To Page 144

"The victim was forever on the rack; it needed only to know the spring that controlled the engine; and the physician knew it well!"(127)

This quote symbolizes Dimmesdale's means for salvation. It is clear to the reader that Dimmesdale had committed a sin that was very much against his vocation, and would have serious consequences if discovered. At the moment, only Chillingworth has any thought that Dimmesdale might be the adulterer. Known for being relentless, Chillingworth is likely to never give Dimmesdale a break until he lets the truth out. In that case, salvation is represented, in how Dimmesdale could further lie his way out if he chose to, which would bring yet another mark up against him. In that way, Dimmesdale could save his person, but not his soul. Either that, or he would tell the truth, which would redeem him of his sin, but would not save himself from the long road of ridicule ahead. The name of the chapter this quote comes in is called the interior of a heart, and it is up to Dimmesdale to decide whether he loves himself or God the most.

Which path will Dimmesdale choose?

"A pure hand needs no glove to cover it!"(143)

This quote comes in towards the end of the twelfth chapter. At this point, a sexton finds a glove on the scaffold where Hester stood, which belonged to Dimmesdale. He brought the glove to Dimmesdale, and cited the following quote. At this point, when Chillingworth had found him, he had no choice but to admit his sin. The sexton discovered this sin, and decided to make it know to Dimmesdale that he was caught. He claimed that only the devil would have a need to be on the scaffold, and that if Dimmesdale were as pure as a priest should be, he had no reason to hide his purity with a glove. This quote references Dimmesdale's salvation. It alludes to the two paths he could take, as referenced in the previous quote. Yet, Danforth seems to be denying himself in a way, as he reacted fearfully in Chillingworth's presence, rather than willing to repent, and he denies his act the the sexton when he says, "'No,' answered the minister, 'I had not heard of it'"(144).

What might become of Dimmesdale?

To Page 126

"In Arthur Dimmesdale, thought and imagination were were so active , and sensibility so intense, that the bodily infirmity would be likely to have its groundwork there. So Roger Chillingworth - the man of skill, the kind and friendly physician, - strove to go deep into his patient's bosom, delving among his principles, prying into his recollections, and probing everything with a cautious touch, like a treasure-seeker in a dark cavern."(113)

This quote discreetly describes the relationship between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth. They are good friends and reverends. Yet, one of them is young and the other elderly. This quote relates to salvation in how both Chillingworth and Dimmesdale see their occupations as reverends as their means to salvation, as they are living their lives very closely to God in that way, and are also helping to spread the Kingdom of God with their teachings. At the time, being a priest must have been honorable, and must have gained a person much status. As the reading continues on, it becomes apparent through quirky reactions towards Hester's situation, that Hester's child may also be Dimmesdale's child. Dimmesdale and Chillingworth are similar to each other by occupation and ethical views, but are very much different in their destiny. Chillingworth was to be a sapient, old priest, yet, Dimmesdale was to have a child with Hester, which went against his occupation. More differences between the two also allude to the theme of society's effect on a person. For example, Dimmesdale decided not to announce that Pearl was his child, since he would be forced from his position and would be ridiculed harshly for it.

How might differences between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth lead to either character's downfall?

" A bodily disease, which we look upon as whole and entire within itself, may, after all, be but a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual part."(124)

This quote comes in after a part in which Pearl is hooking burrs onto Hester's "A" badge, and sees Chillingworth and Dimmesdale. Before that happened, Chillingworth and Dimmesdale were having a discussion about hiding one's sin, to Dimmesdale's dismay. Chillingworth reacts to seeing Hester by saying that she wears her sin on her breast. Dimmesdale then seems to take on a defensive stance, and Chillingworth begins to examine him relentlessly. After a bit, Dimmesdale leaves the room, which augments Chillingworth's suspicion. This quote relates to the nature of evil. This is because it gives insight into how sins tend to hide themselves within one's conscious. In Puritan society, confessing certain sins could have major repercussions, so for sins much like Dimmesdale's, it was a better idea to keep quiet.

How might Chillingworth react if he finds about Dimmesdale's secret?

To Page 107

"But it was a remarkable attribute of this garb, and, indeed, of the child's whole appearance, that it irresistibly and inevitably reminded the beholder of the token which Hester Prynne was doomed to wear upon her bosom. It was the scarlet letter in another form; the scarlet letter endowed with life!"(93)

This quote comes in after a section where Pearl's clothes are described. "[...] arraying her in a crimson velvet tunic, of a peculiar cut, abundantly embroidered with fantasies and flourishes of gold-thread,"(92) describes more fully how Hester dressed Pearl. Upon closer examination, the "crimson velvet tunic" and "gold-thread" components should be most recognizable. It seems that Hester made Pearl's clothes like hers, crimson, and with gold thread, as on Hester's scarlet letter. This generally expresses a recurring theme of vanity, a theme concerned with Hester's pride in her sin and self. Hester sees her sin as a defining feature, and readily flaunts it in the face of society with her elaborate scarlet letter. "It had the effect of a spell, taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and enclosing her in a sphere by herself,"(51) is a quote that better expresses this view. With herself isolated by her act, she feels more like she has a cause to be living for, and she sees that cause to be to care for her daughter. Knowing that she may have never another child, she sees Pearl as a priority, and dresses her similarly to herself to remind her of this purpose and how Pearl was born of Hester's coveted sin.

With vanity being one of the seven deadly sins, what might become of Hester later on?

"'Nevertheless,' said the mother, calmly, though growing more pale, 'this badge hath taught me - it daily teaches me - it is teaching me at this moment - lessons whereof my child may be the wiser and better, albeit they can profit nothing to myself.'"(101)

This quote comes in during Hester's visit to Governor Bellingham's house. Bellingham, at one point, tells Hester of some gossip he overheard. This gossip simply stated that Hester should give up Pearl, so that she may grow with the potential to go well, rather than to be led astray as Hester was. The previous quote mentioned that Pearl was one reason as to why Hester valued her life, and she objects to such a proposal. The above quote is her objection, and she simply alludes to her main goal, which is to treat Pearl well, and educate her about her sin, so that it may be avoided in the future. As it seems, society sees Pearl as a further mark of shame for Hester. On the other hand, Hester herself sees Pearl as a gift and a blessing, and sees Pearl as her only reason to be in this world.

The Puritan society being holy as it is, would authority look towards gossip and the law or towards Hester's faith, that she may create a better generation if she cares for Pearl?

To Page 91

"It had been built by an earlier settler, and abandoned, because the soil about it was too sterile for cultivation[...] In this little, lonesome dwelling, with some slender means that she possessed, and by the license of the magistrates, who still kept an inquisitorial watch over her, Hester established herself, with her infant child."(74-75)

This quote conveys many revelations about Hester's life at home. She chose to settle away from society, as one can see. This relates to the theme of society's effect on the individual, since if Hester lived in a settled area, she and her child would face more ridicule than if she settled away from civilization. Also, the land at the site was barren. This is almost symbolic of Hester's act, since her act of adultery would almost seem to render her so. With such a glaring sin, no other men would want to associate with her in any way. That is the meaning behind this quote.

What might be a problem with living away from society?

