Last week we had some really good posts and some really good classes. People are, for the most part, coming prepared with good slides and engaged minds. You are listening to each other and learning from each other. When we have colloquia in the various classes and we don't get to your key ideas, PLEASE post them here. Also, when you have more to say about other things you are learning, POST. We love it.
Dr. Groft
HAHA! FIRST COMMENT! Don't ask why i'm up this late. but if you insist on asking send me an email. And when i decide to get back on email in 2012 i might answer it :D
ReplyDeletehahhahaha you are so funny, and you got nothing on me! i was up till six (like i have said before, my reading is kind of an addiction) but even though i only got four hours of sleep, i am not tired.wierd.
ReplyDeleteWho thought that classes were awsome this week!
So, my comp died in the middle of class on friday, and everyone disscussed my slide without me. SO, here are my thoughts.
I found it interesting that they compared grendal to a devil, and that they had to "cast it out" of Heorot. We have to do the same thing! we can not let the devil in, because he will destroy us!
kind of an obvious thing, but i made that connection.
So today I was having a discussion with some friends/acquaintances about attitudes when someone said something along the lines of “…she made me feel so angry!" And that is when I had a little epiphany.
ReplyDeleteNewton’s first law says that an object put in motion will stay in motion (key phrase- “an object”). At that moment I realized that I often act as if I am an object. I will let other people direct my course and affect my mood. However, that is severely wrong. I am a human being, not an object, and I cannot be put in motion without my consent. We MUST realize that even if we are not in control of others actions and attitudes, we are still in control of ourselves. So this week…do not let yourself become an object at anothers disposal.
Be a human being. Take control of your life and your actions.
-Layne, Social Leadership
hey hey hey so here are my thoughts on a cool part in Beowulf. I was going to share this in class but we ran out of time. The quote is: "Let whoever can win glory before death. When a warrior is gone, that will be his best and only bulwark"
ReplyDeleteThis really made me think about life in general. When all is said and done and we kick the bucket, all the world remembers of our lives after we're gone are the deeds we've done and the actions we've taken. That's it. I was having an interesting discussion about becoming vs. achieving in another class I'm taking. All "the world" cares about are our achievements. But who we really are comes from what we become, or in other words, the journey to the achievements. So many people focus on achieving and more achieving (the glory that Beowulf mentions), because that is what the world cares about. But more important is the becoming beacuase that is what shapes our character.
@ Alexander
ReplyDeleteI love that! It is more important to become than to achieve. As others view are lives they won't be so focused on what we achieved but how we achieved it. They will see our step by step process rather than just our achievements.
Yeah thats really cool Alexander. I was actually thinking about that myself; except it was more vague for me because I was examining it as Becoming vs Being and since those two words are so similar it was really confusing to think/write about and sort it out in my mind. But your post made it way clearer, so thanks!
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to say "Thank you Layne!" I really love your insights :) and I would add that we should remember that we all choose to be objects and follow Newton's laws, and that it helps to keep that in mind, especially as we associate with others. I've found that although humans have the choice to act like objects or act like humans, we need to be considerate and not do things that invite the "object" mentality and attitude. Because naturally, we humans are proud and when that pride is insulted, questioned or disrespected we usually feel like retaliating with equal and opposite force (hurting them back). Well that just goes to show further obectness. Let us discipline ourselves, take action and find the true power of controlling of our selves.
Thanks David! I really like what you said and thought it was very true. I will forever tell myself not to be in 'objectness' mode :)
ReplyDeleteThis is the story i wrote in the Writing Workshop
ReplyDeleteSha'nay'nay cursed his pitiful, meaningless, and feminine name. Although he was ridiculed, mocked, and laughed at by most of the malicious midgets (Sha'Nay'Nay went to a midget school), Sha'Nay'Nay was the best on the basketball team, being the only normal sized being. And so life went on for the most part for Sha'Nay'Nay, until one day when another tall, teetering teen came to school. Only this time it was a she. Her name was Leslie. Sha'Nay'Nay quickly became so maddeningly, drunkenly, and totally in love with her. As soon as he heard the small ball of Lallsvile was coming up he traversed on the timely trail that was so frustrating, frightening, and unnerving of asked Leslie to the prom.
here is my story, and i hope others will post!
ReplyDeleteAlonso was jogging down the street. Smiling, he glanced down at his new jogging sweats. Blue, orange, and purple, they were made of nylon, and were the most beautiful jogging swaets he had ever seen. Tiredly, he had awoken on his birthday in his mother’s basement to see a gift-wrapped package at his feet. He had flicked on the basement light, and ripped the package open. There, lying in the remains of the wrapping paper, were HIS SWEATS. He had immediately tried them on, and run out of the basement to shoe his mother.
Directly afterward, he had gone jogging, and had been going for a week now. He smiled again as the sequins on his jacket caught the afternoon light and sparkled in the windows of the shops he passed. He heard a strange sound. Snickering and laughing. Cautiously, he stopped, and listened carefully, trying to pinpoint the sound. It was coming from the doorway of the berber shop. The cruel snickering became louder and more cruel the closer he drew to the shop. Finally, he drew close enough to the shop who see who had been laughing in that cruel manner: it was his crush, Barbie. She took one more look at him, laughed again, and turned away, leaving him in shame.
Suddenly, he woke up, and realized that he had only had a nightmare, and he swore to never wear purple, orange, and blue sweats, EVER.
Hahahahaha Megan!!! that was awesome!!
ReplyDeleteGabriel! that was awesome to! (the funny thing is that one of my nicknames from my cousins is "nay nay" haha)
well... here is MY story... short, corny and stupid but... IT WAS A FREE WRITE!!!!! so... IT'S SUPPOSED to be short, corny and stupid ;D
BOB
YES, his name is bob YES he is awesome YES, Bob is here!
Bob came, he saw, he conquered!!!
Everyone LOVES Bob!!!
Happily, goofily, obnoxiously Bob walked on to the stage!
The Previously Crying crowd CHEERED!!!! The shining bling hanging off of Bob glittered in the Dazzling stage lights
He started singing
“GOOEY!! GREEN!!! GIRLY GARGOYLES!!
RUN FLY SING ALL DAY LONG!!!!!
THEY ARE COMING AFTER YOU
YOU HAD BETTER RUN NIGHT NOW!!!!!”
Bob left the stage as he was pelted with gold coins, THE SONG WAS A HIT
He was now, RICH
this is my OTHER post, it is not in the same category so... I think it needed a new post
ReplyDeleteI finished Canterbury tales and am now reading Ivanhoe. Towards the beginning of Ivanhoe Gurth and Wamba are talking and after talking about the government and how bad it is they hear some horsemen riding up and , after asking Gurth who they were and Gurth saying that he couldn't care less, Wamba says "Nay, but I must see the riders, perhaps they are come from fairyland with a message from king Oberon."
this is hilarious in and of itself since he is making fun of the riders by referencing the midsummer nights dream
BUT there IS an educational aspect to it:
even the FOOLS and the swine herders in Shakespeare time knew Shakespeare and the bible. Why aren't WE MORE educated than that? we have MORE time MORE info and I think most people own the bible and SHOULD own some classics like Shakespeare!
there... that was the educational aspect, NOW here is the funny thing
Shakespeare lived in 1500s he was born in 1564!
this book is set in 1194
there was NO Shakespeare at this time!
we thought that this was funny
The author LOVED Shakespeare and so, quotes him in the book even though he was not alive at that time
also, The midsummer nights dream by Shakespeare very well COULD have been a folk tale or something that he just made into a play and THUS it WOULD have been around BUT it was still funny...
**end of blurb**
wow novas, i just slept for two hours. That is freaky, 'cause i dont sleep well normally (i am kind of an insomniac) but, i feel way better now! so, i reccomend taking a 30 minute nap to everyone.
ReplyDelete@nathan that is actually really funny! and wow, you are going nuts with your reading! i havent even picked up the catebury tales yet, but i will have it done for friday (dont panic, Dr Groft ;)
And that is an AWSOME comment, Layne! my dad always used the analogy of being a battery: be a battery so you can stand on you own two feet, dont be a "sucker" that isnt motivated or can really do anything. So, the batteries are the force, and the suckers are the people.
To everyone, i would reccomend that we all try to write a genuine short story (when/ if you have free time) and share it with everyone after finals. The reason i am recommending this is that you all have great stories to tell! everytime we do a workshop, everyone's stories that i hear are really good, and i want to see what kind of masterpieces come from some heavy time taken out to write!
SO, if anyone wants to participate, please email me or something (you can find my email on SIS) and we will get something set up!
Peace out, my SUPERnovas!
Punky
"To understand the human condition, one tries to know God." The Roots of American Order
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting quote! What is it in Gods life that brings closer to understanding ourselves?
