Reflection: Declaration of Independence

Everyone knows the date of when The Declaration of Independence was signed. We have a holiday devoted to it. Not everyone knows the contents of it though and more specifically the writing technique behind it. This was my first time really analyzing The Declaration of Independence and looking at it with a goal perspective really opens your eyes.

There are several uses of propaganda and errors of faulty logic in The Declaration of Independence. The first example that I noticed was during the first few paragraphs. Here it mentions "the opinions of mankind" and "all men". This is a type of errors to the reference called appeal to the people (Recognizing Propaganda Techniques and Errors of Faulty Logic). In this technique, the writer tries to persuade you by including the popularity. In this case, is it referring everyone. Another technique used towards the beginning was testimonial. In this case, it talked about God entitling the nature of their laws.This is used towards the end of the writing as well when it refers to the court and government. "We, therefore, the representatives of the United States, in general Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world.." (Jefferson, 124). The use of transfer propaganda was also used. This was not apart of the document itself, but in our books, the title of The Declaration of Independence does use our country's flag as the background.

One of the main uses of propaganda/ errors of faulty logic I found while reading, was "name calling". This is a technique in which the author pins negative images and thoughts to a person or idea that they are against. This is usually due to the fact that they cannot support themselves so they tear done others, but I think Thomas Jefferson was justified in the way that he talked about Great Britain because he did have evidence to support his negative remarks towards them. He even starts this section of his speech with "To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world" (Jefferson, 122). He then goes on to explain how the King of Great Britain is tyrant who is only hurting his people. Jefferson backs this up by providing examples of this including that he has forbidden to assent laws, refused his governors to pass laws, and neglects to attend to the suspended laws. (Jefferson) Jefferson continues to rant about the King of Great Britain's failure to meet the needs of the people and provides evidence for every slam he makes. "He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people" (Jefferson, 124).

The use of propaganda and errors of faulty logic can really affect the reader's reaction to it. I never really thought to compare The Declaration of Independence to it though. This was a new approach to reading something we are all familiar with. I can definitely see how propaganda and errors of faulty logic can persuade a reader to agreeing with, voting for, or buying what the author is saying.

"Recognizing Propaganda Techniquesand Errors of Faulty Logic." Recognizing Propaganda--Guide to Critical Thinking--Academic Support. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Sept. 2012. http://academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/as/404.htm.

Wilhelm, Jeffrey D., Douglas Fisher, Kathleen A. Hinchman, David G. O'Brien, Taffy Raphael, and Cynthia Hynd. Shanahan. Glencoe Literature. New York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2009. Print.

Journal #10

Mr. Langley, I believe it is beneficial for both students and faculty if you were to bring in Brach's Star Brites mints next class. This would benefit our learning environment for several reasons. The first benefit of bringing in mints is it gives the students something to look forward to. We follow a strict schedule of school every day, every week, every year. Anything out of the ordinary or special that breaks this pattern will be very appreciated. Doing something like this is just another way to show us that you care about us. It lets us know that you are thinking about us and admire our hard work. Rewarding your students every now and then is something everyone can benefit from and all teachers should take note.

If you bring in Brach's Star Brites mints next class, you will not only show your students you care about them, but it will also create a healthier environment. Everyone has those days when you just do not feel like getting out of bed. It is Monday morning, and you have a long week ahead of you. Failing to wake up to your alarm, you find yourself rushing to get out the door to get to school on time. In doing this, you forget to brush your teeth. Gross. You have now gone almost ten hours without treating your mouth with proper care. You roll into second hour English, where the lesson plan for class is to have a group discussion. Because of your bad breath, your fellow students are now distracted. Instead of listening to your insightful perspective of The Crucible , they are too busy focusing on your morning breath. What a shame. This is unfortunate for both your fellow students and yourself.

Now Mr.Langley, you would not want your students to be distracted from learning would you? Of course not. Please do us all a favor, and bring in Brach's Star Brites mints next class. You will not only gain the affection of your students, but also set us up for a successful class in a healthy learning environment.