"[...] poor little Pearl was a demon offspring; such as, ever since old Catholic times, had occasionally been seen on earth, through the agency of their mother's sin, and to promote some foul and wicked purpose."(90)

This quote gives insight on the plight of Hester's daughter. From the start, Pearl was a forsaken child. Being born by sinful means, that is how that would be true. This quote portrays the theme of the nature of evil, since society sees evil, in Pearl's case, as eminent through Hester's act. Pearl may have been born of sinful means, yet, society has no right to assume that she herself would be that way. Considering the time in which the story is set, these would be reasonable explanations for this issue.

What might Pearl's later life be like if this stigma sticks?

To Page 72

"I pray you, good Sir," said he, "who is this woman? - and wherefore is she here set up to public shame?"(57)

This quote is said by Hester's husband. He is merely inquiring of a stranger who Hester really was, yet, all along, he knew Hester more than everyone else did. His naivety relates to the theme of society's effect on the individual, as Hester's husband had to deny knowing her in order to maintain a level of secrecy about him. If anything, he should have been admitting that he was Hester's husband, as he was equally responsible for Hester's action by letting her alone for too long. Yet, there would be major repercussions for doing such an act in a Puritan society, as they will probably treat him with more scorn for being so secretive about such a boiling social woe. Also, admitting that he was Hester's husband would lead to her death, since the government would see that there was someone out there to care for her child.

Why should Hester's husband not have to bear his own sin?

"Never!" Replied Hester Prynne, looking, not at Mr. Wilson, but into the deep and troubled eyes of the younger clergyman. "It is too deeply branded. Ye cannot take it off. And would that I might endure his agony, as well as mine!"(64)

This quote also relates to the theme of society's effect on the individual. This quote comes in after someone in the crowd watching Hester tells her to find a father for her baby. Hester is quick to say never, since on the inside, she loves the one with which she had created her child, and could not imagine her child in someone else's care, not even in her husband's. Yet, the dilemma there is that if she were to reveal that the baby had a father figure already, this would only excite popular interest in finding our who this "mystery man" really is. If when she saw her husband, she suddenly blurted out that she saw him, the public would see him as a fitting caretaker for the child and would kill Hester as a result. Also, she literally says that her baby is a symbol of her sin, almost proudly. Hester bears her sin with pride, as can be seen with the elaborate "A" seal she wears, and only wants to share it with her counterpart in the act and put no one else through the agony of this sin.

Why might it not be a bad idea to announce that the baby has a potential caretaker?

To Page 56

"Finding it so directly on the threshold of our narrative, which is now about to issue from that inauspicious portal, we could hardly do otherwise than pluck one of its flowers, and present it to the reader."(46)

This quote may describe the purpose of the book. The reason for this connects to the theme of salvation that seems to be prominent throughout the book. Being a strict Puritanical society, the people of the time were likely to be worried about where they would be heading after death. At the time in which the book takes place, Puritan officials claimed that Salvation was determined through the leading of a holy life. Before this quote, the historical figure known as Anne Hutchinson was mentioned, as she stayed in a jail cell described before this quote as well. She preached that holiness did not guarantee salvation, and that salvation was subject to God's grace. During this period of time, this was high heresy. Also, there was a rose bush outside the jail cell. It had seen many an arrest, and briefly symbolizes the purpose of the novel. In giving the reader a rose from the bush, that is simply described as the act of sharing the story of the tough Puritanical society.

Why would the author directly address the reader like that?

"This woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die. Is there not law for it? Truly there is, both in the Scripture and the statute-book. Then let the magistrates, who have made it of no effect, thank themselves if their own wives and daughters go astray!"(49)

This quote is connecting two themes, that of the effects of sin and the nature of evil. Hester committed adultery, a highly frowned upon sin. This quote comes in a part where a few women are gossiping about Hester's sin. Apparently, Hester's sin, which those women had not committed, seemed to affect them greatly. This is because they are saying that if Hester is an adulterer, she does not belong within their pure and holy Puritanical society. This also relates to the theme of the nature of evil. The women gossiping clearly see themselves as holy, and they wish to do away with sinners and their respective sins as they come along. Hester committed an evil within the eyes of God, yet, her sin is not as malicious as that of the women gossiping. In the first place, gossip is considered to be wrong, even in the Bible. Also, they are wishing death upon Hester for a sin that effectually did not really influence them, unless they look at the larger picture of their society. Murder is one of the worst possible sins, and they are clearly at fault to talk about Hester's sins when they have such impure thoughts within their own minds.

Are the women speaking in this part really that holy after all?

The Down in Fall

Abigail Williams should have hung in the gallows, with her body’s weight pulling down on her neck. Such a gruesome punishment would be lacking of force, because of the deliberate and vindictive acts she commits. The play starts off with Abigail being a rather trustworthy character. After one lie in the beginning of the play, Abigail continues to tell even more lies in order to defend previous claims as the plot progresses. With each lie, Abigail only becomes more deceitful. Abigail was feeding the fire that would eventually engulf her when it got too wild and out of control. Abigail’s downfall was made possible because of her negative use of ethos, her manipulation of the truth, and lastly through her deliberate use of others.

Abigail is a master at wielding ethos as a weapon with which to subdue her victims. Throughout the events of the play, Abigail used ethos to invoke sympathy from the other characters and more importantly from the courts. One instance where Abigail utilizes ethos is when she says: “I have been near to murdered every day because I done my duty pointing out the Devil’s people – and this is my reward?” (Miller 108) Abigail is attempting to satisfy one purpose with that; to gain the support of the court system. Abigail was known by the court in Salem for diligently searching out witches, and she seeks to live out that reputation, even when she herself is being accused by the court. She simply says that she should not have to suffer any accusations, since she is making the finding of witches easy for the court with her high turn-in rate.

One instance where Abigail uses ethos as a weapon is when she says: “And mark this. Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you”(20). Abigail is attempting to assert her power in that statement. When Mary Warren and a few other girls propose the idea of confessing their act of dancing in the woods, Abigail lashes out violently when they say that they would be whipped for their crime rather than killed. She scares them from mentioning their acts with this statement, where she follows by recounting the death of her parents and how she could make her own friends suffer a similar fate. What was even more surprising was how she seemed surprised when Mary Warren said that they would get whipped. Abigail cynically repeated it, saying she was not the one getting whipped, almost as a foreshadowing of what she had in store for Mary. That shows more of who Abigail really is, an insidious character who abuses and manipulates others for her own purposes.

Abigail would have been the first to die of witchcraft if she had told the truth since the beginning. As stated in the Bible, humans are created with the intention of choosing to do well. After all, God created them in his own image, and “God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good”(Genesis 1:31). However, God also created humans with free will, where they could freely choose to not do God’s will. In the beginning, Abigail is being interrogated about the dancing in the woods as observed by Reverend Parris. Abigail’s first lie comes in at this time, and is directed towards Tituba. Abigail does not even consider that dancing in the woods or drinking blood may be a part of Tituba’s culture, or perhaps it would not be seen as a negative ritual in Barbados. Instead, she freely reverts to a lie, saying that Tituba made her drink the blood. The reasoning for that must have simply been that being accused of being a witch only leads to death, which is something that tends to be avoided, even if she has to wrongfully doom others to it. Unfortunately, Tituba was present at the dancing in the woods and happened to be at Abigail’s disposal because of that. It is inevitable that Abigail’s lies are one-sided, as many other institutions of the devil are, such as the seven deadly sins.

