. In conclusion, this Puritan Sermon in which I have listened to for the past week has enlightened my mind with knowledge which will aid me in the afterlife past death.

As the Sermon continues, Jonathon Edwards explicitly states the many punishments that men must endure as a result of the wrath of god for their severe actions upon community. When listening to the sermon I came to be interested at the fact that not man could escape the tortures brought by the underworld. When listening to this quote by my teacher is asked myself, “Is there really an underworld?” If such an entity was present then I figured the hands of god would prevent evil men from going to heaven. Many colleagues of mine have already acquired a sense of ruthlessness however I do not believe they are evil enough to make their way to the “underworld”. Similarly I found that within my teacher’s speech, that god’s hands’ were the decider of all aspects of life. Such characteristics I have found present no option to men after their death and therefore it is up to god ensure divine justice within the world. In conclusion I have found that Jonathon Edwards’s sermon truly dictates the power of god and how it possesses all authority.

A Visual Representation

A Politcal Extension

Essential Question Answer: Bradford/Bradstreet/Taylor/Edwards

In order to achieve the American Dream, one must awaken his or her competitive spirits in order to break away from family or other precious entities primarily to achieve a desirable goal that proves even more satisfactory. This aspect is seen within the Puritan work, Of Plymouth Plantation, as the white settlers lost their families brutally when aboard the Mayflower due to deadly sicknesses and storms. Therefore it is seen that during the Puritan Era, many white settlers looked to achieve a better lifestyle through all circumstances, and therefore a sense of competition had been aroused. Similarly, within other Puritan poems, the white settlers where shown to prosper upon the new lands and develop new settlements and farms; however, the Native Indians took dismay to these new people and experienced a sentiment of fear. Thus through these aspects of the work, it would seem that the Native Indians resented the white settlers due to their invasive actions in their hope to achieve the American Dream. Furthermore, it would seem that competition had arisen within the mentality of the Native Indians as they wished to preserve their dreams rather than paving a path to the American Dream for the white settlers to snatch. Additionally, the white settlers performed many domestic activities in order to achieve a prominent lifestyle in which was god’s will. Thus in conclusion, it would seem that competition takes place, even if one is set to aside precious objects or persons in order to attain a prominent lifestyle better known as the American Dream.

Olidah Equiano's account of the Middle Passage

An Excerpt from Olidah Equiano's account of the Middle Passage

"My father, besides many slaves, had a numerous family, of which seven lived to grow up, including myself and a sister, who was the only daughter. As I was the youngest of the sons, I became, of course, the greatest favourite of my mother, and was always with her; and she used to take particular pains to form my mind. I was trained up from my earliest years in the arts of agriculture and war; and my mother adorned me with emblems, after the manner of our greatest warriors. In this way I grew up till I was turned the age of eleven, when an end was put to my happiness in the following manner:--Generally, when the grown people in the neighbourhood were gone far in the fields to labour, the children assembled together in some of the neighborhood's premises to play; and commonly some of us used to get up a tree to look out for any assailant, or kidnapper, that might come upon us; for they sometimes took those opportunities of our parents' absence, to attack and carry off as many as they could seize. One day, as I was watching at the top of a tree in our yard, I saw one of those people come into the yard of our next neighbour but one, to kidnap, there being many stout young people in it. Immediately, on this, I gave the alarm of the rogue, and he was surrounded by the stoutest of them, who entangled him with cords, so that he could not escape till some of the grown people came and secured him. But alas! ere long, it was my fate to be thus attacked, and to be carried off, when none of the grown people were nigh. One day, when all our people were gone out to their works as usual, and only I and my dear sister were left to mind the house, two men and a woman got over our walls, and in a moment seized us both; and, without giving us time to cry out, or make resistance, they stopped our mouths, and ran off with us into the nearest wood. Here they tied our hands, and continued to carry us as far as they could, till night came on, when we reached a small house, where the robbers halted for refreshment, and spent the night. We were then unbound; but were unable to take any food; and, being quite overpowered by fatigue and grief, our only relief was some sleep, which allayed our misfortune for a short time. "