John
Ok I feel really really bad for not posting anything lately :P Well sense everyone's posting there stories here's mine- The Wanna-Be Yoga Master
ReplyDeleteBen Brown was a very focused yoga master. The yoga master often told his students to do impossible things like the “purple turtle “ before each class. Mr. Brown was a commonly known bully, for telling his followers to do impossible things. He was focused on becoming the best yoga master in the world! When he realized that he probably wouldn’t be the best in the world he lowered his sights to the best yoga master in the yoga camp he was teaching that week. It didn’t work. Nobody liked the yoga because it was impossible to do. Ben was so sad that entire week that he left the camp early, every night to go cry in his bed- his orthopedic bed the one that he bragged made him the best yoga master in his class.
Bty I read all of yours as well and they were amazing!!! Great job :)
I love the Canterbury Tales they are so funny and insightful. I will be siting there reading then just randomly start laughing and my family just looks at me. :) life is good when there are good books to be read!!
ReplyDeletePAY-10, that was AMAZING :D
ReplyDeleteMeg: I Love the battery analogy! we need to the the things giving the power not the ones needing it!
ReplyDeleteJohn: I love that quote! we are made in gods image, not only physically but also spiritually and mentally! thus if we want to understand Humans we must understand god
goose (Payton?): hahaha I like the story! good work!
Brook: I really liked Canterbury Tales! it did not have many deep insights but I loved the stories AND I had a thought about the book: the Canterbury Tales is not necessarily about the stories it is more about the personalities of the different trades! the different classes! reading it is really helping me understand some of the characters in Ivanhoe!
@Nathan's earlier comment about Oberon. It is quite true and amusing! But Shakespeare did it too! In the play, Hamlet is said to be going to school in Wittinburg, the problem being that in the time period of Hamlet, Wittenburg wouldn't have been around for another 200 years! You see it time and time again and I find it absolutely fascinating!
ReplyDeleteOkay guys, here is MY story. LaVerle continued....
ReplyDelete“The Clogger’s Revolution Club” was taking of. LaVerl had inspired his band of miscreant leprechauns to clog their hearts out to such songs as Journey’s “Be Good To Yourself” Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and Heart’s “What About Love” his bountiful band of bodacious leprechauns were leading the world in clogging breakthroughs everywhere.
“Remember” he shouted to his leprechauns as they courageously clogged occasionally clipping each other, “cloggers unite! Whether it be today or tomorrow, whether it be in a month or a year, the cloggers will unite! What did I say?”
“The cloggers will unite!” his leprechaun minions shouted back at him. LaVerle had built an army. He smiled to himself. All of the blonds would pay. He had not come all this way, he had not come from trying to fix that horrible Audi, he had not come from being laughed at by the blond, he had not come from tearfully singing Celine Dion songs for nothing. The blonds, the Audi, and the world would pay.
“Master, master” a leprechaun said to him, sounding an awful lot like an Igor, “the other leprechauns are jesting that your sanity might be leaving you and we shouldn’t be trusting your judgment”
“Are they?” said LaVerle, “Well I’ll show them! Bring out the cannon!”
At that moment a large cannon stuffed to the brim with nothing other than clogging shoes entered the room. The leprechauns gasped anxiously, hopelessly running as they were voraciously pelted by clogging shoes.
I am sorry it is so long I just really wanted to share it.
ReplyDeleteControl
The story of a stone!
I am falling, drifting, flying, towards the ground my life is flashing before me what little life I have anyway. You see I am a rock and well rocks don’t get around to much. I think, ponder, and search my thoughts. But you know there is just something I can’t get out of my mind. I will be thinking about something then Wham just like that it is back in my head. I try to ignore it; I try to think of other things. I think about the last tree I was stuck in and how grateful I was to Wind for pushing it over for me, Wind can be very kind that way once in a while. Then I think back long ago to my first day in the sun, I remember looking up at it through the flowing water. I remember lots of things, things that make me happy like my first time being picked up and admired by a small boy. For after all that is what we all want anyway to be loved and admired. I also remember things that make me sad like when the little boy’s mother told him to throw me and not to get his fingers in the mud again. I know what it is like to be rejected but I also know what it is to be loved. Once long ago but not so long ago I was found by a man for some odd reason he took a liking to me. He took me home and polished me up he made me shine. He put me in a window and looked at me often and sometimes he would talk to me. Then one day he was gone never to hold me in his warm hands again. Strangers came to the house and as usual threw me out. It makes me sad only some people have eyes to see the true me I can be beautiful I can be special but it takes gentle unique eyes to see me. Sometimes I wish I was not what I am I wish I was a piece of exquisite silver or gold maybe even a diamond. Then I would be loved and admired by all. But that is not the way of things I am what I am and day by day hour by hour second by second things shape me. And then there it is again that ever nagging thought. At times like this I have to think about it. This thought that haunts me is that I will always be stuck, lonely, and rejected. That I will never have a say in anything that happens to me that I will go though my existence with no more control over it then a piece of sand. Even the trees can grow so why can’t I do something anything. I pull myself out of my gloomy thoughts as I realize I am nearing the bottom of the canyon. Terror races though me as I realize I am flying quickly towards a giant bolder. I had of course been chipped in the past but not since the old man had polished me I had lost my shine but not my shape it frightened me I did not want to change. Bang, crash, splinter as usual I had no say in the matter. I rolled down the rock then splash in to the cold fast river. As I thought back on it I realized that had been a rather different fall then any of the others. An exciting thought but a new and slightly frightening one to. After a year or so I was found once more but this time by two people a man and a women. They were excited to find me, they even said I was perfect for them they called me a heart. Now I sit here on the front of the fridge every day looked at and every day a reminder of commitment, loyalty, and trust a reminder of love. I do not know how long this new experience will last but I intend to enjoy it while it does. I am now grateful for the bolder and cold water of the river for these things are what made the new me. Somehow I don’t care anymore about the control I don’t have because I now have faith that no matter what happens it will turn out right in the end.
Brooklyn Trotter
that's really good Brooklyn!
ReplyDeletea travel through the furnace of affliction (or, in this case the plummet of doom and the crashing on the rock and fall into cold river) will purify us and make us better and make our lives worth living even if, like the stone, we have no control over where we go.
wow you guys! these are great!
ReplyDeleteI am also reading the Roots chapter, and the quote that stuck out to me was the two paragraphs on piety. wont say any more, you have to wait for class. But let me say, that i always thought that piety was kind of over zealous, silly, pointless, and restrictive because of how i understood it (think pilgrims or quakers)
but, this new definition makes a lot more sense, and it makes me feel like it wouldn't be a bad thing to be more pious!
also, i made a blog that people can post stories, poems, etc. on, so if you would like to post, please email me and let me know so i can send you an invite!
peace out, my novas!
Keep it up young padowan learners! I love to read through your thoughts. I love how supportive you are to each other. Keep it up. We are creating an environment of learning that is founded on intense personal study, a respect and appreciation for the four mentors, and a constant quest to expand our definitions, make connections, consider application and sharing these things with others. Good stuff!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for class today everyone! it was great!
ReplyDeleteHere's my essay.
ReplyDeleteParallels of the Conestoga wagon and the Constitution.
Miles and miles of what seems like endless prairie was marked by a trail, a trail that was carved from the Earth by the Conestoga wagon and the handcarts. It was watered from the tears of the faithful pioneers who crossed these very plains not so long ago. To some, the existing trail symbolizes the thousands of wagons that sculpted it. To some, the sculptors symbolize the pioneers, but could it be possible that the sculptors could have a more splendid and majestic meaning? Could these simple forms of transportation that the pioneers used symbolize the greatest document that man has penned with the help of God? Yes!
Which of the sculptors came first, the Conestoga wagon, or the Handcart? The Conestoga wagon originated around the year 1750. The Handcart has been around since roughly the second millennium B.C. Many, to the handcart, preferred the covered wagon. The covered wagon did a better job in keeping harmful elements like rain, wind, and hot sunshine out. This is like the difference between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution of the United States of America. The Articles of Confederation had a weaker government that could not keep out foreign threats in comparison with the Constitution. Although the Conestoga wagon was more comfortable and desirable in the quest for the West, the handcart still had its advantages.
The Handcart had two wheels on both sides; this made it easier to make a pivotal turn. Without a second set of wheels the handcart could more easily capsize in the front and back. The covered wagon had four wheels; the two in the front were smaller. This allowed for better turning. The United State’s constitution had a better-balanced Federal Government and was less likely to collapse. Just as the wagon has a basic all round balance with four wheels, so does the government. The government has three branches as its first three wheels, the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judiciary. The fourth wheel is the people. With all these four, the constitution may stay with in its bounds.
The difference between man power and horse power is exhaustingly huge. The handcart was pushed and pulled by the travelers; this constant exertion of effort and energy was exhausting. When on the other hand, oxen pulled the covered wagons, up to four oxen would pull the wagon, and the oxen were indubitably built for this kind of stress. In our constitution we elect people to do our will and to represent us. Our representatives are our oxen, but the oxen should be guided by our will.