Abigail’s initial lie eventually becomes a habit she uses to bring her rivals down. Abigail has two main objectives in the play: to simply stay alive, and to acquire the affection of John Proctor. Abigail sees lying as the only way to go about this. She has far too many rivals, and somehow needs to get rid of them, before they get rid of her. Abigail’s infamous lies were like a disease, because other characters were fooled so easily by them. Part of this relates to her established ethos, which allowed her to charm her way into seeming trustworthy. By getting the good side of the authorities, she had their ear when it came time to accuse others of being witches. She takes advantage of this, and tells further lies when necessary.

Another tactic Abigail used was equivocation. Equivocation is the telling of the truth, but so as to mislead, making it a lie at the same time. Mary Warren gives a doll to Elizabeth Proctor at one time. Unfortunately, this small act of kindness dragged on to be the seeming downfall of both characters. Of course, Abigail had a part in this minute twist of fate. Abigail saw Mary stick a needle into the doll. Then Abigail put on a few antics at the Parris house where she pierced herself with a needle, claiming that Elizabeth’s spirit had stabbed her. Unfortunately, such trivial evidence was enough to arrest Elizabeth, thus leaving John Proctor available for the taking. Through that, Abigail was ultimately able to achieve one of the two goals she set out to achieve.

The most insidious of tactics wielded by Abigail was her deliberate use of others. As already mentioned, Abigail had two main objectives: to remain alive, and to win the affection of John Proctor. Yet, Abigail has too many rivals getting in the way of such plans. What she decides to do is to use them as they are available, attributing false crimes to them simply to get them out of her way. With the authorities under the influence of her charm, and hence accepting her every falsehood, Abigail had no problem with moving others out of the way, even if by force.

Among Abigail’s two goals is the captivation of John Proctor’s ardor. At a time in the past, however, Proctor once gave in to temptation and had an affair with Abigail. He could not have made a worse decision, as that affair that sparked Abigail’s lust for him. After a trail of lies begun by Abigail reaches Proctor, he is the one who is condemned to die in the end, and willingly accepts to die as a martyr of his morals. He said at one point, “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 sweat. But it is a whore's vengeance, and you must see it; I set myself entirely in your hands” (110). He thinks nothing more than to die simply to escape the misery that Abigail would inflict upon him should he live. Usually, it is not perceived as a positive attribute if a person has this kind of affect on others. The irony with this situation is also that Abigail wished to reunite with Proctor, yet her lies got the better of him, and he chose to die for them in an attempt to redeem himself. Sadly, the one who suffered was the holiest character in the play, and the least deserving of that end.

Abigail is a highly distasteful character. People were created by God to do well, yet they also had free will too, which enabled people to work against God if they chose to. With that concept engraved in one’s mine, it would be reasonable to think it preferable if a person acted well, as God wished them to. Yet, through charming, lies, and the abuse of others, Abigail does not fit that description. Abigail was completely lacking in scruples, and that is why she committed those atrocities. Abigail’s downfall thus rests in her faulty morals. Apparently, the fire of evil has consumed her as a person and the wind has scattered her ashes to the other characters and audience who see her as now insidious. That is how Abigail’s derogative moral choices make her plausibility diminish and thus contribute to her fall.

Letter 3

Dear Danforth,
How have you been? Miserable, I assume. The witch trials are over, and now you have no means by which to acquire cash. The devil, well, he lurks in your shadow. How do they treat you down on earth? They know it were all a sick joke of some sort, so they must think little of you. Up here, it is much the same. My fellow angels and I cringe and cower whenever your name is heard. God created us for love, but you were empty of that emotion within your heart.
Come to think of it, how did you get involved in these trials in the first place? Were judges needed and you yourself needed the money? Maybe you had a rival you wanted to rid yourself of, and saw these trials as the perfect time to do so. Whatever the case, you have made the wrong choice. Unless you were not given a choice, yet you knew that what you were doing was wrong. On that note, why did you do it? You assailed hundreds to their death for so called crimes, when all they were doing was living life. I cannot think of anything that so emulates the work of the devil.

Whatever the case, you have no chance of making up here in heaven. God has confirmed this. If you want to find yourself up here, you will have to replace what was lost. I see you have taken to this, granting rewards to the afflicted families. You mean well, yet, God does not see it as enough. We are to serve God, not mammon. When lost, money may be replaced, but lives may not be. You have damned many a life, and when yours is over, you shall receive the likewise treatment. It is only ethical. In Hammurabi’s code of law, a primitive code that outlined the bases of all other codes and God’s law, your fate rests, as it says “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and a life for a life.” As it seems, there is only one way to go. Those who reach heaven, live forever. Yet, from the moment you die, the maggots will feast off of your dead body and soul. With that, I leave you. Enjoy these last few years of your life, as God’s goodness will leave you afterwards.
Your victim,
John Proctor

Letter 2

Dear John,
How are things? It has been a while since we have last met. I cannot function correctly since you have gone to Our Father above. It is simply impossible. After you died, my name had become forsaken in Salem, so I fled to Boston. Yet, even there, my name is forsaken too. As it seems, the people around even these parts talk way too much. Perhaps it is because of the habit I have adopted after your death. Without you, I seem to go into a frenzy. I have been sporting with men of all kinds. It makes me a good deal of money, yet, I know better. We know better. No other man on this planet can ever be quite like you.

I also have a few questions to ask of you. The night before you died, why did you not come with me to Boston? I had no idea that Mary Warren would think to place the burden on you. Such was not my plan this whole time. If you had come with me, you would have lived. We could have had a quaint little house and family here in Boston, but you decided not to. One more question now. How is heaven? Is it quite as good as everyone makes it seem? Why do I ask this? It is because I know you must be up there, you were a good man down here.

As you can see, I have been a bad girl. I lie, I cheat, and I steal. That has been my life thus far. Those witch trials that took your life were but a farce. We all knew it. If those judges were not so naïve, you would be here, in my arms. You were a good man, dying for this cause not because you were found guilty, but because you had to prove everyone else wrong about it. Also, since you must be in heaven, I have a favor to ask of you. Please tell Our Father to have mercy on myself. I know no better than I have been doing. Oh, how I long to see you again up there, in the clouds of heaven. If only it were possible for me. Perhaps you could pay me a visit down There. I am sickly without you. If there be paper and ink up in heaven, write back to me soon. I look forward to hearing from you.
Your lover,

Abigail

Letter 1

My Dear John,
How is heaven? I still cannot believe that you became the victim of the entire witchcraft scheme. No one else can believe it either. As for me, I am well. The boys are just fine, getting bigger, stronger, and more John-like. They are very intelligent, and I see bright futures ahead of them. In case you were wondering, I have remarried. That was simply because I needed someone else to help me take care of the boys and to supply this family with a fair amount of cash. It would be too difficult alone. Know this, no other husband I will ever have could be quite as good as you.

