Journal Entry #5

Assignment: Copy change The Declaration of Independence.

 

I like this journal, because I had not copy changed a passage prior to writing this entry. I like the diction used in The Declaration of Independence and enjoyed tweaking it to create something of my own.

 

When, in the course of high school events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the educational bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the school the abandoned homework actions to which the rules of the class and of the school’s principal do not entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of students requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all students should not be forced to complete homework; that they are over-stressed by their teachers with assignments and projects; that among these are essays, math problems, and the reading of textbooks. When a long train of academic demands and expectations, begun at the beginning of each school year, evinces a design to reduce their free time under educational practices, it is their duty to throw off such practices, and to provide new activities for their future schedules. Such has been the patient sufferance of these students; and such is now the necessity, which constrains them to expunge their former systems of education. Let facts be submitted to a candid world for the truth of which we pledge a faith yet unsullied by falsehood.

            It has demolished the freedom of time after school hours.

            It has stressed students even while in the comforts of their own homes.

            It has tortured many thought processes as well as left some unfortunate students in a state of absolute confusion!

            We, therefore, the students of Croatan High School, do in the name and by the authority of the good students of the school reject and renounce all assignments and projects that are to be completed at our homes.

            And for the support of this declaration, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our support, and our sacred honor.

            The Declaration thus signed on the 16^th, on paper, was engrossed on parchment, and signed again on the 24^th of September.

Journal Entry #4

Assignment: When making decisions, which do you privilege more, intuition and emotion, or knowledge and reason?

 

I like this journal, because it explores a personal topic that I had not thought about prior to writing the entry. I enjoyed writing this entry and also liked the activity that the class participated in when sharing who based their decisions on emotions, and who based their decisions on knowledge.

 

When making decisions I privilege intuition and emotion. An example would be my decision of which college I would like to attend. I rely on my emotions and ‘gut-feeling’ when choosing which colleges I would like to go to. I decide what schools I would like to attend by imagining myself going to each one, and then choosing the college that I feel that I would feel most comfortable staying at. I use this technique rather than choosing a college based on what school would look better on a job application. In this way I more readily make my decisions based on intuition and emotion rather than knowledge or reason.

Journal Entry #3

Assignment: Write about how you felt while taking the essay test yesterday in fourth period English.

 

 I found it interesting that this was one of the only journal entries that I wrote in present tense. I like the diction and the imagery that I used, because I think that it adds to the suspense of the short story.

 

The test has begun! Pencils are scratching on paper all around the classroom. Beads of sweat accumulate on my forehead as time ticks away on a nearby clock. Confusion builds. Some one across the room is erratically tapping his or her foot, which adds to my frustration. Fortunately, the questions are answered just as the bell rings.

Journal Entry #2

Assignment: Write about your take on the price of freedom.

 

I like this journal entry, because it shows the value of an American privilege that I had once taken for granted. I think that this entry shows my reevaluation of the importance of freedom in America.

 

The attack on the World Trade Center has greatly shaped my understanding of the price of freedom. Freedom was once something that many Americans took for granted. Now freedom is one of the most cherished rights in our country. Even though the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001 was a devastating event, it did open many American’s eyes to something that was right in front of them all along. Americans can look back on that day and forever remember the true price of freedom.

Journal Entry #1

Assignment: What is your opinion on illegal immigration in the United States? How do you refer to people who reside in the country illegally? (Ex: illegal alien; illegal immigrant; economic refugee)

 

I enjoyed writing this journal entry, because I feel that I effectively addressed an issue that is often debated in today’s politics. I liked expressing my views on a popular topic.

 

I am a strong supporter of immigration. However, I do not condone illegal immigration. It is one thing to become a citizen of a country, but simply living in a country does not make you a citizen. I feel that illegal immigrants are cheating the systems of the government and the economy. Illegal immigrants evade government taxes, which damages the United States’ economic growth. I refer to people who reside in America without the government’s notification or permission as “illegal immigrants”. I feel that “illegal immigrant” is the appropriate term, because they are breaking the law. It is a crime to evade taxes and then reap the benefits of America’s governmental systems. I believe that instead of having to illegally hide from the United States’ government, immigrants should apply for citizenship in the appropriate and honest manner.

Poetry Analytical Essay

Mary Beth Williams

American Literature

Mrs. J. Robinson

December 18, 2008

Stylistic Devices in “Annabel Lee”

            Love can be described as one of the strongest forces known to man, and is said to be capable of overcoming almost any obstacle. But can love survive bereavement? In “Annabel Lee,” Edgar Allan Poe uses figurative language, repetition, and diction to show that love does not necessarily fade when a couple is separated by death.