The storage size was between the two were vastly different in favor of the Conestoga wagon. The Handcarts dimensions were a simple four feet by three feet by a meager eight inches, as apposed to the wagon who’s were four feet wide by thirteen feet long, and thirty-one inches tall. The Handcarts center of gravity was lower, but you could only bring close to nothing compared to the wagon. At first many of the colonist believed that a Republic could never last being so large, and that it would be more efficient if the republic could be smaller
guys here is my essay for World Lit.
ReplyDeleteNever Deserted
“Now help depends again on you alone. The gap of danger where the demon waits is still unknown to you. Seek it if you dare.” Before each is a life full of unseen challenges and choices. Beowulf outlines how to prepare, encounter and prosper through each challenge or choice. He gives advice through stories. These stories can then be applied to modern times to a High School student.
Before Beowulf can contend he must prepare. Beowulf has killed the “slayer of men” Grendel and has gone to find Grendel’s brawny body as a trophy. Determined to get Grendels body he prepares to dive in to a pool of water by slipping on his chain mail, slipping on a glittering helmet, and slipping an ancient sword into his hand. He is prepared. This can apply to a Williamsburg Academy student today. As he nears the end of high school years he consults his syllabi finding that his final exam is due. All the work he has done up to now slowly comes back as he reads his quotes, annotations, and philosophic and encyclopedic questions he has put in a study guide because of his excellent mentors. With this invaluable bank of knowledge he feels dually prepared.
Eventually Beowulf feels confident he has sufficiently prepared to undertake the challenge. He dives in to the unknown and encounters Grendels mother who is angry at the death of her son, which leads to an attacks. In the mist of the fight he uses his armor and weapons in the way he had practiced and studied. Fending her off he eventually prevails by killing his opponent. Beowulf, by using all of his skill and knowledge, alone completes his challenge. Returning to the Williamsburg student, the same principles apply. The hard working student feels confident because has done all that is required. He boldly walks into his finales. He is required to dig deep yet he knows that all the answers are there. He aces the test!
What are the consequences of proper preparation and excellent execution? Beowulf returns triumphantly, heroically, and successfully with the title of a hero. Beowulf’s feats make him famous though the surrounding lands, and all difficulties are referred to him. In reverence and respect he goes down in history with poems, and stories heralding him for years to come. In addition the feat brings riches from the relieved would be victims of the vicious Grendel. Returning to the diligent student from Williamsburg, it is seen that he has received good recommendations, which result from his excellent grades. Cordially he is accepted to one of the finest colleges in the nation while being awarded extremely good scholarships. Later, he becomes a congressmen and ambassador. Such success is found because of he prepared and executed well.
In the end Beowulf teaches how to prepare, meet, and prosper through challenges. Beowulf’s life is pointing out the most significant one of these points preparedness, for it never fails. As a final word, while attending Williamsburg you are never alone with mentor like Dr. groft, Mr. Ure, and the syllabi. Never allowing desertion or loneliness to again creep slothfully in.
thanks for reading! have fun!
Okay, Greenmans Video was AWESOME!!! LOVE THE SONG!!!
ReplyDeleteoops here's the second part
ReplyDeleteThe Handcart had virtually no protection from the elements. All the baggage and food could easily be ruined. The canvas, which covered the Conestoga wagon, was waterproofed, and blocked out the wind along with the harmful UV rays.
The Conestoga wagon is like the U.S. Constitution in so many ways, in stabilization, what drives them and where the power resides, weather protection, and protection in general.
Just as the wagon has a basic all round balance with four wheels, so does the government. The government has three branches as its first three wheels, the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judiciary. The fourth wheel is the people.
The wagon’s progression forward is caused by the oxen. The Constitution’s government is also pulled forward by the oxen, the oxen being our representatives who we elect. The oxen for our wagons and government have a yoke. This yoke keeps them in check and keeps the wagon and government balanced.
The wagon’s canvas that protects the objects inside and deflects the elements can be paralleled to how the Constitution can protect its people from threats of, war, terrorists, communism, and the encroachment of unalienable rights.
The constitution was a gift from our founding fathers, a tool to live in peace and liberty. The Conestoga wagon was a tool to provide us with a place to life in peace and liberty under the Constitution of the United States of America. The trail that the Conestoga wagon carved is now eroding and disappearing as time passes into the unretractable space of history. As this trail erodes, our Constitution does likewise. This is a call to the people of the United States of America, to open their eyes and be the new generation of pioneers that will lift up our constitution so that we may continue to live in piece and liberty. Now that we have a land that God, and through the pioneers has given us to enjoy our constitution, we must, with God, lift up our constitution so that we may again enjoy this land in peace and liberty.
Thanks Nathan! :D
ReplyDeleteThis is my essay for World Literature. Its definitely not my best work, but its here!:)
ReplyDeleteA rewarding Night
By far the scariest and most vivid experience I’ve ever had was that of my first basketball game. While it should have been marked in my memory as fun experience, it wasn’t! I mean was scared! Coaches tell their players right before the game ‘you’ll do great, just give it your all.” Unfortunately on that horrible, long, educational wintery Friday in December of 2003 I did none of the things my coach expected of me. Fulfilling that duty would have definitely changed and enhanced my nightmarish night into something worth remembering, which nightmare cames in three stages: before, during and after the game.
Really it all started before the game when I clomped and slumped onto the court with the other players. It was our first game and I was definitely not the only scared bewildered boy there. As us boys sat on the bench, some were whiter, pinker, and redder than others, looking at the family members, who had gathered to see their children play. Worrying more about the ‘fans’ rather than the opposing team, we must have made quite the spectacle. At this point the audience was waving to their boy, who would act like he couldn’t see for the impression that he was a ‘big boy’ and didn’t need ‘girly waves.’
As the game began my nervousness ran rampant and I could remember nothing I had learned and practiced. Unfortunately all those long practices came to not for we played horribly. Playing this way the entire night, we realized that we were getting more and more frustrated and nervous with each passing play. As the game progressed our scoreboard remained the same, 0. Knowing all this seemed to make it worse, we gave up. As score after score mounted against us, such scores lead to cheers hoots and applause from the audience of the opposing team. What a night! It seemed to us that minutes turned to hours and hours to days, which made the ending such a relief and joy.
Finally, we were at the end of our line. Ending the game with a score so atrocious it shouldn’t be mentioned or remembered. As each of us tromped drudgingly to the locker room we realized we had lost to the scoreboard, we had also lost to the coach, we had lost to ourselves. We were so discontent in the end that we failed to be good sportsmen and acknowledge the opposing team, who called out ‘good game’ and ‘great job.’ No, we just changed packed up and left with the thought of getting out immediately. While riding home I remember reddening many times as thoughts of the night displayed as an IMAX in my mind. Boy, what a night!
With the outcome of that day in mind I think of all the frustration, fear and faithlessness shown by the team where a list of the shortcomings would not be adequate. Learning valuable lessons from such an experience was definitely not fun or rewarding, which makes the wintery December night one of the worst experiences I’ve had.
Jon! that was amazing! I came on the blog with the intent just to check a few things. Then I your paper and decided that I would read the first few lines before I logged off; but, to no avail! Your paper sucked me right in! I loved it!
ReplyDeleteHey everyone, Finals are coming up; if there is one thing that will help you, it's discussing your ideas, writing about your ideas, and expounding on them! We can ALL do it!
-)virtual hug(-
Peace out my SUPERnovas
Warning: Make sure to read this, but don't begin unless you have about 10 minutes :)
ReplyDeleteMan you guys are extraordinary! I somehow missed 40 of the comments on the blog just two weeks ago and its so incredible. I don't even want to begin thanking each of you because everything was awesome and I know I'll miss several people. I loved the suggestions, and way to work hard guys.
Well just like Megan, I've been writing things on my own in the spare time that I have, and although I wanted to save what I'm going to post here for the final midterm paper or whatever, I realized it wasn't in conformity with the writing structure that we're supposed to use so it wouldn't be any good any ways. Well I also wanted to post it because I can feel, and especially by all the essays in world lit today, that we're all thinking of this right now; so here's my thoughts.
What if America were destroyed? What if our government collapsed and our communities were thrown into chaos? What if this doom was not far distant? Until recently these thoughts had never crossed my mind. I mean, who thinks that this great nation of Liberty, Freedom and Opportunity could ever fall when its principles and privileges are so great? It could never happen, we would not let it happen, we would fight and die as we’ve formerly done before that could ever come to pass...right? Well my fellow scholars...it is coming to pass!
Recall the year 509 B.C. when the Romans threw off their Etruscan tyrants and instituted their Great Republic. Conquest and expansion followed, their constitution, mixed government and separation of powers was exemplary and the people ordered their lives in piety, discipline and honor. At its height, the people of the Roman Republic displayed moral virtue, a code of ethics and religious integrity so great as to stand out today in the annals of history. Their word was their bond, their families were unified, and in their continual marshal victory, patriotism flourished. Never before had such a nation arisen.