I remember before you died, among my last few words to you was that whatever you do is as a good man does it. You have left behind quite a legacy. Often times, you come up in conversations. I went to a farmer’s market the other day, and I overheard two farmers, of whom I did not know, talking about Jesus, and then they related him to you. That is great how others almost see you as godlike, a model for their faith if you will. I know you John; you were a most faithful man, and like God on earth to me. We all know you were not guilty.We all know you were not guilty. You simply wanted to stand up for what was good and true, yet that fiend, Danforth, would not take it. Do not worry, we all know how you were, and you did all things as a good man would.

That is about all for now. It is late and I must dinner for the boys, of whom have been working diligently in our fields. I hope you rest well. After such a life devoted to your distraught wife, your children, and God, you certainly deserve a break. With the witch trials over, we all have some breathing room. Tell God and Jesus I said hello. The boys say hello too.
Your wife,
Elizabeth

P.S. I got from the government a compensation for your death. What does that mean? Rest well, for they have admitted that they were wrong the entire time. We knew you were true the entire time. We knew it, and the government has said so.

The Blame Game

The play, “The Crucible,” was written by Arthur Miller and gives an intimate perspective towards the topic of witchcraft in the context of the Salem witch trials of 1692. Throughout the play, many individuals are accused of the crime of witchcraft. Often times, they were accused over very minor indications. This caused much upheaval, as more witches were taken into custody over such trifles. Some kept their sense of virtue and decided to tell the truth that they had not committed any atrocities. This did result in their untimely death; however, as the courts were biased to the accused, assuming that they were guilty if accused at all. Others decided to lie their way out of it, admitting to their alleged crimes, or by placing the blame on anyone else they could find. Those who lied then began to play the blame game. As one lie was told, often times, many more untruths were told as each person accused attempted to defend themselves. Among those who fit this description comes the insidious character known as Abigail Williams. Throughout the events of the play, Abigail appears largely to blame for the Salem witch trials since she is a liar, accuses more witches than anyone else, and is morally corrupt.

Witchcraft was treated as a serious crime in those days. Often times, accusations of witchcraft were fallacious and could result in being sentenced to a grievous death, namely through a public hanging. When Abigail is accused of witchcraft by Hale, she is led to resort to lies as her means of refuge. Her reaction when Hale asks if Tituba had enchanted her at all was this: “She made me do it! She made Betty do it!”(19) Considering that her life was at stake, one can not blame Abigail for taking the easy way out like she did. Yet, in this case, part of her argument is true. In a sense, she was not completely at fault, since Tituba was from Barbados, where some of the customs may have been different. Perhaps the populace danced in the woods and drank chicken blood at nighttime in Barbados. Yet, it is her inability to realize this that made Abigail’s words devoid of the truth. She jumps to conclusions rather than pure logic, which remains a habit until the very end of the play.

Abigail’s lies are also closely tied into her mannerisms. As the unfavorable topic of witchcraft is brought to attention, Abigail seems to be on her toes, readily accusing and implicating anyone to draw suspicion from herself. Of all the lies told by Abigail, her most outrageous ones are introduced during Mary Warren’s interrogation. In her first one, Abigail claims that Mary’s evil soul is freezing her over. Her second lie is concerned with an ostensible conversation she has with Mary’s spirit, which is as follows: “Oh, Mary, this is a black art to change your shape. No, I cannot, I cannot stop my mouth; it’s God’s work I do.”(115) Abigail is lying twice in that example. First of all, she is not exactly speaking with Mary’s spirit; she is merely attempting to draw attention from herself. Secondly, Abigail is certainly not doing God’s work, in fact, she is doing the opposite. Abigail should be telling the truth that she danced in the woods upon her own free will, yet, she lies and accuses instead. Such acts are the kinds of acts upon which God would frown. The truth will out; at least, it would in a perfect world.

Last but not least, Abigail is not doing God’s work, as she is morally corrupt on the inside. Towards the beginning of the play, when John Proctor enters for the first time, this sparks flirtatious sentiments within Abigail, flustering him greatly. Though he did have an affair with Abigail, Proctor held his marriage and faith on a high pedestal. Abigail then begins to act more fervently on her fleeting emotions, when she says this of Elizabeth, his wife: “She is blackening my name in the village! She is telling lies about me! She is a cold, sniveling woman, and you bend to her!”(24). Clearly, Abigail is trying to reunite with Proctor mainly by exploiting his wife. Again, she is resorting to her jealous disposition and decides to manipulate his wife anyways, thinking that she may be absorbed soon enough by the entire witchcraft issue. Unfortunately for Proctor, Abigail succeeds at this. At court, Mary Warren gives a doll to Elizabeth as a gift, which Abigail makes Mary stick a needle through. Abigail then uses her dinnertime at the Parris’ to stab her belly with a needle, the same place as on the doll, claiming that Elizabeth’s spirit had stabbed her. It is a pity how such minor and false evidence could be taken so far as to arrest Elizabeth. It was the hysteria of the time that led the courts to believe in such fiction. Later on, Abigail would fail, since her lies end up reaching Proctor, who then dies as the martyr of her cause.

Abigail is responsible for the uprisings of thought during the Salem witch trials. She is a corrupted character, who lies, accuses, and follows her corrupted mind to belittle others. Salem was a small, but pious town. The people of Salem went about, freely expressing their faith in God and why God was so good. Yet, these people had differing views about the issue of how God’s followers were seen on high. These conflicting concepts began the witch trials, which ended up corrupting the piety of this small town. As people were accused, they were led astray from their virtue, and were led to lie and cheat their way out of the situation. Often times, it was the grudges that the people held towards each other that were the biases of their accusations. Abigail was the most major advocate for this style of thought, as she fit this description more closely than any of the other characters in the play. Her false accusations lead to an entire cycle bent on selfishness and vengeance that repeats itself throughout the play. That is why Abigail Williams is largely to blame for the situation in Salem.

To The End

"While I speak God's Law, I will not crack its voice with whimpering. If retaliation is your fear, know this - I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the statuses. Now draw yourselves up like men and help me, as you are bound by Heaven to do so."(129)

This quote is quite a stretch of a reason given by Danforth explaining why he is doing what he is doing. In a few words, he claims to be doing the work he was assigned to do by Heaven. This builds off the theme of lying once again, since all the minor trifles that Danforth accuses all the others for are not nearly as bad as sentencing hundreds of people to death. Danforth seems to think himself of being perfectly holy and in God's favor, since he sees himself as doing God's work, and being God's voice on earth. This makes him a bit cocky, and he seems to see himself as infallible. The more people he accuses and sentences to death, the more he feels in God's favor. However, didn't God condemn murder in the Bible, and later on, didn't Jesus tell us to love our enemies? Danforth must have forgotten about those things, and is going on with his job of committing large-scale atrocities. The whole prospect that Danforth was carrying out God's service was probably some kind of misunderstanding. He knew that he was to destroy evil, yet he had little to no proof that the accused were actually evil. Perhaps Proctor was correct in saying that he saw himself with the Devil, and with the Devil was Danforth, because Danforth is probably the largest of all the warlocks of his time.

Will Danforth eventually see his wrongdoing?

"Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!"(143)

This quote is centered around the opposite theme as the other quote. Danforth's words in the above example are vehement lies, while the words of Proctor three lines up are in fact the truth. Proctor is giving his final defense for his alleged "witchery." He is simply saying that he will not publicly admit his crimes, since he sees them as false and does not want everyone else to see him that way. Throughout the play, Hale along with Proctor have seemed to be the "voices of reason." This is because they were more liberal about the whole issue of witchcraft, not being fooled as easily as Danforth, who believed anyone when they told him that they met with the Devil, and saw other people with him. Only Proctor and Hale were aware that Abigail and the other girls were lying during Mary Warren's interrogation, but their attempts at reasoning it out with Danforth were quashed by his overweening pride. Unfortunately, Mary Warren, of whom Proctor was defending, turns on him and pins the blame for her presumed "witchery" on him. Proctor then decides to sign a confession to save his own life, simply because his wife said so. Yet, on the inside, he wanted to die. This is because Proctor sees himself as the better man, almost Jesus-like, since he sees himself as not being pious enough, and decides to be the scapegoat so that he might make a statement as to how much others should value what is good and true. Proctor could have signed the confession and publicly announced that he was a warlock, yet, he went even further. He as well as Rebecca Nurse decided to die for virtue's sake, and would be remembered for it. After all, many of the occurrences within the play itself are acclaimed to be historically accurate.

How strongly must the people have felt about witchcraft during its time?

To Page 127

"I believe him! This girl has always struck me false! She has - "(114)

From this quote, it is inevitable that there is at least one sensible judge at the witch trials. In this quote, Hale suspects Abigail for lying and announces it for the first time. This strikes Danforth as odd, since he seems to trust her. From the scene where Abigail and the other girls supposedly freeze, Hale's suspicion must have been building up since. One moment the girls were fine, yet the next, they were complaining of a draft and implicating Mary at the same time. Hale is quite aware that there is much falsity within the words of Abigail. Abigail appears as a trustworthy individual because she deftly utilizes ethos as her means of appearing so. She attempts to charm those in the courtroom, and when she is suspected of anything or questioned at all, she throws a tantrum, claiming to be the one who is finding all the witches and must not be punished, for without her, Salem would be teeming with them. Shortly after this selection came in, Abigail and the other girls claim to see a yellow bird, which becomes a demon that "possesses" them. Danforth takes this to heart when he hears them repeat all the words of Mary after she says them, but Hale and the only other sensible person, Proctor, sense that the entire scenario is a mere fib. In her fear, Mary is eventually forced to lie herself, and pin the blame on Proctor, who was defending her. This links to the constantly recurring theme of lying present in this play, and in that we see how contagious these lies have become. This strikes Hale senseless, and shortly after that, he has had it. In a fury, he exclaims, "I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court!"(120)

What may become of the court without a sensible judge such as Hale?

"Devil, him be pleasure-man in Barbados, him be singin' and dancin' in Barbados. It's you folks - you riles him up 'round here; it be too cold 'round here for that Old Boy."(122)

This quote is rather interesting, since it gives an opposing perspective on how the devil was seen during this time. Tituba, who said this particular piece, was accused of witchcraft. Interestingly enough, she claims to accept the devil in the face of her likely punishment of hanging, saying that in her home country of Barbados, the devil was a kindly spirit. From this, Tituba comes across as fearless, which is a good quality to have in situations like the witch trials. She claimed to accept the forbidden, and made sense out of it. Also, the reader can perceive an intelligent thought process behind her words. Sure she is accepting the devil, which is basically death if an utterance of such words is overheard. Yet, she claims that he is outgoing in Barbados. Salem is in Massachusetts, hundreds of miles from Barbados. Chances are that every other character in the play has never been to such a place. Being so far off, exotic, and warmer, which may be perceived as almost hell-like, the people may be inclined to think that Barbados is the place where the devil lies, and may possibly expel accused witches there. For Tituba, that would be a dream come true, since during her time in Salem, all she had known was trouble.

Is this going to work out at all?

To Page 113

"But witchcraft is ipso facto, on its face and by its nature, an invisible crime, is it not? Therefore, who may possibly be witness to it? The witch and the victim. None other."(100)

This quote emphasizes the insidious nature of witchcraft and relates to the eminent themes of lying and side taking portrayed throughout the play. This quote makes the point that witchcraft may not be witnessed by anyone, except for the accused witch and the victim. Throughout the play so far, the authority has seemed to be taking one side. It is stated throughout the play that those in charge have been given the divine mission of purging the devil and his allies from Salem. In that sense, this quote leaves very much room for doubt. Assuming that it is in fact true, this quote is saying that anyone considered a victim of witchcraft has the ultimate say. When any evidence that is against the side not in favor is issued, often times, they are accused and implicated in every way for atrocities never committed. Again, if the alleged victim happens to be of a deceptive type, this could be very unfortunate for those not in favor. While in favor, it is possible for any person to make up any kind of lie, and to have others believe them, no matter how outrageous the claims. Building off the point made earlier that the judges were on a divine mission, the judges have claimed that God expels the life out of anyone who gives any false utterances. If the judges were not so naïve, they would be able to realize that those of whom the thought they could trust are playing them for fools. If these trials are bent on irradicating falsity,
surely these trials are not being held very much on God's favor, since the devil's tactic of lying is being used in God's "defense."

This being the case, what kinds of people were being accused of witchcraft during this time?

"Your Honor, I freeze!"
"They're pretending!"
"She is cold, Your Honor, touch her!"
"Mary, do you send this shadow on me?"
"Lord, save me!"(108-109)

This quote again touches on the theme of lying. Yet, in this case, it is more concealed, namely through cooperation. This is an interesting case, as one can clearly see a collaborative effort to bring shame upon a witch. Among the few who were acting out these antics were Abigail and Mercy. As the events of the play have unfolded, one may get the impression that they are of the designated few who seem to be trusted by the authority. Upon scanning the few lines before this particular selection, it is tangible that Abigail merely made up this situation on the spot. Relating this to the previous quote, it seems that Abigail and Mercy are the victims in this case, and Mary is definitely the "witch." That is unfortunate for Mary, since she is aware that in her position, anything could be taken as evidence, especially if taken from reliable sources. In the lines following this selection, it can be seen that Danforth, the administer of the whole situation, believes in those doing the acting. That is a shame, since again, the one who is supposed to be defending God is giving in to devilish lies. Danforth should know better than to straight up believe in this bombast. Salem was considered to be a liberal place. As such, Danforth must be more liberal and look more closely at the whole situation for any possible faults, as he does not want to be possibly sentencing the innocent of whom God relishes.

In what way might such collaboration be so deadly?

To Page 98

"I pray you, Mr. Parris. Do you know, Mr. Proctor, that the entire contention of the state in these trials is that the voice of Heaven is speaking through the children?"(88)

This quote basically sums up how ridiculous these witch trials have become. A major pattern seen throughout the events of the play show those in charge turning to a select few for all the answers for suspected social woes. As stated in the above quote, children are among that select few. This is unusual, since children are more immature than adults, and they had not suspected that they may be poking fun with their accusations or trying to get at their rivals while in a seeming position of power. Could it be that they would not have the heart to kill a child who had not lived to see very much? Perhaps they had the idea in mind that the children made up what the world would be tomorrow. Apparently, this world of tomorrow might possibly be filled with underhanded liars. Eventually, Danforth thankfully realizes this potential scheme when he says, "I have until this moment not the slightest reason to suspect that the children may be deceiving me"(91).