            Poe’s use of figurative language greatly adds to the meaning of “Annabel Lee”. In his poem he uses personification to describe how the wind killed his lover. By personifying the wind, one can easily picture the event that took place when Poe writes: “That the wind came out of the cloud by night, chilling and killing my Annabel Lee” (25). By giving the wind the human quality of coming out in the night or murdering someone, the wind has a far more negative connotation than if Poe had simply written that his lover froze to death. By giving the wind human qualities rather than qualities of nature, Edgar Allan Poe creates a heartbreaking tragedy that is more personal to the readers.

            Poe uses a second type of figurative language when he compares his love for Annabel Lee and their happiness to that of the angels in heaven: “The angels, not half so happy in heaven, went envying her and me-” (21-22). He does this to show that the love that he shares with Annabel is not only greater than the love between humans, but also greater than the love of the holiest beings of all.

            Repetition is another important element in “Annabel Lee”. Throughout the poem, Poe repeats the line “My beautiful Annabel Lee” (16). He uses this technique in order to convey how much Annabel means to him. The repetition of her name adds emphasis to how much he thinks about her and allows the reader to easily understand the emotional connection that Poe shares with Annabel Lee. This repetition also helps to foreshadow her tragic death later on in the poem.

Poe’s use of diction allows him to display how affectionate he is toward Annabel as well. By referring to her as “beautiful” and “darling”, the author indicates his strong and loving emotions. Edgar Allan Poe also uses the possessive term “my” when he mentions Annabel: “My beautiful Annabel Lee” (16). He does this to portray that he is possessive of her, and that her love belongs to him alone. Poe then says later on in the poem: “my darling- my darling- my life and my bride” (39) after Annabel’s death, which shows that he still possesses her love even after she has passed on. 

So, is true love binding even when a couple is dissevered? In the case of “Annabel Lee” Edgar Allan Poe answers this query through his remarkable use of figurative language, repetition, and diction. By telling the heart wrenching tale of “Annabel Lee” accompanied by an entrancing rhyme scheme, Poe conveys the message that love does not easily die away even if the lover does.

Descriptive Essay

Mary Beth Williams

Mrs. Jessica Robinson

Honors English 3

October 13, 2008

Patience and an Imprisoned Firefly

With a dismal sigh, I flopped onto my uninviting bed in a state of depression and commenced to stare blankly at the bare ceiling. It is not often that my parents ground me, but due to my most recent test grade in AP Chemistry they felt it necessary to send me to my room. As my eyes restlessly wandered the entirety of my confinement, they gradually began to divert to my window. Through the pane I could see the moon, and I was instantly enticed by its magnificence. Only once before had I seen the moon in such a spectacular orange hue. I subconsciously slipped into a trance, reminiscing one night of my childhood.

For a summer night, it was rather chilly outside on my grandparent’s farm in Salisbury: the perfect setting for an exploration.  My cousin, my sister, and I had just informed our grandmother that we were going to catch lightning bugs, so she had supplied us with glass jars to contain them.    

As I stepped into the backyard I shivered, unsure as to whether it was because of the frigid breeze or the excitement and anticipation of the hunt. The yard was immense, emitting a scent of freshly trimmed lawn, and scattered with enormous oak trees. The grass and twigs crunched under my shoes, and the crisp mountain air was invigorating and left a dry taste in my mouth as I inhaled. I was all set to catch some fireflies.

We spanned the entire area in the midst of a sea of lightning bugs. The insects seemingly covered the majority of the sky, lighting up the night with their luminescent abdomen.

From across the yard I heard my cousin, Megan: “I caught one! I caught one!” she shouted ecstatically. Next came my sister’s shriek of excitement: “Me too! I got one too!” she cried waving her prize. Will I ever catch one? , I wondered, anxiously searching for the opportune chance to scoop my jar through the air.

At long last I managed to seize a firefly. As it flew into its temporary penitentiary, I swiftly clasped my hand over the jar’s opening. I had finally caught one of the many specimen that casually fluttered overhead. However, my desire had not yet been satiated. I gathered more and more, until my jar was filled with over ten lightning bugs.