Journal #9

Autumn is a fun season. It is not my favorite by any means, but I do enjoy this time of year. My favorite season is probably summer. I just love being stress free, tan, and soaking up the sun. I suppose I love autumn too. One of the main reasons I liked autumn is because it is football season. I love football. It has always been a part of my life. I grew up watching my brother play football since he was in third or fourth grade. I was dragged to every one of his games when I was little so I was kind of forced to love it. I actually really enjoyed going to his games once he got to high school and that was beneficial for myself because that is where I met the people I would be going to high school with in a few years. I love everything about football and every Friday night in fall it is safe to say I am at a football field somewhere. My family also follows the professional league so our Sunday afternoons consist of watching the Chicago Bears play. Another reason I enjoy fall is because of the weather. I love wearing jeans and it is so comfortable to simply walk around in jeans and a sweat shirt. It is also perfect weather for bonfires. I find it really beautiful the way that the leaves change colors as well. Nature is just cool. I love driving down a street with a lot of trees and seeing all of the yellow, orange, and red leaves. Another reason I enjoy the fall season is because of the holidays. I love Halloween and Thanksgiving. I dress up for Halloween every year. No shame. I think this year I am going to be a mermaid. I also love Thanksgiving and it is one of my favorite holidays because I always spend it with family. Also because there is always a football game on as well. You really cannot go wrong with family, food, and football. Autumn is a great time of year.

Journal #8

An emotional situation that my family and I went through happened this past summer. It had to do with my cat, Mulligan. Mulligan was our kitty that we had since he was nine months old. My sister actually found him in our back yard.  I think I was a third or fourth grader when we found him and I remember it was sometime in November. He was only a little kitten and if we had not have saved him from the cold and harsh weather outside, he most likely would not have made it. We brought him in and took care of him. The next day we took him to an animal shelter but not one had reported a missing kitten. We even went door to door asking the neighbors if they knew who he belonged to. In the end, no body claimed him so he became a part of our family. My sister decided to name him Mulligan, because in golf it means "do-over or second chance". It fit the situation perfectly. One distinguishable characteristic about Mulligan is that he had a stub for a tail. We are not sure how it happened, all we know is that was the way he has always been since we found him. Mulligan was a good kitty and it was not until he was a lot older that he started causing problems. When he was about eleven or so he started really biting people. It started when we went on vacation and he stayed with my Dad's nurse while we were away. While he was there, he bit her hand and actually drew blood. She had to get medical attention. Because of this, we had to fill out an animal control paper about him. It would not be such a big deal if this was the only time he did it. It did not stop here though. A couple months later he bit my mom too. The bite also drew blood and she had to go on anti-biotic. This was getting serious and we could not imagine him biting somebody else, like my baby cousin or someone. Acting rationally, we decided that the best decision was to put him down.

Literary Anaylsis Essay: Edwards vs. Miller

The past few literature pieces we have read have actually been enjoyable to read. I find them not as boring as some of the other things we had to read over the summer and I think these two are easier to relate to. "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards and The Crucible by Arthur Miller were both interesting reads. Both pieces of writing addressed the beliefs of the Puritans but in completely different ways. Their approach to the subject differed, but they were both still effective. By reading "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", we are able to compare and see the relationship of those themes to the characters and events in The Crucible.

One of the main themes of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards is about how you are a sinner and need forgiveness from an angry God. He goes into great detail about how we are basically dangling above the pit of hell in God's hands unless we confess to the Lord for our wrong doings. He understands the punishment for our sins and how we can only be saved if we confess. This is a similar theme in The Crucible. The plot spends a great deal of the time in court. Here, many accused townspeople, almost all who are innocent, come to be tried. The reality of this is that they are given two options, to confess or be hanged. It is either this or be put in jail. An example of this would be at the end of the book when John Proctor is brought forth from jail for the opportunity to confess. At first, John is silent and unsure of himself and the right decision, but after talking to his wife Elizabeth, she assures him that he must do what he must to live, but that the decision was ultimately up to him. She refused to judge him. In the end, he signed his confession, but then ripped it up and chose death over having his name ruined. (Miller, 144)