"A Son of Africa" 16 Mar 2001. 22 Mar 2008 <http://www.newsreel.org/guides/equiano.htm>

Self-Reflection

Olidah Equiano's account of the Middle Passage is a great piece of work that encompasses the viewpoint of a slave upon the new journey to America and the hard work and will put into the construction of the new country. I initially chose this piece of work as it truly encompassed the harsh truths of the American Dream and how it was only made obtainable through the hard work of the slaves who were denied any real credit for their prolonged amount of servitude. As I read into the slave narrative, I found that African Americans had been seized involuntarily into servitude and were exposed to the cruelty of white merchants who thought of the Africans as chattel and nothing more. Slaves had lost their identities and were given meaningless names that were used only as a pet name to receive orders. This era of involuntary servitude took place during the Puritan Era as slaves were sold as tools in order to perform menial jobs and other sweat-breaking jobs. As my interest deepened within the slave narrative, I had become deeply somber due to harsh inconveniences of African Americans during the past. I could not comprehend how a human could torture another and believe he or she was above another. Equality between all humans has been a culture that I have been brought up with, and therefore I cannot imagine how one could work for another without proper consent. Today, slavery has been abolished and no longer is practiced within the United States legally; however, there are those immigrants who suffer from poverty as they are misused by their managers and paid a low salary which is impossible to live off. Overall I must say, I was truly amazed at the inequality African Americans suffered, and therefore I found Olidah Equiano's account of the Middle Passage a harsh truth that spoke for all those who were in poverty.

Dear Diary,

February 22, 1622

During my time in these new lands I have come to become well acquainted with the many slaves abundant in the houses of white settlers and other settlers. There is one slave who goes by the name of Hamidi (one to be commended) who I have grown very accustomed to. He is a distant cousin of Olidah Equiano a famous slave known for his powerful words and wisdom. Similar to Olidah Equiano, Hamidi had experienced many harsh experiences on his way from Africa as he lost his own identity and was forced to perform mundane tasks. Hamidi explained to me about an event in which he was seized from his family at the age of only eleven years old. It was from that moment that he was forced into servitude among many other children who feared what was to occur in the future. As the slaves arrived in the new land of America, they experienced their greatest fear which was better defined as a sense of separation and isolation. Each slave was bought by families for a prolonged sense of servitude in which solitude was in inevitable. As I talked to my fellow friend Hamidi, I learned the horrible truths in which slaves were to undergo.

Time passed, and I have found myself talking for countless hours with this knowledgeable slave, and I have learned that he has experienced a sense of racial discrimination within these new lands of America. I feel sorry for the harsh inconveniences that he must endure in order to merely survive. I explain to Hamidi, “You should always believe in your own strengths and try to push your way to freedom through the use of intellectual reasoning”. Hamidi is smarter than many of the white settlers and should deserve to have a search for a common goal of freedom. I say to myself, “Color is the only aspect holding him back from a sure-fire success”. As I talk longer to my colored friend, I become even more saddened as I wonder whether all this could be the potential will of god. Are whites supposed to be the supreme race? Have blacks been brought into the world only to serve others? I truly hope that this will never come true and that my fellow friend Hamidi will use his smarts and will to find a new path for African Americans.

A Slave Ship During the Puritan Era

A Politcal Extension

Essential Question Answer

The American Dream, an ideal which is solely created by white men, is an accomplishment that does not prove promising to minorities due to their inferior characteristics in comparison to that of the white settlers. Such is exemplified within the narrative of Olidah Equiano in which the brutal lifestyles African Americans were portrayed as they were to endure the harsh environments of slave ships. As a result, African Americans were depicted as an inferior race during the Puritan Era and therefore they had been deprived of their strive to attain the American Dream. Furthermore, African Americans were seen to perform the menial jobs that were under the echelon of white settlers as they were treated as chattel. Similarly, within the narrative the African American slaves were shown to be dragged to America without any proper sense of approval, and therefore they were immediately set to perform labor. It would seem that the Puritan Era promoted the growth of whites in order to obtain the American Dream, through the severe downfall of the African American slaves. Furthermore, it would be the downfall of the African Americans that would lead to the uprising of the white class who were meant to be superior through the will of god. Thus in conclusion, it would seem that competition holds back the minority in order for the superior race to attain the American Dream.