Megan, my sister, and I congregated after about 20 minutes to examine our catches. I gazed into my canister, watching the bugs interact in their new environment. They were absolutely stunning. Each one in black and orange garb as if it were decorated for Halloween. Their minuscule feelers and legs tickling my palm as they gingerly crept around the jar. Their most prominent aspects, of course, were their glowing abdomens. Each one created its own pattern when it enlightened, giving off tiny shadows that danced across my glowing expression.

Not only did I find the lightning bugs’ appearance peculiar, but also their manner of action. I had expected them to try to escape, and fly around their entrapment, ramming the walls of the jar in an attempt to free themselves. However, they simply made themselves comfortable by calmly settling on the walls of the jar, or by fixing themselves upside-down on my hand. They waited patiently for their release as if they had been through the same routine before, every now and then shuffling into a new position. I found their cordial behavior to be exceedingly bizarre, and was pleased at how politely they presented themselves as temporary captives.

As the minutes wore on our grandmother emerged on the screen porch and called us into the welcoming comforts of the house. “Coming!” we replied in unison. We each said our goodbyes to the imprisoned fireflies, and released the patient creatures back into the night sky where they mingled with the iridescent glow of the stars.

Now relaxed on my bed, the time flew by as I patiently endured my sentence, knowing that I would soon be able to return to the activities outside my room. I lazily shifted to my side and settled into a calm slumber. Hopefully, I would not be grounded again, but if I were, I know that I could approach the situation calmly and casually to pass the time.  

Research Paper on Childhood Obesity

Mrs. Robinson

English III

13 November 2008

A “Big” Problem: The Causes, Effects, and Prevention of Childhood Obesity

            Childhood obesity is not merely an issue in the United States- it is an epidemic. The number of overweight and obese children in America has increased at an alarming rate over the past years, and there is no chance of it slowing down unless action is taken. A fast-food craze has swept over the country, consequentially leaving a trail of poor nutrition in its wake. Fast-food corporations seem to be encouraging children to consume regular amounts of unhealthy foods by giving away toys with the purchase of a child’s meal. Televisions, computers, and video games, which are considered to be technological necessities, have begun to cloud the importance of exercise. These influences can lead to childhood obesity, which approaches with an overwhelming abundance of negative effects. Obesity puts children at a high risk of developing many serious illnesses. Not only do children who are obese have unhealthy weights, but they also have a high risk of having weak lungs, poor blood quality, and a variety of other sicknesses. Despite the many obstacles, there are ways to slow, if not halt, the outbreak that is childhood obesity. Prevention can be achieved by following a balanced diet and by participating in a healthy amount of physical activity. There are a great deal of causes and negative effects of obesity in children, but fortunately there are also ways to hinder or even discontinue the spread of this crisis.

Children are considered obese if they have a body mass index greater than or equal to the 95^th percentile for their age (Bell). There are many causes for children being at or above this percentile. The main causes of childhood obesity are poor nutrition and lack of exercise. When unhealthy, fatty or sugary foods are consumed along with deficient amounts of exercise, obesity is usually the outcome.  Eating high-calorie foods regularly like fast foods, baked goods and vending machine snacks increases weight (Mayo Foundation). Research shows that almost one-third of U.S. children between ages four and nineteen eat fast food every day; resulting in a weight gain of about six extra pounds each year, per child (NACHRI). Fast food consumption has increased fivefold among children since 1970. Because of the abundance and availability of unhealthy foods, children are prone to becoming overweight or obese when their eating habits are not balanced with a sufficient amount of physical activity. Technological luxuries such as televisions, computers, and video games can also contribute to childhood obesity.

Martin, Daniel. “Treat child obesity as neglect, say doctors.” Mail Online 2007. Associated Newspapers Ltd. 17 November 2008. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-461876/Treat-child-obesity-neglect-say-doctors.html>

 