In a way, this event is similar to what Jonathan Edwards is talking about. In order to have your sins forgiven and escape the flames of hell, you must confess. You cannot accept forgiveness though by lying about your confession. This is what John was doing. In a modern day setting, it would be like asking God to forgive you for doing a certain sin, but going on and doing it anyways. Your heart is not in it. John's heart was not in his confession and the judge could sense that. Once  you confess, God's mercy and love is just poured over you. In Edward's writing he talks about rejoicing in the hope and glory of God. (Edwards, 99) In The Crucible John would be rewarded with his life. Although I do not agree with the trial of Proctor, it can kind of give you an idea of what Edwards is talking about.

Overall I really enjoyed both writings. I think both authors did a good job in displaying their beliefs. They were both very effective. The writings complimented each other well and I think reading both can help you understand the context that much more.



Miller, Arthur. The Crucible: A Play in Four Acts. Harmondsworth, Eng.: Penguin, 1976. Print.

Wilhelm, Jeffrey D., Douglas Fisher, Kathleen A. Hinchman, David G. O'Brien, Taffy Raphael, and Cynthia Hynd. Shanahan. Glencoe Literature. New York: Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2009. Print.

Journal #7

Bullying is a serious problem that is an everyday occurrence. Something like bullying effects not only the victim being bullied, but also the bully himself. If you are being told the same thing everyday, like being told you are worthless, you will start to believe it sooner or later. Some victims being bullied shrug it off and say it does not bother them, but honestly, those comments can stick in their head. You never know the effects of your words on someone's life and that is why you have to be so careful with what you say, even if you are just joking around. Another effect of the victim would be that they themselves might start to bully others. This could be their way of taking revenge on the person who bullies them and make them feel better about themselves. Either way it is not going to help anyone. I always wonder why people feel the need to put others done and you cannot be too quick to judge. You never know, they might have a really bad home life and so when they come to school they take it out on everyone around them. Or they are simply really insecure as a person and use it to make themselves look or feel better than others. It really is sad that they have to resort to bullying. Another effect of the victim of being bullied could go as far as suicide. This is a very real and serious situation that unfortunately happens in our society today. It really is heartbreaking that these victims feel that there are no other ways out than to take their own life. Bullying not only effects the victim of the bullying, but also the bully. Bullying can give the person who is doing it, a bad reputation and will undoubtedly push people away. No one wants to hang around someone who is putting you down all the time. It can also ruin opportunities for that person in the future. If this becomes a habit for you, that will not fly in a work environment. It can also ruin relationships for that person. Bullying is just a bad deal for both sides.

Reflection Blog: Human Nature

Human nature is a common theme in pieces of writing we have been reading so far. I enjoy this topic because it shows that whoever the person is, everyone still has the same human needs and desires.  One of the books that demonstrated this was "The Moon is Down" where it showed the more sensitive side of the German Nazis. It reminded us that they have a family and desire relationships just like we do. The Crucible by Arthur Miller displays human nature as well. Themes of human desires dealt with in this writing include sexual desires and lust, not taking responsibility for your actions, and wanting people to believe what you have to say.

Like I said, one of the first human desires dealt with are sexual desires and lusting. This has to do with John Proctor and Abigail Williams. Abigail used to be a servant at the Proctor household, but had been fired by his wife, Elizabeth. John and Abigail were having a sexual affair, while Goody Proctor was ill. This is something that nobody else knows about and they kept it a secret between the three of them as to not soil their name. When John tell Abigail he will be coming to her no longer, she focuses all of her attention on vengeance towards Elizabeth.  (Miller, 22) Abigail sets her up to make it seem like she is involved in witchcraft in hopes to get rid of her for good. It is not until Act 3 that the truth about them is out when John confesses to the court. (Miller, 110)  John naturally lusted after Abigail and had to suffer the consequences for his actions.