The people were unified both by common religion and war, however the expansion and victories of war proved to be a two edge sword dividing themselves in the end. However, more eminently disastrous than the killing, destruction, and plentiful slaves resulting from their wars, was the Roman’s departure from their pious ways. Luxury, prosperity and power began to corrupt, and the once honorable citizens became prideful, selfish and dishonest. Although it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of their brewing chaos, it is apparent that economic...social...and personal discipline...order...and well being tumbled in parallel fashion. The path of their decadence was as a sucking whirlpool or a gathering avalanche in which one problem led to another, one slip to an even larger slide and soon the complications of their fatal course became uncontrollable. Fate ensnared them, their freedoms were lost and despite their strong cultural foundation, their struggle with inevitable death endured for over six centuries.
Like Rome, America today is grappling with similar fate. Thus far, America has traveled a parallel route to Rome, (perhaps in a higher plane), but never the less quite the same. Our Founding Fathers actually modeled American government, after copying the blue prints left by the Roman Republic. However in this nation under God, the principles and wisdom of the Constitution were penned with the intent to safeguard freedom and liberty and lead America to last through all time. Indeed it contained the potential to do just that, so long as Americans remained virtuous, for as John Adams declared “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
ReplyDeleteFrom one of the inspired architects of our country, and proven by every democracy and republic in history, a truly free people cannot and will not endure unless virtue is actively taught and instilled in the hearts of the individuals. Corruption, pride and unrestraint ensue and ruin every institution ruled by men, because men are imperfect. So how can we now withstand the avalanche or liberate ourselves from the whirlpool’s grasp that is so obviously pulling us downward today?
From the Book of Mormon, and early American history, shines an example applicable to our day. At the same time Rome was experiencing Civil Wars and total Chaos merely a century Before Christ, the Nephites on the other side of the world were beginning to make the same destructive choices that had plagued the Romans. Yet as personal wickedness pervaded society, Alma the Chief Judge or governmental head man, knew the folly awaiting his people and in humility and wisdom resigned as Chief Judge to preach God’s word. For he knew that only in and through God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ could men change and better their carnal nature. It is solely the word of God that possess power sufficient to invite true and lasting change. And as Confucius taught, we must first cleanse and become masters of ourselves through education, study, faith and God; and then by our own purification can better all other levels of society. It is today that this land once again calls for a spiritual reawakening.
We must relearn and remember to abide by the Eternal Laws instituted by God that govern all men. For by obedience to His commandments and compliance with His Laws, are His blessings given and all good things endowed. It is the only way to maintain order, both private and public; and from that order enjoy justice, freedom and happiness. Yet today, we take for granted this wonderful blessing already present in our lives and do not safeguard our order. Above all other social concerns, this is the greatest, for if action is not taken our order and therefore America will be lost. It is wholly a matter of individual choice, we are the only ones we can control and if we do not employ our freedom of choice, the choice will be taken from us and made by others to our consequential demise.
This very dilemma occurs throughout history, and by principle indecision results in either subjection as well as undesirable compulsion. Ancient Greece models this principle... Proudly independent, and weak in and of themselves, the Greek city-states did not settle their differences, quite their squabbling and unify until 500 B.C. when a common enemy, the Persians, compelled them by threatening their very freedom and existence. Astonishingly the Greeks were able to pull it together and triumph over the Persians, increasing their courage, patriotism and unity. The Golden Age of Greece followed, however the luxury, shifting values and radical ideas brought moral corruption; and war broke out between Athens and Sparta, the dominant powers in Greece. Athens was defeated, Sparta was drained and overall the whirlpool’s powerful spiral furthered their predicament. By the year 337 B.C. King Philip the Second of Macedon had invaded and taken control, subjecting the Greeks to his will. If a nation loses its unifying dream or purpose it naturally disintegrates.
ReplyDeleteIn the past things have brought America together. Dreams of freedom and liberty, our race to the moon, innovation, expansion and settling of the west. Nevertheless we’ve also endured the revolution, civil war, oppression, WWI, and WWII; and although unifying, quite undesirable. Yet if we do not take action and renew our virtue, patriotism, dream and Trust in God, either America and all the freedoms we have will be lost, or we will be compelled and suppressed into unity. Remember September 11th? It is a prominent date, and merely a miniature example of our stewing fate. I recall the huge wave of patriotism and the open display of God that followed. Everywhere there were signs saying God Bless America. Ironically America has again allowed, forgotten and even shunned God. How sad it is that we needed something so terrible to stir our remembrance of God, and that once again we are back to killing ourselves. Will we stand idly by and let our nation go through such tribulation? Must it? No...What can we do?
From the media, from school, from the internet, from our wealth and easy living, we have allowed ourselves to become corrupt. And though all those things add and influence our fall from virtue, it comes down to everyday individuals that make the choice and are responsible for the 17,000 murders, 90,000 rapes, 856,000 assaults and 10.3 million reported robberies that have been occurring every year. We are currently engaged in wars across the globe, illegal immigration is weakening our society, divorce rates are up to 41%, marriage is becoming less common while homosexual marriage is filling that gap, fewer children are being born, AIDS is spreading, we’re in a health care crisis, banks are failing, corruption overrides our government, national debt is 13.7 trillion dollars and the future is bleak. Open your eyes to it, do not ignore it, realize it is you who can stop it, for evil will triumph if good men do nothing.
Our problems are overwhelming, but we need not be overwhelmed. There is always hope, especially when God is on our side. However we must courageously face the fact that in our present situation, great sacrifice must be made for our redemption. It is inevitably the only solution these days and an almost sad truth. For too long have Americans sat back and let our blessings be taken away, blessings that are God given and intended for our possession. Just as Beowulf mustered the courage to fight the dragon and sacrificed his life to secure the “treasures” for his people, so must we now rise up and throw off the “dragon” that haunts us today. We must be the individuals willing to lead America to victory, we must stand up and fulfill our God given duty, for have we not been reserved to come forth in these the last days to win this great and final war raging all around us? Was that not the American dream, to secure the God given blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity?..What great blessings have come because of Liberty, do not take them for granted; and realize this day that if we do nothing we will fall.
ReplyDeleteBefore I came to Williamsburg I realized our awful dilemma and the many evils we pursue and I felt it was my duty to put things right. However I desperately wished and prayed that there would be people out there, just like me, who felt the same way and were preparing themselves to assist and lead in the battle that will come. How happy I am to know you guys; I can see greatness in every one of you. It is my firm belief that we were reserved to come to the earth in this day because we are great. Let us chose to be who we are, and chose to sacrifice and triumph in this our calling.
For today...by consequence...we are not blessed with the luxury of going about the day to day living of normal lives. Yes...gone are the days of quite living. It was my personal dream to one day, through my education and labor, become a successful entrepreneur with complete financial freedom and to then go on and be a gift giver, a servant to others, a helping hand, a teacher and a blessing to the down trodden, poor and needy. In that, I know I would find true happiness, anyone would find true happiness, and I knew and still know that I could attain my dream, yet today even that would not be enough; Today we must create and reach New Dreams. “Rise Up O Men of God,” for Today we must forsake the evil from within. Today we must Teach. Today, we must Lead. Because Today we need statesmen. Because Today, out of negligence, in this our dire straight, we cannot settle for less. Because We Today were born for this great task, and with Heavenly Father, our God, we can, and we must succeed!
Wow that was ginormous, I hope you guys liked it. I totally want critical feedback because I'm definitely going to be refining it for future use, someday :)
ReplyDeleteOh and I loved what Smithy said and did about getting involved, and Megan is doing excellent with making a blog and such (this is a good blog too, I wonder how we can list it so tons of people can read it? or even if that would be a good idea?)
But anyways I was looking online about capital punishment and somehow I got into the senatorial debates of Obama vs Keyes and they are so incredible! Look them up now on youtube. Alan Keyes is so incredible, his depth is amazing and his debate so on top of things. And Obama is way good to. He's so crafty, never exactly states his opinion but just skirts what the common consensus of the issue is, saying what people want to hear. This puts Keyes' opinion as the sole target of criticism which is so clever. But also its been said that Keyes is too smart for his own good, and I can see how thats true. Watch it, it will blow your mind away.
Also in my public speaking class today we watched Ronald Reagan's Farewell Address on youtube, its 21 minutes long but THE BEST! Oh man, I almost cried during it. So tonight or sometime this week, instead of going and watching a movie or other things like that, watch these two things on youtube, they are better than your typical movie. Do it. Go make a difference!