In United States, the average child spends over three hours each day watching television (eMedicineHealth). This is time that could be spent participating in outdoor activities such as riding a bike, roller-skating, or playing soccer. Emotional issues are another cause of childhood obesity. Obesity can result from low self-esteem, depression, or dramatic life events. Dramatic events in the lives of some children such as deaths in the family, the divorce of parents, or moving to another home can also lead to overeating. Some children overeat as a way of coping with problems in their lives or dealing with emotions like stress or boredom (Mayo Foundation). Lack of financial resources can lead to childhood obesity as well. Children raised in low-income backgrounds have a greater risk of becoming obese (Mayo Foundation). Poverty may inhibit some parents from being able to provide their children with exercise and a proper nutritional diet due to a lack of time or money. Childhood obesity is thought to not only result from emotional problems, poor nutrition, or lack of financial resources, but also from genetics. Genetics are a cause of obesity in children, because metabolic disorders can be inherited. If one of a child’s parents is obese, the child has a 50 percent chance of becoming obese as well. If both parents are obese, the child has an 80 percent chance of becoming obese (AACAP). When asked if heredity is a cause of childhood obesity, Mrs. Regenia Bell, a registered dietitian, stated, “Heredity as far as genetics can play a part. However, it’s more likely to be the lifestyle a child inherits. Children of obese or overweight parents are much more likely to be overweight or obese. They eat the same foods and mimic the parents’ level of activity.” Obesity cannot be inherited, but disorders that result in obesity can. Hormone imbalances, steroids, and psychological medications can cause childhood obesity, but these occurrences are very rare. Illnesses that prevent children from participating in physical activity can result in obesity on rare occasions. Two of these illnesses are Prader-Willi syndrome and Cushing’s syndrome. There are many causes of obesity in children, and with these causes come a great deal of negative effects.

   Obese children not only suffer from unhealthy weights, but must also contend with many other physical, mental, and emotional ailments. Asthma, type II diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, gallbladder disease, lower body bone and joint problems, osteoarthritis, growth abnormalities, breathing problems such as sleep apnea, certain kinds of cancer, gout, rashes or fungal infections of the skin, and acne are illnesses that obese children are at risk of developing (eMedicineHealth). These effects are very serious physical problems that would likely follow an obese child into adulthood. However, obesity can have a much more devastating effect- death. Around 300,000 people die each year from health problems brought on by obesity (Redbourn). This number is overwhelmingly high. Emotional problems are another result of childhood obesity. In most cases, children who suffer from obesity have a low self-esteem, or are often depressed. Bullies often target overweight or obese children. Bullying and social emphasis on appearance can result in the low self-esteem of an obese child (Mayo Foundation). This can also lead to a serious case of depression. A depressed child could act in one of two ways. He or she may lose interest in activities, sleep more often, or cry a lot. Another reaction of a depressed child may be the concealment of his or her sadness so that he or she appears to be emotionally flat and apathetic. Whatever the reaction, the child would be emotionally unstable, creating a serious issue in the development of the child’s social skills. As mentioned before, bullying is often directed at children who are overweight or obese. Other problems like social withdrawal or disrupting class time can arise as well. Obesity in children can cause individuals to have trouble developing social skills. These children are insecure about their outward appearance, which can make school difficult for them. Obese children that suffer from stress and anxiety usually have trouble learning; so school-related anxiety can cause ever-declining academic performance (Mayo Foundation). This results in a poor academic outlook for a child. In turn, obesity is detrimental not only for a child’s current situation, but also for their future.

Prevention of childhood obesity can be obtained through only a few steps; however, these steps must be followed closely in order to maintain a healthy life. A healthy diet is important in the process of preventing childhood obesity, along with an appropriate caloric intake. The easiest way to prevent obesity is by reducing caloric intake, not discontinue eating some foods completely. Diets that forbid favorite foods are not likely to be successful (AHA). Avoid using food as a reward or a punishment (Mayo Foundation). When parents reward their children with sugary foods (cake, candy, ice cream, etc.) and/or punish them with fruits and vegetables (broccoli, carrots, grapes, etc.), children may view nutritious foods negatively, and therefore avoid making healthy food choices. The Food Guide Pyramid is an important tool when balancing a healthy diet; it shows an appropriate number of servings of each food category that should be consumed each day. It is important for children to be familiar with nutritional tools like the Food Guide Pyramid in order to realize the importance of a healthy diet.

 

Struempler, Barbara. “Food guide pyramid for young children : he-0779.” ACES Publications 2000. Alabama Cooperative Extension System. 17 November 2008. <http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/H/HE-0779/>

 

A meal plan and good food choices are also extremely beneficial in the course of eating healthy. Exercise is a vital step in the prevention of childhood obesity. To make exercise a fun activity instead of a chore for children, parents are encouraged to exercise with their kids. Making exercise an enjoyable activity can be as simple as throwing a ball in the back yard, or playing hopscotch in the driveway. By exercising as a family, a child has more incentive to be active. When parents model healthy eating decisions and physical activity, their children’s health can be influenced in a positive way (AHA). The amount of time spent watching television or using the computer should be limited to fewer than 2 hours each day (Mayo Foundation). By limiting the time spent sitting at the computer and lounging on the couch while watching television, it is easier to control the amount of snacking that takes place, and increase the likelihood that the child will exercise rather than sitting inactively at a computer or TV. Prevention of childhood obesity is simple and necessary. It is extremely important for parents and children to know how to prevent childhood obesity before it is too late.