Another human nature addressed is not taking responsibility for your actions. The blame game is a common occurrence in this play. It seems like everyone is pointing fingers and trying to throw the accusations onto someone else. An example of this would be when Abigail is asked if what John Proctor confesses about the affair is true and she avoids giving the judge an answer. "Abigail: If I must answer that, I will leave and I will not come back again!" (Miller, 111) After this she then completely changes the subject by faking that Mary Warren is taking the form of a yellow bird and threatening to hurt her. Her influence over the other girls gets them to join her. (Miller, 115)

One last example would be the desire to be believed when you are telling people your side of the story whether it is the truth or not. This occurs in the court room when Mary Warren is hysterically trying to make her case that she is innocent and that everything Abigail is saying is a lie. Unfortunately, Abigail puts on too good a show for Danforth to believe her. (Miller, 115) Everyone wants to be accepted and believed when you are explaining yourself and legitamately telling truth and Mary demonstrates this very well.

The Crucible demonstrates human nature very well. It shows the side of people that everyone has. This concept really adds to any writing and makes it more realistic as well as relatable. I am looking forward to contiue reading and seeing how this effects the plot.

Miller, Arthur. The Crucible: A Play in Four Acts. Harmondsworth, Eng.: Penguin, 1976. Print.

Journal #6

There are consequences for every decision you make, whether good or bad. Blaming someone for something they did not do would obviously fall under the bad. There can be several consequences to this bad decision. One of the first consequences would be that the lying would not stop here. That is the thing with lying, once you start you cannot stop. That is why it is so dangerous. If you lie and say that someone did something that they really did not, you would have to continue to lie to make this scenario make sense. Then you would have to lie to cover up this lie so they do not find out. You just keep piling it on and adding more until eventually you are buried in your own lies. You may get away with it and you may not, but if it does get let out than your reputation will forever be scarred. It is like the little boy that cried wolf. You if you are known for lying consistently,when you actually tell the truth, no one will believe you. Another consequence of blaming someone for something they did not do would be that you would lose that person's trust. I know if someone started spreading false rumors about me there is no way I would ever be able to trust them again, even if they apologize. That is just how it works. There is also the possibility that the person you blame something for, blames something else on you in return. Depending on the person you accuse, they may give it right back to you out of revenge. In The Crucible this whole blaming something on someone innocent seems to be a theme. The major blame being thrown around is about witchcraft. This is something that without a doubt, will do major damage to someones image. Abigail Williams is the blamer in this situation. She blames Elizabeth Proctor for using witchcraft to stab her in the stomach. Abigail accomplishes this by planting a needle in the doll that was given to Elizabeth to make it appear that she used voodoo on her. It will be interesting to read if Abigail receives consequences for her actions.

Reflection Blog: True Colors

I remember taking the True Colors personality test last year in Mr. Tadla's health class. I ended up testing as a blue personality. Apparently this meant that I was a romantic and was also emotional and cared for people. I thought it was pretty dead on. When we took this personality test in class a few days ago, I scored the ranking of gold, which means that I am a planner. Only two other students besides me got the same results. I find personality tests to be very interesting because I like to see how other people think differently and how we are all unique. These True Colors personalities are present in the characters of The Crucible as well. Now these characters obviously did not go online and take a personality test, but we can tell through their actions which category they could fall under.