@ Dr. Groft, Thanks for that speech you sent me, it made me realize some things. Although I partially disagree with some of what Hugo said, his purpose and overall message is right, and I now realize that. I do defend what I said as being mostly true, however I miss the point and it was kinda faithless, in that men can purify themselves enough to the point of abolishment of capital punishment. I'm changing my speech a bit now, so I'm glad I gave it today, but I'm sorta hung up on when and under what particulars we can abolish capital punishment, because it must definitely be followed by personal order so that the punishment for murder and rape need not exist because the crimes don't exist either. But anyways, some may question the practicality of a people righteous enough to have no murder and rape, and I would suggest that they take a look at history and realize that its been done, but only by one city, The City of Enoch. Man this is going on and on, but I wish I knew more about the city of Enoch and a book on it would be awesome; I that was the goal of Solon and Aristotle when they both attempted to write a book of Atlantis. Anyways, I'm wondering what your thoughts on Capital Punishment are, and wanted to thank you for being the best mentor ever :)
Here is one of my creative works! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteIn a grand kingdom of enchanted charm sublime
There lived an old king resourcefully pining away the time
There is a story that is often told
Of this grand king brave and bold
Through the kingdom a comely wayfarer wandered
On a merchant fair he inquisitively inquired
Upon the ancient king whose kingdom of magical attraction
Sparked the exquisite wayfarers passion
Of a kingdom so phenomenal
Who is this grand king remarkable?
Said the merchant to the wayfarer fair
A king he is now but never once a for
In days gone by our triumphant king was once frail and poor
His disfigured broken frame a pedestal for disdain and scorn
His impoverished condition an abundance of abstinence well-worn
So if once so poor and frail
How did he learn to prevail?
Said the merchant to the wayfarer fair
As a poor frail man our king learned to read Latin, Greek, and Arabic and did so all through the night
As a needy hungry aborigine he learned to decipher, add, and write
As a subsist being in the night,
A sparrow of song in light
He was an eyewitness of humanly deeds
An exploit observer of action, motion, and creed’s
As a lonely yet ambitious chap his sagacity was extraordinarily superior
As a spirited lively little man he gave credit to that deity that made his interior
What gave him the power to persevere?
Amid the ridicule, pain, and self-denial, how did he adhere?
He learned that every struggle is a victory
To slip, to fall, to stand still, is pure glory
Especially when the naïve apprentice arises and stands once more
So trudge on my friends, gain a little, fall back, climb higher and soon you will see the royal shore
That is the story of our king wise
A seemingly small man in appearance, but yet with a density of magnificent size
Siera Koyle
WOW! SIERA! you are a POET! THis is truly inspiring, motivating and just plain beautiful. The last 12 or so line are so IMPACTFUL! They really helped me with something that I'm going through right now. Thank you SO much! And the Williamsburgers miss you and Spencer in class!
ReplyDeleteso, i missed class today because i had a clogging performance at BYU, so i am not quite clear on what we need to do. Do we just post it here or do i need to get a v-room and get a grade from you guys? well, here is my essay anyway. Beowulf is the story of a Hero of the ancient Anglo Saxons; a man who overcomes impossible odds by defeating three savage monsters (although he makes it seem easy). Dreaded in their time, these monsters were Grendel and his mother, who are descendants of Cain, and a dragon which ravages his country. While fighting the monsters, he displays some of the best aspects of human nature, realized by his actions. Interestingly enough, this epic is supposed to have happened in Scandinavia, which was divided into many countries and tribes. Among the three tribes involved in the plot (the Geats, the Danes, and the Swedes), the Geats and the Danes are the most prominently displayed players. The author is unknown. Knowing the beliefs and moral viewpoint of the author would enhance the story with additional insight because it would give us a reference point from which to see the story as the author intended it. While we don’t have that insight, we still have a great story that teaches noble characteristics.
ReplyDeleteBeowulf’s first opponent is Grendel. Grendel is the descendant of Cain (who killed Able) and he is described as horrible when looked upon. As bad as he looks, he smells worse, like blood and death and decay. Beowulf sets out from Geatland to confront the monster, who has killed some men of king Hrothgar, determined to defeat him or die. Despairing because of the gruesome slaughter of his men, king Hrothgar agrees to let Beowulf, who is and enemy of the Danes, come and try his luck at killing Grendel. Around midnight, as Beowulf and his men wait quietly in Heorot for the troll to come; one of Beowulf’s men is taken and killed be Grendel before they realize what is happening. Enraged, Beowulf attacks Grendel with his bare hands. Surprisingly, Beowulf is triumphant. He manages to strangle the troll nearly to death, and take his arm off in the process. Assured by the hero that such a wound would kill the troll, the Danes and Geats remove the gore and have a feast, during which Hrothgar acknowledges Beowulf as an adopted son.
In the night, the mother of Grendel comes for revenge and takes Aeschere, who is a dear friend of Hrothgar, for her dinner, as well as Grendel’s arm. Escaping into the night, the men chase her to the mere, a kind of lake which, in this case, is infested with sea monsters. They kill a nearby monster, curious to see one of the beasts up close. Beowulf removes his armor and, carrying his sword, plunges into the mere, intending to do battle. While his men wait above, he swims for hours till he reaches her cave. As he sneaks in, he sees much treasure and the body of Grendel with its severed arm is nearby. Suddenly, Beowulf is spotted by Grendel’s mother, and she grabs him intending to kill him. Beowulf tries to stab her with his sword, but it shatters against her hard skin. He resorts to using the same tactics he used against Grendel; namely, strangling her. He sees a magnificent sword in the middle of the battle, and stabs the troll with it, killing her. Because of the troll’s toxicity, the blade melts, and he takes the hilt and Grendel’s head to the surface. He has been gone for nine hours. Exhausted, he rises from the water. When his men see him, they rejoice because they had given up hope that he would return from the battle. They return to Heorot, where they have another magnificent feast and sleep safely under the king’s roof all night.
ReplyDeleteBeowulf is later made king in Geatland and rules for fifty years. Eventually, his destiny catches up with him, and a dragon is awakened by a thief who stole from its hoard. Raging across the land, the dragon causes mayhem and destruction, until Beowulf can no longer tolerate it. The thief is found and captured; Beowulf forces the thief to lead him and his men to the lair of the dragon. Outside the lair, they wait for the beast, and as they do so, Beowulf feels a foreboding of his death. When Beowulf goes to the mouth of the dragon’s lair, he calls out a challenge that the reptile is eager to accept. They begin to fight, and one man, Wiglaf, runs to help when it seemed the king would be defeated. The dragon bit Beowulf, and Wiglaf stabbed the monster in defense of his lord. Poisoned by the bite, Beowulf uses the last of his strength to deliver the final blow and command his friend to bring the immense treasure out of the cave. Wiglaf was told to use it to help Beowulf’s people, and Wiglaf agrees. After the king draws his last breath, Wiglaf rebuked the other knights because they had not helped their king. They were ashamed, and humbly performed the proper funeral rights for their loved sovereign.
While the great adventures of Beowulf may have only been three in number, they were immortal examples of the human capacity for greatness. Utterly defeating Grendel with his bare hands, defeating Grendel’s mother after nine hours of battle, defeating the dragon at the cost of his own life; these are the actions of a true hero. Beowulf had fought two mighty foes, and when he encountered his greatest foe, he was not undaunted. Refusing to hide from danger, even from his certain doom at the claws of the dragon, he boldly faced this challenge with his head held high. When he paid for his victorious defeat of the dragon in his blood, because of this selfless sacrifice for his people, his greatness of character is displayed. Concerned for his subject’s well-being, even at the end, he bade the treasure of the dragon be used for their sake with his last breath. What greater love can a man have? In all the books of ancient literature, there are few heroes whose love, humility, and courage can match those of that greatest of kings, Beowulf.
Let me know what you think! and does anyone think the check words to post are wierd? i mean, shispin?
Good stuff you guys. Really impressive. Getting better at writing just takes practice, patience and persistence. Nice poem, Sierra. Good stuff David, Nathan, Zack, John and Meg. Greenman, thanks for your leadership.
ReplyDelete@ David. We'll have to talk more later, but I do think that Hugo has a point when he suggests that as long as the incarcerated were not a drain on the public--that they worked for their own sustenance and with the help of family--that the time might actually bring them to change and repent. Worth a discussion, I think.
Night everyone!
And Meg, YES, you need to convince two other students to meet with you, SHOW them your paper, read it together and have them fill out the Essay Review Checklist completely and then upload your grade into SIS.
: )
@ Greenman
ReplyDeleteHaha, Thank you! Ya, I'm really missing everyone. I'm hoping I can go to next elevation and see them all again and meet all of the new people, whom I like to refer to as "My fellow Geniuses"!
i really liked assignment 7! it helped me realize what i need to do, to be more responsible!!:) also, loving our "BIG" project!! ;) cant wait to share with all of you!