The Empowering Speech of Patrick Henry

An Excerpt from Patrick Henry’s, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”

“Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston!”

Henry, Patrick. “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death.” 2 Sept. 1999. 9 April 2008 <http://www.liberty-page.com/foundingdocs/givemeliberty/main.html>

Self-Reflection

The speech given by Patrick Henry evokes a sense of patriotism towards one’s country in order to be freed from the ruthless taxes and abominations enforced through the British Parliamentary system. As I initially chose this piece of work, I was amazed at the language Patrick Henry incorporated throughout his speech and the smooth rhythmic manner in which it was expressed. Through the use of his words, it was remarkable to understand the deepening message Henry brought across towards the British without any hesitance. After reading the speech, it could be inferred that Henry’s main goal was to attain freedom from the British in order for the Americans to gain full control over the new lands without being taxed harshly. Such a piece of work exemplifies the many hardships white settlers during the Puritan Era were to encounter, as they were to face the many taxes and regulations brought by the British Parliament. Therefore as a result, this piece of work truly inspired me to prevent others from deterring me from my true goals whether it is by words or actions. Within his speech, Patrick Henry made use of logos by appealing to the audience about the severity of taxation from Great Britain. In order to develop ethos, Henry makes use of high level of vocabulary in order to justify a main point the audience. Finally, Henry makes use of pathos as he uses a variety of different connotations in order to exemplify a sole point. Additionally it was amazing to understand the deepening message in which Henry was trying to imply throughout his phenomenal speech. However, as I read the play I was angered at the mentality that the British presented as they believed it was their authority to command the new white settlers and impose taxes on them. Many similar events occur without our government today, as families are to pay income taxes and other expenses in order to provide a stable economy to the government. Overall, this piece of work truly inspired me as a student to achieve my goals without the interference of other actions.

Dear Diary,
February 29, 1622

Hello, this is Edward Sumner; I have found many fliers exposing the goals and future ventures set by Patrick Henry. I have recently visited the town in which Patrick Henry performed his speech, “Give Me Liberty or Give me Death”. I was amazed at the vocabulary in which this man used within his empowering speech which last almost over an hour. I cannot disagree with any word he said, as I am being taxed heavily by the British. How can they have the authority to control my lifestyle and charge me for the products in which my fellow settlers produce? These are our lands, products, and dreams in which are being controlled by the corrupt British Parliament! Therefore I do hope the words of Patrick Henry to come into play and expose the British Parliament for their corrupt methods. This powerful man, who I have heard for the first time, has truly inspired me to boycott against that many evils in which the government has brought within our hard-earned lands. I hope one day, to acquire the power of his words in order to speak for my family and friends in order to earn respect for ourselves.

Patrick Henry has inspired we the, “white settlers” to fight against Great Britain in order to liberate ourselves from the harsh taxation and regulations enforced by such a corrupt parliament. I will stand side by side with my friend Patrick whether I die or not in order to achieve proper freedom for my family and friends. I will protect my lifestyle and hard-earned freedom and therefore I will always follow a great leader such as Henry. I truly hope that god will stand by my side in my strive to accomplish freedom for this new settlement as I truly believe it is one that will prosper significantly within the near future. It is in my heart, that I believe it is god’s will for us to be successful in defeat the British Parliament. It is solely our right to maintain and keep these lands in which we have tried so hard!

-Edward Sumner-

Patrick Henry reciting, "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death"