Why would the children have been seen as the most trustworthy in this case? Why not someone older and wiser?

"No, old man, you have not hurt these people if they are of good conscience. But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between."(94)

Again, this is another statement undermining the relevance of the witch trials. This quote relates to the theme of "all or nothing" that has seemed to prevail in the accusations of witches. That is merely concerned with how a person may only take one side or another, not any other side in between. To draw parallels with the previous quote, a select few, notably children, had a bit of an advantage in Salem's society at the time. The courts were not after them as hotly and were free to ramble on as they wished about others, since they were not openly harming themselves. Also, as already mentioned, Salem is a place contaminated with spite. One single person at the time could be seen as both for and against the court, depending on who was judging them as such. A friend would defend them, saying that such a person is for the court. An enemy, in the meantime, would claim the opposite. This points out a problem in the words of Danforth as stated above, if a person may potentially be viewed as both for and against the court, is that not being in a state of betweenness? Sure the state has the final say, but it is all derived from "evidence" and witnesses, of which may be ambiguous and meander off either way.

What was Danforth really trying to get at in this statement?

To Page 83

"Nurse, though our hearts break, we cannot flinch; these are new times, sir. There is a misty plot afoot so subtle we should be criminal to cling to old respects and ancient friendships. I have seen too many frightful proofs in court - the Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points!"(71)

In this quote, Hale is telling Proctor and the others present in the scene that they live in troubled times. Clearly, this is the case in their society at the time. Close friends were constantly being dragged off with accusations of being a witch and such things which are unable to be proven. Also, Hale asserts his belief in witchcraft at this time, saying that everyone must follow where accusations are directed. This is unusual that Hale would speak as if this were almost a normal situation, and possibly at a later time, this idea with come back to bite him. Perhaps his belief in the Devil's presence in Salem will lead him to turn in his own friends, as he stated that long-term friendships were "criminal."

How might Hale turn in should this be the case?

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

As it seems, there is at least one character who is not a fool of sorts. Proctor is saying in this quote that witchcraft is all a farce, once again. He makes the point that it is concerned with grudges between people developing callously and resulting in one person turning in the other. With that, it is implied that the witchcraft trials are not the work of the devil, it is merely ill sentiments gone wild. Perhaps this idea leaking could result in a widespread realization that there is no real work of the devil present, but merely just trifling amongst the people of Salem. If this idea is adopted by the others, perhaps it is their reasoning that could potentially end these cases of witchcraft for once and for all.

Why might this idea not catch on?

To Page 67

"That she - she sometimes made a compact with Lucifer, and wrote her name in his black book - with her blood - and bound herself to torment Christians till God's thrown down - and we all must worship hell forevermore." (56-57)

This quote comes in when Mary Warren, Elizabeth, and Proctor are discussing those who have been recently accused of witchcraft. This quote discussed the story that Sarah Good told that spared her the death sentence. She claims to have met with the devil and vowed to weaken Christendom. This is important since it shows how dire the situation was at the time. Witchcraft must have been a very serious crime if those accused were forced to tell such outrageous stories just to possibly save themselves. For one, the devil does not really exist. Also, she is being accused for something that no one could have witnessed, and chances are it was made up by a fellow rival. It comes across as striking that she would have to make up such fallaciousness.

What other things might a person accused of witchcraft make up in order to save themselves?

"It may be I have been too quick to bring the man to book, but you cannot think we ever desired the destruction of religion. I think that's in your mind, is it not?" (66)

This quote comes in when Reverend Hale visits the Proctors. He says that Elizabeth's name was mentioned during a witchcraft trial, and came over to investigate the issue. In drawing up conclusions about witchcraft, Hale was quite liberal. He looked anywhere, inquiring of the absence of the Proctors at mass to why one of their sons was not baptized to is Elizabeth knew the Commandments. Again, this is strange, since Hale seemed to be accusing them from only the most trivial sources. If a person does not go to church, that does not mean that they are against the church or anything. Sometimes, it is a personal choice to not go. maybe one sees church as boring or someone is sick and cannot attend. Also, The Proctors do not have to baptize their sons to remain as Catholics. As long as they live wholesome lives, they do not exactly have to baptize their sons that way. Lastly, it was quite petty of Hale to ask Elizabeth if she knew her Commandments. There was little purpose in the act, and if she did not know them, she was not exactly a witch. As long as she lived a good life, her lack of knowledge in that area may be compensated for.

What other such things may have arisen suspicion of witchcraft?

Character List

Reverend Parris - a priest, holy, cares for his daughter Betty, against the devil

Betty Parris - sickly, danced in the woods with some other girls, accuses many others of witchcraft, suspected to contain a demon within

Tituba - Parris's slave, from Barbados, fearful of witchcraft and what it could do to her, willing to tell lies to back herself up, she likely did not see anyone with the devil, danced in the woods with some other girls

Abigail - danced in the woods with some other girls, likes John Proctor, accuses Tituba and many others of witchcraft, protective of her identity

Susanna - nervous, a messenger for the doctor caring for Betty

Mercy - the Putnams' servant, danced in the woods with some other girls

Ms. Putnam- against witchcraft, thinks that Betty might be a witch

Putnam - a well-to-do landowner, well known, solemn, against witchcraft

Rebecca Nurse - a nurse caring for Betty, elderly,

Mary Warren - lonely, afraid of being accused of being a witch, merely watched the others dance in the woods, thinks that they should tell the truth about the situation

John Proctor - a farmer with a strong character, had an affair with Abigail and now dislikes her, critical of Parris's ways

Giles Corey - elderly, inquisitive, believes in witchcraft, has money on his mind

Reverend Hale - serious about his work, scientific-minded, accusing, believes in witchcraft

Even more Crucible Quotes and Stuff

"It discomfits me! Last night - mark this - I tried and tried and could not say my prayers. And then she close her book and walks out of the house, and suddenly - mark this - I could pray again!" (40)

This quote is important since it shows how suspicious people were at the time of witchcraft. Reading books is an ordinary activity, yet, Giles seems to disagree. Though she read night, there is nothing wrong with that. Some people fall asleep easier by reading. The part that may have caused suspicion was when his wife would not tell what the books were about. He is probably afraid that such books are concerned with witchcraft. This makes a statement on how much he cares about his wife, since talking about these kinds of things may raise suspicions towards her.

What would be considered a sign of witchcraft at the time?

"I saw George Jacobs with the Devil! I saw Goody Howe with the Devil!"
"She speaks! She speaks!" (48)

This quote is important since Parris’s daughter, Betty, appeared to be sickly. Hale tried to get her to say a word, but she would not budge. Yet, when his debate with Tituba reached a point where they began to accuse others of witchcraft, Betty was rather quick to arise and ecstatically accuse her rivals. This is unusual, since Betty seemed really out of it, until accusations of witchcraft came up. That seemed to be the remedy for all her problems, which is rather strange. This shows not only how “sick” she may have been, but also how much she cares about these other people, by mentioning them when speaking of things that may result in a death sentence.

Is Betty really sick?