ReplyDeleteThe effect of the Ladies
ReplyDeleteIn the literature read in the past few months a pattern can be seen. And one can begin to realize the truly awesome effect women have over men wither for good or for ill. The Trojan war for instance was fought over the fair Helena. Achilles and Agamemnon's dispute, which caused great loss on the part of the Achaians, was over the women Chryseis. Odysseus's inspiration to return home to his faithful wife Penelopeia could be deemed one of his strongest motivators though out his many adventures. Aeneas after almost escaping troy, when finding his wife gone, leaves his son, father, and everything else and runs in search of her. What is it that gives women this power? Is it because of their beauty and fair looks, is it there gentle nature, is it there natural ability to nurture and protect? Why are women loved, lusted after, and protected?
It is my opinion women have this influence because they are daughters of God, because they are the bearers of life. Women carry the names of wife, protector, and nurturer. Yes women have been influences for evil but more often than not it was not by choice. And there are so many examples of wonderfully virtues women like Penelopeia who hold to the values and attributes of true women. One cannot judge the race of woman off of the evil acts of the few, while there may be some wonderers there are always seekers of light.
An important issue to be addressed than is the choice of how women carry out this influence. For it is a choice as human beings, be-ings who act and are not simply acted upon. Women hold many responsibilities one of the most important of these it how they use their influence. To inspire and teach firm principles is important, because principles are the foundation on which every solid person builds. Principles of faith, hope, and charity. These principles are at the base of every firm foundation.
One of my newly found examples of a virtues women is Penelopeia it says of her in the Odyssey
“She is full of intelligence, and her heart is sound,(the) prudent and modest Penelopeia.” Saying her heart is sounds means she knew what she wanted, she knew what she stood for, and she knew who she was! My belief is that we all can become more like Penelopeia that we can use the influence we have for good. The names of Daughter, Wife, and Mother are sacred and the bearers of these names should always be treated respectfully.
Brooklyn Trotter
awesome essay Punky! and yes... the posting words are weird...
ReplyDelete@ Brooklyn,
ReplyDeleteNice topic, I like it a lot and especially the thoughts you brought up. You're probably really scarce on time, but I think you're on to a really great essay. You probably didn't keep talking and explaining your points so that you could stay within the bounds of the format that we're supposed to follow, however this could be such an epic essay if you continued to expound on the points you bring up.
In your introductory paragraph you ask the question "What is it that gives women this power?" and then you ask a couple more questions pertaining to that, which was great! Then I loved how you talked about how its because women are daughters of God. Bringing up the issue of the way by which women carry out this influence (for good) was such an excellent point, and your example of Penelopeia and her goodness is awesome!
And now I'm going to give you some suggestions because I can just see how much awesomER your paper can be. The only thing I would suggest is to make your concluding paragraph clearer, and to also expound. You mentioned and touched on such great points, and from that I can tell you know more than you wrote. Even though the essay won't be structurally sound insofar as having 5 paragraphs, it can still have 3 body 'sections of paragraphs' where you really go for it. It would be so awesome, and you can totally do it. I hope you do it, because I would really love to see even deeper insights, and you're totally on to something in the 'way by which women carry out this influence.' I really think so and hope that the time issue won't hold you back from doing it.
You're awesome!
:) David
Haha, okay, I almost forgot why I got on in the first place :)
ReplyDeleteHere's a way cool thought that I've been refining into this 'quote' I guess. Be sure to read carefully, take a pause at each comma, and also at the beginning of each sentence. Enjoy!
Regardless of supporting evidence, Truth will always be just that, Truth. Indeed, Evidence is not necessary to know Truth. Nevertheless Evidence can and does point us to Truth; yet fundamentally it mattereth not, for alone, Truth doth Endure!
In absence of Evidence, Have Faith!
That is SO cool David!, and the security word I got was teurguew? (weird)
ReplyDeletelove the essay brooklyn!!
ReplyDeleteDavid, I love the quote!!!
I got gouslyco
Thank you David and I will keep working on it! You have inspired me. I do have lots to say on the subject it is something I am passionate about and I think is important. :) I really like your quote it is deep and yet so simple. Funny how most principles are like that :D
ReplyDeleteAnother roots of american order idea/ quote. we kind of talked about this in class, but i liked the direct quote from the book. its pg 109, and it says, True law is right reason in agreement with nature. Makes sense, especially after we talked about how god's law is natural law, and to obey natural law is to obey god and act in accordance to all his wishes.
ReplyDeleteThat's all people, sry. I am in meltdown mode.
Punky
Also, i really hate wallace or whatever his name was in the canterbury tales (scholors story)
ReplyDelete@David: But all Evidence assumes further Truth, which is either inherently known or relies on more Evidence. The most basic Truth of all is either assumed to be self-evident or given from Providence.
ReplyDeleteBut complete truth comes from both the heart and the mind. From both reason and faith. Ayn Rand professes that all decisions must be made with reason alone, I would add that one must not only reason, but also feel of it in his/her heart. Truth does always prevail, that is the natural way of things. When one seeketh for truth, not only must he/her reason, with the new found ideas, but must also feel them in his heart to verily KNOW that it is true. That is where TRUE KNOWLEDGE is discovered.
ReplyDeleteOk so I went back and revisited Beowulf looking at all of the things that I marked and this really stuck out to me. It’s when Beowulf is slowly being vanquished by the dragon and faithful Wiglaf goes to his aid. It says, “And then when Beowulf needed him most Wiglaf showed his courage, his strength and skill, and the boldness he was born with.” I think that in the most trying times of our lives; the most strenuous and challenging moments is when we show or become who we really are. We grow and achieve a little each time we are put to the test. While being pressured or being put into the situation of meeting high expectations we identify the courage, the strength and skill, the boldness the whatever inside of us. It is our personal duty to nourish and develop the divine character, heart, and mind that God destined us to have and be. Really it is His expectations we are striving to achieve.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, farther down the page after they had struck the dragon down and killed him it says, “Yet what they did all men must do when the time comes!” So, imagine this, aren’t we all destined to fight a dragon? There is always something we have to overcome big and/or small. To triumph over that dragon is pure glory un-denied. Yes Beowulf perished in the process but he still overcame the dragon. The book states “it would never fly through the night, glowing in the dark sky, glorying in its riches, burning and raiding: two warriors had shown it their strength, slain it with their swords….Beowulf flew to glory.” I believe that this is so true today in our own daily lives.
Learn to fight that dragon with head held high on the front lines. Be the warrior that God has destined you to be. Which I believe is the warrior that tries and fails gets back up again and succeeds.
Does this seem a little jumbled? Haha
These are just passages and quotes that I marked in Beowulf. I don’t have time now to expound on them but I promise they are astounding!
ReplyDelete“That shadow of death hunted in the darkness, stalked Hrothgar’s warriors, old and young, lying in waiting, hidden in mist, invisibly following them from the edge of the marsh, always there, unseen – mankind’s enemy.”
“Keep it free of evil, fight with glory in your heart.”
“Then and now men must lie in their Maker’s holy hands, moved only as He wills: Our hearts must seek out that will. The world, and its long days full of labor, brings good and evil; all who remain here meet both.”
“Higlac trusted his nephew, leaned on his strength, in war, each of them intent on the others joy.”
“Not killing his (Beowulf’s) comrades in drunken rages, his heart not savage, but guarding God’s gracious gift, his strength, using it only in war, and then using it bravely.”
“I feel no shame, with shield and sword and armor, against this monster: when he comes to me I mean to stand, not run from his shooting flames, stand till fate decides which one of us wins. My heart is firm, my hands calm….” (This can be applied to my last comment of fighting our own personal dragon)
“Beloved Beowulf, remember how you boasted, once, that nothing in the world would ever destroy your fame: fight to keep it, now, be strong and brave, my noble king, protecting life and fame together. My sword will fight at your side.”
“How often an entire country suffers on one man’s account.”
“No one could have kept life in their Lord’s body, or turned aside the Lord’s will: world and men and all move as He orders, and always have, and always will.”
Ok I'm done! Haha
David, consider me your biggest fan!
ReplyDeleteI noticed that no one gave you feedback on your lengthy, and obviously thoughtful piece, and so I thought I’d mention a few things.
I love your writing style! And I think the thing I found most fascinating as I read your stuff was your use of capitalization. For example, I’d like to share with you one of your own quotes:
“Who thinks that this great nation of Liberty, Freedom and Opportunity could ever fall when its principles and privileges are so great? It could never happen, we would not let it happen, we would fight and die as we’ve formerly done before that could ever come to pass...”
Liberty, Freedom, and Opportunity are all capitalized, and it was obviously purposeful, seeing as you used that technique many other times throughout the piece. I wonder why you did that?
One of my speculations/epiphanies I gained, though they were very probably not in keeping with your reasons, is this: One of the rules of capitalization is that you capitalize a person’s name. what is Liberty, Freedom, or Opportunity? They certainly aren’t people, but they ARE in a certain sense, living things. Liberty and freedom can only exist as long as we LET them exist, and if we cease to treat them with respect and reverence, to constantly keep up with them, then they will fade away and eventually die without us realizing it.