            Childhood obesity is a serious dilemma, and unfortunately it is common in the United States. The percentage of obesity in children ages 6–11 increased from 4.0% in 1971–1974 to 17.5% in 1999–2004 (AHA). This dramatic increase over the past years is truly devastating, and puts the future of American children at an extreme risk. The causes and effects of childhood obesity are detrimental, but there are ways to prevent the extent of this epidemic from growing. Simply by eating a balance of healthy foods and exercising daily, a child can reduce his or her risk of becoming obese. These steps must be taken to prevent obesity, or else the percentages will rise, continuing to endanger the health of children in the United States. 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

 

Bell, Regenia. Email interview. 18 November 2008.

“Childhood Obesity.” Healthy Youth National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 06 November 2008. <http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/obesity/index.htm&gt;.

“Childhood Obesity.” Weight Loss 2008. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 11 November 2008. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698&gt;.

Lesley, Bruce. “Ebscohost: childhood obesity.” (2008). 04 November 2008. <http://wf2dnvr16.webfeat.org/xIRxK183/url=http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=1&hid=5&sid=2e8af8b5-b58e-41e8-b0ad-2aec62b0091e%40sessionmgr8&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=f5h&AN=32Y2709012046&gt;.

Martin, Daniel. “Treat child obesity as neglect, say doctors.” Mail Online 2007. Associated Newspapers Ltd. 17 November 2008. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-461876/Treat-child-obesity-neglect-say-doctors.html&gt;.

“NACHRI Childhood Obesity Statistics and Facts.” NACHRI 2007. NACHRI. 06 November 2008. <http://www.childrenshospitals.net/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Homepage&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=38010&gt;.

“Obesity: A Weighty Issue for Children.” Environmental Health Perspectives (2008). 05 November 2008. <http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SNC2554-0-6849&artno=0000177322&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=child%20obesity&title=Obesity%3A%20A%20Weighty%20Issue%20for%20Children&res=Y&ren=N&gov=N&lnk=N&ic=N#A2&gt;.

“Obesity in Children and Teens.” American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 2008. American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry. 07 November 2008. <http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/obesity_in_children_and_teens&gt;.

“Obesity in Children Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention by emedicinehealth.com.” eMedicineHealth Practical Guide to Health 2008. eMedicineHealth. 11 November 2008. <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/obesity_in_children/page2_em.htm&gt;.

“Obesity in Children Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention by emedicinehealth.com.” eMedicineHealth Practical Guide to Health 2008. eMedicineHealth. 11 November 2008. <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/obesity_in_children/page8_em.htm&gt;.

“Overweight in Children.” American Heart Association American Heart Association, Inc.. 11 November 2008. <http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4670&gt;.

Schmidt, Charles. “Obesity: a weighty issue for children.” Environmental Health Perspectives (2008). 05 November 2008. <http://sks.sirs.com/cgi-bin/hst-article-display?id=SNC2554-0-6849&artno=0000177322&type=ART&shfilter=U&key=child%20obesity&title=Obesity%3A%20A%20Weighty%20Issue%20for%20Children&res=Y&ren=N&gov=N&lnk=N&ic=N#A2&gt;.

Struempler, Barbara. “Food guide pyramid for young children : he-0779.” ACES Publications 2000. Alabama Cooperative Extension System. 17 November 2008. <http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/H/HE-0779/&gt;.

 Redbourn, Michael. “Obesity and weight.” Hilton Head Regional Medical Center 2007. Hilton Head Regional Medical Center. 07 November 2008. <http://www.hiltonheadmedctr.com/Articles/Obesity-and-weight.html&gt;.

 

 

Comparison and Contrast of President Bush and Patrick Henry’s Speeches

Many differences can be observed when reading President Bush and Patrick Henry’s speeches. One major difference is that in Patrick Henry’s speech, Great Britain is talked about in an extremely negative tone.  In his speech, Patrick Henry says that the ministry, Parliament, the king, and Britain’s government as a whole, are tyrannical. In President George Bush’s speech, however, Bush stated, “America has no truer friend than Great Britain”. Another difference was that President Bush’s speech seemed to be more informative rather than persuasive like Patrick Henry’s speech. There were also some similarities between the two speeches. In both of the speeches there are religious references such as: “may God grant us wisdom, and may He watch over the United States of America” from President Bush’s speech, or “Forbid it, Almighty God!” from Patrick Henry’s speech. A second similarity is that both speeches threatened to declare a war in which America would fight another country. When referring to the inevitable wars, both speeches stated that America would fight without fail and would be victorious. In both speeches, Bush and Henry talk of bravery and honor. They also discuss how America deserves freedom and that that freedom will never be taken away.