More Crucible Quotes and Stuff

"She is blackening my name in the village! She is telling lies about me! She is a cold, sniveling woman, and you bend to her! Let her turn you like a -
"Do you look for whippin'?" (23-24)

This quote is important since in it, John Proctor is talking to his wife Abigail. In this dialogs, we learn that Abigail has a rival named Elizabeth, who is not speaking well of Abigail and associates well with Proctor. At the time, bad reports of a certain person could lead people to think them as a witch and then execute them. The last line shows Proctor defending Elizabeth, which may be an indication that he might turn on Abigail if led too far astray.

Judging by this, who might a person in Salem at this time turn in as a witch?

"I have trouble enough without I come five mile to hear him preach only hellfire and bloody damnation. Take it to heart, Mr. Parris. There are many others who stay away from church these days because you hardly ever mention God any more." (28-29)

This quote is important since it shows that the church of the time has come to mention God less and less. At the time, people were going around, accusing each other of being witches and for evil things as a whole. At church, which is God's alleged house, the priest typically talks about God's goodness. The failure of the church to make God's goodness openly expressed in mass could have perhaps channeled all the coarse feelings that the people of Salem felt at the time.

How might the failure to mention God in a regular mass affect the meaning of it?

Quotes and Questions

1.) "She ails as she must - she never waked this morning, but her eyes open and she walks, and hears naught, sees naught, and cannot eat. Her soul is taken, surely." (13)
- Ruth seems to be acting differently as mentioned here.
- The only influence Parris and Mrs. Putnam could think of was that of witchcraft.

Why did they just assume that Ruth may be a witch?

2.) "I'll lead them in a psalm, but let you say nothing of witchcraft yet. I will not discuss it. The cause is yet unknown. I have had enough contention since I came; I want no more." (17)
- The people of the parish wanted to pray.
- Parris said not to mention a word about witchcraft among any of them.

What might happen if they leak any word that someone may be a witch?

Monday Feces

Parris - holy, suspicious,  afraid, serious, Puritan

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

Tituba - a slave, frightened

"...she is also very frightened because her slave sense has warned her that, as always, trouble in this house eventually lands on her back." (8)

There are a few features of the plot that I feel will dictate this play.  First of all, this play is set at the times of the Salem witch trials.  That will likely determine the people's language, the setting, and the events occurring throughout the play.  The characters will probably be very holy sounding, trying to accuse their rivals of being witches, and such accusations might even kill off a few of the main characters.

Also, the historical accuracy will add even more depth to the plot.  The characters are supposedly real, and for the most part, they have remained the same as they were described throughout history.  The book states that the fates of each character are as they were in real time.  In a sense, that could add more to the understanding of this play.

From the perspective of the worst member of a sports team

Dear diary,
Today was another one of those days. Yes, those days where I attempted to convey to the world my prowess at soccer. As usual, something went wrong, though I'm unsure as to what exactly.
I got to the field in style, with one cleat and one sneaker on. My left cleat seemed to have vanished, but that's just whatever. Who needs it. I put on my chipped and splintering, homemade wooden shin guards, and I was ready to go. We were going to start our usual two warm-up laps, and we were instructed to get into two lines. Since I'm so cool, I made my own third line. I could hear everyone yell at me to get into one of the two lines, but I blatantly refused. Halfway through the second and final lap, everyone started to pick up the pace, yet I began to walk. That's so cool, everyone starts working harder for me... I could get used to this.
After that, we stretched. I came out of that feeling like a piece of bubble gum, only sore for some reason. I wonder if it's possible to over-stretch.
Following that, we scrimmaged the girl's team. We did that for the remainder of the practice. It was amazing. I got the ball twice, and what happened? I tripped over the ball the first time, and the second time, some four foot tall girl plowed right over me and got that ball. That was lame and everyone laughed at me. I wish they wouldn't do that. Though I only played for two minutes in that scrimmage, I went out with a bang. When I went out there and dug that cleat and sneaker into the dirt, they knew I had been there, making history as usual. You know, doing great things.
Well, I though I did alright. However, everyone was talking trash about my unbelievable skills and all, and said I was incapable of playing soccer and all. That hurt a bit, but hey. It's probably just jealousy.
Always a winner,
Too cool for a "real" name

From the perspective of "the new kid"

Dear diary,
Today was another troublesome day at school. When I got out of bed, I felt like reclining and getting some more shut-eye. I used to never feel this way about school, but that explains how these past few days have been faring. As for today, it wasn't much better than all the other days at my new school.
When I got to school, I went to my locker and got my books for class, with the careless one whose locker is above me dropping their books on me. In my first class, I had my first test at my new school. I studied the night before, and I feel as if I did well. In my second class, someone sitting next to me was annoying me the entire time. I told him to shut up and all, and then he got absolutely livid about it, and I got kicked out of class for some reason. Never had I seen such a thing. Things only got worse at lunch. When I was eating, I looked away from my food for a second at one time. When I looked back at my food, it seemed as if someone had spit in it. It was quite abhorrent. I can't believe the nerve of some people.
As you can see, my day was far from how it would have been like last year. Last year, I was at my old school with my old friends. Now, I feel like such an outcast on a daily basis. They say it's all about first impressions. I think I made a pretty modest first impression myself, so I wonder what more those jerks want from me. Of course, I haven't spoken with everyone. Chances are that there is a nice person out there. I just have to come out of the closet and begin socializing a bit more. Yet, it isn't always that easy. Wherever you go, you will almost always meet up with those mean types. It's all about how you deal with them that makes them a threat to a certain degree. Perhaps telling that guy to shut up was not the best choice I could have made. I know, I'll make it up to him. I just want friends and to be respected, and sometimes, that is how such things start.
Stressed out,
New guy

Blind Person Journal

Dear diary,
Today was just another awful day. It's too bad, but almost everyday that is what I am saying. I had school today, which you can imagine how much trouble that was for me. When I was walking to the front door, I tripped on my shoelace and went face-first through the door. A handful of bystanders laughed, while a teacher passing by helped me up. After bumping into countless people on my way to my locker, I realized that I had to open the locker. Yet, I was blind, I could not possibly know how to open it. I got some help from the person whose locker was underneath mine, and they seemed pretty unwilling to help, despite my situation.
Countless times during the day, I was in class minding my own business until sometimes, when I would randomly hear shrieks of laughter coming from all four corners of the rooms towards me. I sure hope it was not directed towards me. I cannot wait for school to be over and done with. I can not take it any longer. My blindness sure is holding me back. I always feel like an outcast. When I get tests back, I cannot even read my own grade. The person sitting next to me always has to tell me, chuckling in my consistent failure. I always fear that everyone is plotting something against me, but if they are, I can only help but wonder. Chances are that they are visually communicating their plans, so I will have no knowledge of them. When will this be over... I just want to feel normal, like everyone else. That is all for now, my most loyal friend. You are the only one who listens to me, ol' diary, and I hope it stays that way.
Distraught,
Your blind friend

Being Blind

-Can't see.
-Can hear, can talk.
-What do I look like?
-Someone said I'm ugly, what's that?
-Failed kindergarten, didn't know colors.
-Failing now, teachers don't know braille, books aren't in braille.
-Scared, people might be coming to kill me.
-Trip everywhere, unexpected stuff in the way.
-People tease me visually, I can't see it.