Another thing I noticed and loved was your variance and usage of words. Words like: quintessential, reawakening, inconsequential, overwhelmed, applicable, and eminently. Wonderful words! Even Shakespeare might be jealous. ;)
“Today we must Teach. Today, we must Lead. Because Today we need statesmen. Because Today, out of negligence, in this our dire straight, we cannot settle for less. Because We Today were born for this great task”
In these closing lines I had a flashback to reading Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc, (a book that is in my top five list of classics AND favorite books if anyone has time on their hands) and in it Joan of Arc is quoted as saying, “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.” Too often I think we take ourselves for granted. The world is full of people who aren’t living their dream, and may never live their dream because they are too afraid to take that leap. Afraid of failure. The stark and revealing reality is that you were born to do whatever you desire.
One can recall from JK Rowling’s book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” an image of a young Harry looking into the Mirror of Erised at the deepest desire of his heart: his family. But in order to understand how this relates, you have to look at it on an even more perceptive level. WHY did Harry desire his family so much? It wasn’t simply out of curiosity for his ancestry; it was because of a furious desire for a feeling of family. A feeling he had never experienced, and later he protected with all his might through his friends whom he considered to be his family. I think the real question here is what would YOU see if you looked into the murky depths of the magical Mirror or Erised? Would it be you surrounded by your future or past family? Perhaps at the head of a large multitude of people fighting for freedom? Or would it be something else, something that maybe even you don’t understand.
Thanks for getting me thinking David!
David, consider me your biggest fan!
ReplyDeleteI noticed that no one gave you feedback on your lengthy, and obviously thoughtful piece, and so I thought I’d mention a few things.
I love your writing style! And I think the thing I found most fascinating as I read your stuff was your use of capitalization. For example, I’d like to share with you one of your own quotes:
“Who thinks that this great nation of Liberty, Freedom and Opportunity could ever fall when its principles and privileges are so great? It could never happen, we would not let it happen, we would fight and die as we’ve formerly done before that could ever come to pass...”
Liberty, Freedom, and Opportunity are all capitalized, and it was obviously purposeful, seeing as you used that technique many other times throughout the piece. I wonder why you did that?
One of my speculations/epiphanies I gained, though they were very probably not in keeping with your reasons, is this: One of the rules of capitalization is that you capitalize a person’s name. what is Liberty, Freedom, or Opportunity? They certainly aren’t people, but they ARE in a certain sense, living things. Liberty and freedom can only exist as long as we LET them exist, and if we cease to treat them with respect and reverence, to constantly keep up with them, then they will fade away and eventually die without us realizing it.
Another thing I noticed and loved was your variance and usage of words. Words like: quintessential, reawakening, inconsequential, overwhelmed, applicable, and eminently. Wonderful words! Even Shakespeare might be jealous. ;)
“Today we must Teach. Today, we must Lead. Because Today we need statesmen. Because Today, out of negligence, in this our dire straight, we cannot settle for less. Because We Today were born for this great task”
ReplyDeleteIn these closing lines I had a flashback to reading Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc, (a book that is in my top five list of classics AND favorite books if anyone has time on their hands) and in it Joan of Arc is quoted as saying, “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.” Too often I think we take ourselves for granted. The world is full of people who aren’t living their dream, and may never live their dream because they are too afraid to take that leap. Afraid of failure. The stark and revealing reality is that you were born to do whatever you desire.
One can recall from JK Rowling’s book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” an image of a young Harry looking into the Mirror of Erised at the deepest desire of his heart: his family. But in order to understand how this relates, you have to look at it on an even more perceptive level. WHY did Harry desire his family so much? It wasn’t simply out of curiosity for his ancestry; it was because of a furious desire for a feeling of family. A feeling he had never experienced, and later he protected with all his might through his friends whom he considered to be his family. I think the real question here is what would YOU see if you looked into the murky depths of the magical Mirror or Erised? Would it be you surrounded by your future or past family? Perhaps at the head of a large multitude of people fighting for freedom? Or would it be something else, something that maybe even you don’t understand.
Thanks for getting me thinking David!
So. I forgot to post MY essay... SIlly me..
ReplyDeleteThe Climb
Many people have watched someone who was “living their dream” some have watched on TV as Michael Jordan dunked the ball, some may have sung along with Hannah Montana when they were young, and others have even learned to grunt just like Tim Allen because they wanted “More Power.” Nearly everyone can remember at one point or another when they felt that sweet spot, that “call” to do something, to be the next Hannah Montana, the next Michael Jackson, or even the next Tim Allen; whatever it took. But the reality is that very few people ever live to accomplish that goal because of uncountable reasons. Bill Watterson, who was the author of the famous Calvin and Hobbes comics once declared “God put me on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now I am so far behind that I will never die.” Every person is set on Earth with a purpose, but there are too many that falter on that path to inner stupendousness. Fortunately others such as Kenneth Branagh, Billy Joel, and JK Rowling however, have stuck to the path until the very end; until they reached that point where they were literally “living their dream”
“Once more unto the breach!” Many people have heard these words ring out as they watched Kenneth Branagh’s film Henry V. Kenneth Branagh is one of the modern critically acclaimed Shakespearean actors and directors. Interestingly He has starred in many a Shakespeare Play as well as directed and starred in Shakespearean movies which millions of people all over the world are familiar with. Movies such as: Much Ado About Nothing, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Hamlet, Othello, and Henry V just to name a few. Branagh’s film Henry V illustrates a true story of standing against the ever rising and increasing odds, even when the chances are slim to none. When he croons in his melodious voice the famous lines, “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he that sheds his blood with me today shall be my brother” one will glimpse a memory of themselves, a picture of what they could be if they kept enduring to the end and put their shoulder to the wheel. Branagh’s father William was a plumber. Kenneth Branagh started at the bottom. He loved books, which caused him to be considered a geek, people made fun of him because of his accent, and many other insults headed his way in his youth. Finally, reaching high school, he realized he wanted nothing more than to be an actor, a director, a writer, and an entrepreneur. And so he went and started performing in his High School Plays, worked hard, and people started to notice him. Later in his life, it was said that "Branagh has the vitality of Olivier, the passion of Gielgud, [and] the assurance of Guinness.” All of which were some of the most famous Shakespearean Actors of all time. Branagh was somewhat of a misfit, but he realized that nobody is a nobody, and went and followed his dream. It wasn’t always easy, but he persevered, and went “once more unto the breach.”
So I just realized I need to put MY essay up, but frankly... I'm tired of having to do three separate posts to get things up here, so I'm just going to post it on my newly created blog and if you'd like you can all go look at it here: http://androober.blogspot.com/2010/11/climb.html
ReplyDeleteAnd if you want, you can leave comments and feedback for me there, or on here, whatever you like.
(Just a note to everyone: I am not a picky author, and I don't mind constructive critisism, I want all the good and bad feedback I can get. :)
So, I am in a better mood, and i wanted to say that in beowulf, it was interesting how he consacrated all his labors to his king. He did all those amazing things in the kings name, and the king got some of the overall glory.
ReplyDeletechrist did the same thing. He came down here and died for us so we could live again, and he gave all the glory to the Father.
OH! I should post MY essay to the blog!
ReplyDeleteBeowulf and Christ
Nathan Owens - November 16th 2010
“I believe in Christ; so come what may, with him I’ll stand in that great day.” The words from this amazing hymn give the essence of what mankind should be preparing for, for “that great day.” The world is getting more and more wicked. But, “it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things.” So, as much of the world is becoming wicked there must be some who are becoming more righteous. And there are. The trials and persecutions of this time are strengthening many of the believers and they are becoming more righteous and soon Jesus Christ will come to this earth and the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaical glory. How does Christ and the end of the earth relate to the Scandinavian epic, Beowulf? Christ and Beowulf defeated an Evil being who was plaguing* their land. Sadly heroes are left alone by their people in the end. And with both Christ and Beowulf too few stood beside them when it mattered most.
Beowulf is a story of a Scandinavian prince who lives a life of heroism and honor. Towards the end of his life he defeats the evil dragon who is terrorizing his people and gains the treasure that the dragon was hoarding, then gives it to his people that they might be prosperous. In the process, Beowulf dies. You may already see the relation to Christ in this: Christ lived a life of honor and righteousness. Towards the end of his life he suffered and died for mankind, thus defeating the evil (death). Because he defeated death, he gave us the blessing or treasure that man might live or gain resurrection.
After examining the fight of the dragon and the death of Beowulf, one can see even more similarities between these two heroes. Beowulf takes 11 handpicked men and goes off to fight the dragon. He then tells the men that he is going to do this alone but to stay near and to not leave. This can be compared to the Garden of Gethsemane when Christ goes off to pray and asks the 11 apostles to wait and they all fall asleep. After telling his men his orders Beowulf enters the dragon’s lair alone and starts fighting. Most of his men run away. He was “rejected by his own.” In the end, even Beowulf’s sword fails him, he is alone. Just like God left Christ in the last few moments, alone.