 

200 Words

C vs. C Essay

Mary Beth Williams

Mrs. Jessica Robinson

Honors English 3

September 18, 2008

A Pious Wife and an Irreverent Vamp: Elizabeth Proctor vs. Abigail Williams in The Crucible

What are the differences between John Proctor’s wife and his mistress? When first examining the two characters, many similarities can be identified. Elizabeth Proctor and Abigail Williams are both Salem women that share a love for John Proctor and perpetually vie for his attention and affection. However, if further analyzed, their personalities, morals, and family values illustrate their contrast.

In Arthur Miller’s script, The Crucible, both Elizabeth and Abigail have their own distinct personalities. Elizabeth Proctor is portrayed as a caring, sensitive, and forgiving wife and mother. In the script, Elizabeth asks John after he returns to their farmhouse from planting in the fields: “What keeps you so late? It is almost dark” (26). This quote confirms that Elizabeth cares for her husband and is worried about him when he is away. Abigail, on the other hand, is depicted as being self-centered, jealous, manipulative, and remorseless. A few of these qualities are clearly interpreted in the following passage when Abigail says to John, “I know how you clutched my back behind your house and sweated like a stallion whenever I come near! Or did I dream that? It’s she put me out, you cannot pretend it were you. I saw your face when she put me out, and you loved me then and you do now!” (14). In the passage, Abigail is attempting to manipulate the emotionally unstable John Proctor into continuing their forbidden romance. This demonstrates the jealousy that she has towards the affection that John and Elizabeth share. It is also evident that the majority of Abigail’s exclamation is centered on herself; her use of personal pronouns is a pattern that recurs throughout the text.

John Proctor’s wife and his mistress have opposed morals as well. In Salem, Elizabeth is known for her immaculate presentation of honesty. She is also loyal to her husband, and forgiving of his mistakes. Elizabeth’s self- evaluation of her morality can be examined when she states, “There be no mark of blame upon my life, Mr. Hale. I am a covenanted Christian woman” (32).  Contrasting Elizabeth’s morality, Abigail is consistently lying to, deceiving, or backstabbing others. She also practiced witchcraft when she attempted to murder Elizabeth Proctor by hexing her! The extent of Abigail’s heinous deeds is expressed in the following quote by John Proctor: “She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave! And well she might, for I thought of her softly. God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such a sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance, and you must see it” (49). Having an amorous relationship with a married man was considered a particularly vile act in a Puritan community such as Salem: an action for which one would undoubtedly be hung.

Differing family values set Elizabeth and Abigail apart. Elizabeth has a husband that she is in love with and that loves her on an emotional level. In addition to John, she also has two sons that she deeply cares for. Elizabeth displays affection for her family when she says, “Mary, there is bread enough for the morning; you will bake, in the afternoon. Help Mr. Proctor as you were his daughter—you owe me that, and much more. When the children wake, speak nothing of witchcraft—it will frighten them” (37). Elizabeth’s emphasis on her family’s well being is revealed when the first thing she thinks about are her children right before she is taken to jail. Her reaction shows that her children’s care is of utmost priority. Conversely, Abigail has few family values if any at all. The absence of these values results from Abigail’s lack of parental guidance. As a child, Abigail had to cope with the tragedy that took place when her parents were brutally murdered right beside her. This traumatic experience was followed by her placement into the care of her uncle, Reverend Parris, who “was a widower with no interest in children, or talent with them” and who “regarded them as young adults” (6). Abigail never received the proper care that a traumatized child would require. The absence of a real family led Abigail to moral destruction. Instead of finding compassion and love from a family member, like Elizabeth, she searched for a romantic relationship in all the wrong places.

As mentioned before, Elizabeth Proctor and Abigail Williams have many similarities. Both are women of Salem that love John Proctor, strive for returned affection, and abhor one another. However, for two characters that have so much in common, it is evident of their three main distinctions: personalities, ethics, and family values. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Viking Penguin, 1982.

The Purdue OWL. 26 Aug. 2008. The Writing Lab and OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. 23 April 2008 <http://owl.english.purdue.edu&gt;.