Journal Responding to Myself (#5)

Dear Master Andrew,
It is good to hear that all is well. I must congratulate you on your strong effort on your quiz. However, you must make an effort to study when you know you will be having tests or quizzes. I was talking to the notebooks on the same shelf I was perched on. They felt neglected when you hadn't opened them to study or add any information too. Yet, at the same time, they feel as if they are in good hands. As you report, your grades are on the rise, which is a good thing. Kudos to you for that goal too. If I only had legs, I would understand more of what all this "goal" business is all about. If only some text relating to this subject of "soccer" sat on my meager shelf...
As for me, I am faring quite well myself. I sat on my shelf and talked it up with Night, NASCAR for Dummies, and that old comic book, Garfield Eats Crow. I cannot believe how heartless your kind are. Night told me all about some "war" your people had back in the day. In it, weren't people killed because of their government? Thankfully, I cannot really "die," hence being non-living. It actually sounded quite horrible if you asked me. My good "friend" NASCAR for Dummies made me feel like a fool the other day. How was I supposed to know what a checkered flag or catch can was? Pure outrage, if you asked me. My other buddy Garfield Eats Crow made me laugh, on the other hand. I can't believe what a dweeb that human Jon is, golfing in a hail storm wearing a cooking pot on his head as a helmet. That fat cat Garfield is a real softy too. He's a cat. He is naturally inclined to catch mice, well, that's what the New Book of Knowledge told me back in my infancy in the book store. Yet, Garfield does nothing about those little pests. If I were Jon, I'd kick that lazy "pest" out of my house.
Speaking of pests... Come quick! A bookworm is heading my way! I have no legs to run, no means for self-defense! What unspeakable pain I shall suffer! I once heard that in a New York public library, a single bookworm ate a path through thirteen volumes of an encyclopedia... Come quick, my master, I shall not suffer at this creature's expense! I will do anything!
Your mentor,
The Diary

From Nature to Humanity (#4)

Dear all the creatures of the world, particularly the humans,

Begone. You are marring my very splendor. I was once a beautiful being, but your actions have twisted that reputation around for the worst. I was created solely to house you all, but now there is so many of you all, that I can not possibly keep up with your demands. There is only one of me, and so many of you. Please show me at least a little mercy. I am trying my best, but you keep on pressuring me. I can not take this kind of chronic stress, it is simply too much.

Cars. Destroy them. Destroy them all. The noxious fumes they emanate from the back make me cough and wheeze in a way that I never used to. These cruel creations have been giving me a temperature, and I hope that you all can see what I mean. The days are warmer, for those who stopped to actually pay a little attention to my whereabouts. This is the main reason why I am writing. Humans, purge the earth of those foul creations you call cars. They might make travel easier, but they are constantly placing you in dangerous situations as well. Whenever you drive, you run the risk of cruising into the back of another car, possibly injuring yourself beyond repair, as the cars have done to me. Also, in my sickness, I have realized that there is little purpose in your complaining of this climate change. I have had enough of you complaining of this, and then doing nothing about it. You know you will have to do something before you lose the one who loves you all, mother nature herself. I am terminally ill, and you are my doctors. Either you will help me out or make a joke out of it as you are.
...Please, show me some mercy. Rid ourselves of these abominable objects of evil. We could surely do without them, use bikes or something.

Your mother,

Nature

Entry into a Journal (#3)

Dear Diary,

Hello, how are you today? As for me, I am fine. I decided to write, to amuse you. I feel bad that you have to live your life atop a cramped bookshelf. I hope you and the other books and essays get along alright up there. If not, I'm sure you'll tell your master all about it...
These past few days have been particularly great. The other day, I had some quiz, and I forgot which class it was for. All I can say is that I was up all night doing homework, and had no time to study. When I took that quiz, for some reason, everything stayed with me and I somehow managed to pass.

Also, I had a soccer game yesterday. Though we lost, it was great. I even got my first goal in almost eight years. That was pretty cool. I kind of forgot how good it felt to score, actually. I knew I'd make it happen, sometime of another. Now, if I could keep playing in the remaining games as I had yesterday. I knew I was better than I appeared to be, hence having played on a division two team for Waltham.

Lastly, it seems as if lately all my grades have been rising. I was ecstatic when I saw one of my A-s become an A, and two of my As become A+s. I hope it continues like this for the remained of the quarter, or the year, for that matter.

That is about it. I will see you later then, my most loyal diary. Keep supplying me with the latest from the other books on the shelf. Maybe I ought to leave the ol' Screwtape Letters and see if you can decipher them for me...

Your master,

Andrew

God to Devil or Devil to God (#2)

Dear Enemy,

How are you this fine day? I hope you're suffering much at my expense. I hope you are seeing the humans turn away from your foolish ways. Goodness... Who would live for something boring like that? I wouldn't. Your little creations, the humans, are realizing the trivialness of such goodness. Soon, they will be mine! How do i plan to do this? It's quite simple actually.

First of all, I'll show them how to sin. As we all know, sin is a refusal to do your will. Most of those humans have already discovered sin on their own. Now, I plan to subtly act on each human through agents, who will slowly but surely increase the humans' aptitude towards sin. What's next? Well, you're humans will be sinning and saying all variations of abominations to your face. Only then may you see the "goodness" of evil prevail. The humans are always inclined towards it, and they will find its message more attractive than that of your "goodness" of abstinence and having a pure self. Why am I telling you my very plan for universal domination? That is simply because I see it as infallible, and that even if you were to find a way around it, I and my agents are always devising back-up plans. That means that perhaps this plan described here might not even be used...

That is all for now. This is war, and one I shall win. If you think otherwise, you are wrong. Your fickle beings, the humans, have much potential to turn against you, and accept my ways, and you must realize that when they hear me, all is lost for you. That said, have a fantastically average day.

Yours not truly,

The Devil

Letter to Yourself from Yourself 10 years in the future (#1)

Dear Andrew,
How are you today? Are you well? I can't believe I am writing to myself, but whatever. I'm bored, and have nothing else to do. How is that dream of getting that Lamborghini coming along? Hopefully you didn't give up on it. I'd hate you if you did. How is work? Is it making enough? Today, I got this new job. To be a cashier for a grocery store for a few hours on the weekend is not at all how I'd like to pass my time, but what I do like is the money at stake. With that money, maybe I'd save up for something cool, but I have no idea what.
How's school? Hopefully you're still in school. Hopefully you're learning cool stuff, like Chemistry to blow stuff up or computer stuff, because it's cool. Why? Because I said so. If it's law or doctor stuff, then don't even read this. Use this parchment as kindling for your fireplace. I hope you have forgotten of those days when you took AP English and AP US History. I am experiencing them these days, and please forget that ol' work load. I'm sure you remember that it wasn't very pretty.
That's all for now. Keep doing good stuff. Don't get associated with boring stuff like homework or anything like law(yuck). Just go out there and have fun. Experience something. Do not live in your past, as I am now. Back then, all you did was homework, and you can remember how much fun you had(sarcasm). That said, go out there and prove to the world just who you really are. You, like anyone else have the power to change the world. The catch is that you must find a way to convey that power...

Sincerely,

Your sixteen year old self