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ReplyDeleteToday there is something coming, it is the second coming. Christ came once and he is coming again, soon. While Beowulf is fighting the dragon ten out of eleven men start to run away and the one who stays realizes that their leader needs their help and basically said: “He [Beowulf] handpicked us out from all the rest of his men! He honored us and judged us fit for this action. He gave us these helmets, swords, shields and armor! He considered us the best. And now the day has come when our shepherd, this lord we serve, needs sound men to give him support. Let us go to him! And help our leader through the flame I would rather fight and die defending our leader then to go home unscathed without a fight. And so, we cannot go home until we have slain the foe and defended out lord’s life!” After ending his speech, he went into the cave to defend his leader, but he went alone. None of the other men followed him. They were too afraid of the terrible dragon. The lone soldier, Wiglaf, fought next to Beowulf and by stabbing the dragon in the belly and weakening the flame, enables Beowulf to defeat the Evil that infested their lands. Sadly, since only one man stood with Beowulf, the prince died. Now, compare this to Christ’s story. Christ suffered and died also when the time came, too few stood by him and he was killed by his own people. But both Beowulf and Christ gave the treasure that they earned to the people even though those people did not stand with them or defend them. And so, how much more “treasure” will one earn if they stand by Christ in that great day when he comes again.
ReplyDeleteThe words to the hymn above say “with him I’ll stand in that great day.” But, is standing really enough? Is just being on the lords side enough? In another Hymn is says “Let us all press on in the work of the Lord, that when life is o’er we may gain a reward; in the fight for right let us wield a sword, the mighty sword of truth.” According to this hymn we must “press on” and not just stand with the Lord “in the fight for right let us wield a sword.” In the next verse of this hymn it ways that “we not retreat though our numbers may be few.” And so, unlike the men who, faced with a large task, ran away, men must be like the one who did not run away and we mush “wield a sword” in the battle for right. In the final days the lord will come and will mankind follow him or break against him. After Beowulf dies Wiglaf is talking to the men chastising them for not helping Beowulf he says, “but when the worst happened too few rallied around the prince.” [VSS] Christ is also the prince. The first time he came too few rallied but this time, the second time, will it happen again? The real question is if YOU will stand by the lord when he needs you the most. As one last hymn says “will we shrink or shun the fight? No!” as it says men must not run away when things are hard! When things are hard is when men must work their hardest. You must rise up and fight with Christ in these final days.
oh... it worked...
ReplyDeletecool...
okay... so I had some technical difficulties (thus the three removed posts)
ReplyDeletebut I THINK I have my entire essay up there NOT repeating anything... :P
Thanks Edgar :) And Great Essay Nathan.
ReplyDeleteWell I hope everyone comes and takes a last look at the blog so that they can all watch this because its amazing. Go to youtube and search this 'The Forgotten Man' or just copy and paste this link,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KGlBHyVeYU
It's about a painting this artist made. I recommend looking at his other paintings as well, because they're all inspirational and touching. A really good one that follows up a couple of the Essays that were posted above is this one,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXAfrSy04R0
Watch them you'll be glad you did.
P.S. if you have 21 minutes watch President Reagan's Farewell Address because it is wisdom packed! :)
http://willowgrovepublishingco.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThis is Megan's Story posting blog, i thought i'd post it here for her so get on there and post your stories
Ok so I rewrote my essay.
ReplyDelete@David thanks for the advice and the modivation I think I can now say this is the best paper I have ever wrote (:
The Effect of Ladies
In the literature read in the past few months a pattern can be seen. And one can begin to realize the truly awesome effect women have over men whether for good or for ill. The Trojan war for instance was fought over the fair Helena. Achilles and Agamemnon's dispute, which caused great loss on the part of the Achaians, was over the women Chryseis. Odysseus's inspiration to return home to his faithful wife Penelopeia could be deemed one of his strongest motivators though out his many adventures. Aeneas after almost escaping troy, when finding his wife gone, leaves his son, father, and everything else and runs in search of her. What is it that gives women this power? Is it because of their beauty and fair looks, is it there gentle nature, is it there natural ability to nurture and protect? Why are women loved, lusted after, and protected? It is my opinion women have this influence because they are daughters of God, because they are the bearers of life. Women carry the names of wife, protector, and nurturer. Yes women have been influences for evil but more often than not it was not by choice. And there are so many examples of wonderfully virtuous women like Penelopeia who held to the values and attributes of true women. One cannot judge the race of woman off of the evil acts of the few. While there may be some wanderers, there are always seekers of light.
One of my newly found examples of a virtuous women is Penelopeia. It says of her in the Odyssey “She is full of intelligence, and her heart is sound,(the) prudent and modest Penelopeia.” Saying her heart is sound means to me that she knew what she wanted, she knew what she stood for, and she knew who she was! Penelopeia was the wife of the famous Odysseus he was at war for 10 years and then traveling back for another 10 years. While he was away Penelopiea held fast to the hope of his return. She did entertain suitors but never declared yes or no to any of them. She thought up many schemes of how to put off making up her mind. One of the things she did was say she was going to weave a mourning shroud and after she was done she would declare her choice. Well every night by candle light she would unwind the shroud. Penelopeia continued this for a long time but eventually was found out. In the end her husband does come back and they are both happy in the end, after their many trials and troubles. Things we can learn from her is being sound of heart, Intelligent, and Modest.
Esther was a great woman of courage and faith, she was an orphan and a Jew. Yet through her beauty and the workings of God she was chosen as Queen to King Ahasuerus. She was able to save her people and her only relative Mordecai by her bravery and spiritual stamina. Haman a wicked and proud man who had found favor in the king’s eyes was plotting against the Jewish people and had set up a day to have them killed. Esther had all the Jews fast and pray for three days, then on the third day she went in to the kings presence, which was against the law and punishable by death. The King accepted her visit and agreed to have a banquet the next day with her and Haman. At which time Esther told the king what Haman was planning and also that she herself was a Jew. The king had Haman killed and gave the Jewish people many privileges they did not have before. So what can be learned from this amazing heroin? Faith, Trust, and Bravery are her strongest points.
keep reading it is continued...
Another one of my favorite heroin’s is Corrie ten Boom a Dutch Christian holocaust survivor who helped many Jews escape the Nazis during World War II. The Boom family was a part of the underground movement for the Jews. After some time they where discovered and the family was imprisoned in Scheveningen prison where her father died. Three from the family where released, but Corrie and her sister Betsie stayed. They were sent to a few different camps then to the notorious Ravensbrück concentration camp in Germany, where Corrie's sister Betsie died. Before she died she told Corrie, "There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still." Corrie was finely released from camp she speaks of her release, saying that she later learned that her release had been a clerical error. The women prisoners her age in the camp were killed the week following her release. She said, "God does not have problems. Only plans." While in Ravensbruck Corrie had managed, with God’s help, to smuggle in a small Bible and a little bottle of medicine. Her and her sister would give drops of the medicine to all these who where sick and through all the time they where there they never ran out. They would also read the bible out loud to all these who wanted to hear and where able to ease the suffering of many. After her release Corrie traveled all over teaching forgiveness and hope. She has also written many books on her experiences. Corrie is a wonderful example of Selflessness, Forgiveness, and Love.
ReplyDeleteMy belief is that all women can become more like these women. We can use the influence we have for good. The names Daughter, Wife, and Mother are sacred and the bearers of these names should always be treated respectfully. An important issue to be addressed is the choice of how women carry out this influence, for it is a choice as human beings, be-ings who act and are not simply acted upon. Women hold that choice to be an influence for better or for worse and every one has a conscience. We all know right from wrong. Women have the responsibility to incorporate, inspire, and teach firm principles, because principles are the foundation on which every solid person builds. Principles of faith, hope, and charity. These principles are at the base of every firm foundation. As we look at Esther, Corrie ten Boom, and Penelopeia, they can show us the sound principles a true women of influence has. She has: A Sound Heart, Intelligence, Modesty, True Faith, and is Trusting, Brave, Selfless, Forgiving, and Loving! These are the things you will find in a women of virtue and in a women whose influence will affect every one around her for the better. We all make mistakes and none of us are perfect but let us strive just a little bit more to be true women of influence. And gain mastery over ourselves and incorporate true sound principles into our lives. I this there is joy and peace.
Brooklyn Trotter
I've decided to read the original Canterbury Tales by Chaucer. If anyone would like to join me in doing that we could have a colloquium on the book. Please comment below if you are interested in doing that!
ReplyDelete-Greenman
Yeah Brooklyn I liked that one better too :)
ReplyDeleteGood job and keep it up.
(there were some small errors, like in the last
sentence, it says "I this there is joy and peace"
And I think you meant "In this... but yeah, that
was good. :)