One of the characters we discussed in class was Abigail Williams, Reverend Parris' niece. In class, we decided that she could be categorized as either orange or green, a doer or a thinker. Abigail is one of the main characters and I think is one of the least complex. She could definitely be classified as a thinker in the way that she is one of the more deceiving characters. One of her characteristics is being quite manipulative, which she has demonstrated numerous times. An example of this would be during Act 1 of The Crucible when she lies about what they were doing in the woods and tries to cover it up and turn the blame away from herself. (Miller, 42). Like  I said, she could easily be apart of the doer group as well. Abigail is one to not only think of ideas, but follow through with them. She uses this in a very dangerous form though, in the way that she accuses innocent people simply out of revenge. Abigail Williams absolutely hates Elizabeth Proctor. It is no secret. Elizabeth's husband, John Proctor had actually been having an affair with Abigail, but John had recently told Abigail that he would come to her no longer. "Proctor: Abby, you'll put it out of mind. I'll not be comin' for you more" (Miller, 22). This gave Abigail all the more reason to hate Elizabeth. Acting on this revenge, she sets Elizabeth up to make it appear that she is involved with witch craft, and more specifically, voodoo. Abigail had cleverly, placed a needle under the dress of a doll Mary had made to give to Elizabeth and then faked being stabbed to make it look like it had been Elizabeth's doing. (Miller, 76).  This example alone displays the doer side of Abigail Williams and her cruel and evil vengeance towards Elizabeth Proctor.

Discussing and evaluating the True Personalities of the characters really helps you better understand kind of the reasoning behind their actions. It also gives you an idea of their personal tendencies and history to have an idea of what their actions might be in the future. As we continue to read The Crucible by Arthur Miller, it will be interesting to see how the true personalities of the characters effect the plot.

Miller, Arthur. The Crucible: A Play in Four Acts. Harmondsworth, Eng.: Penguin, 1976. Print.

Journal #5

I think this article explains very realistic punishments for this time period. Technology is everywhere and teens especially seem to be taking a part of it. Social media is a huge factor in this. I personally can relate to this since I am constantly checking these on my phone. Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, there is always something to stay updated by. This has become a source of communication between teens and is very popular. Smart phones, such as iPhones or Androids, make is so much easier and convenient to stay up to date with these trends since all of these are right on your phone. Obviously, most teens are extremely attached to their phones and their social media sites so when you take these away from them, they will not be very happy. This is something that I think would be a very fair punishment depending on the situation. I know from experience how devastated and upset I get when I am grounded from my phone. That and taking away my car keys is probably one of the most effective ways to punish me. I feel like it is the same way for a lot of other teens. When you take their phones away, you are basically taking away their connection to the rest of the world. It really depends on the teen being punished though. I mean everyone is different and for some teens, it would not affect them as much if you take these away. Punishments simply need to be something that has a negative affect on the teen so they realize that they do not like the punishment and do not want to have to experience it again. This will in theory keep them from acting in the way that got them in trouble. I know for myself, I would definitely learn from the experience and stay out of trouble when I realize my phone is on the line.

Reflection Blog: The Crucible Act 1

Act 1 of The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a very interesting read so far. Unlike the other pieces of Puritan writings we have read and blogged about, "The Narrative of Restoration and Captivity of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson" by Mary Rowlandson, "Upon the Burning of our House" by Anne Bradstreet, and pieces of "Plymouth Plantation" by William Bradford, The Crucible is written as a play and its contents contain background information and dialogue. I really enjoyed it for those reasons because of my interest in theater. The Crucible  is definitely different and refreshing from the other pieces of Puritan writings we have already encountered. Nevertheless it still demonstrates the qualities of the Puritans.

One of the first qualities I noticed was of course their dependence on God. This has been a similar theme in Puritan writings that we have already read and it was no surprise that it is present in this one as well. Arthur Miller portrays this differently than the other writers did though. Instead of using lots of scripture and Biblical references through out the story, he shows their need for God through the characters actions and words. While Betty is in this condition, her father Parris, the Reverend turns to God for answers. He is very concerned for his daughter and always has someone watching her. He calls in Reverend Hale and prays for her twenty-four seven. They also sing Psalms, which Betty cannot bear to hear. He refuses to believe this is witch crafts doing and turns to God for answers.

Another quality of the Puritans is a form of legalism. They were very strict to their religion and if you doubted them or if your belief systems were different, they would consider you sinful, demonic, evil, or even a witch. This is so far what the  plot of The Crucible is about. Betty, Tituba, Mercy, and Abigail were some of the few messing around with witch craft. This included drinking blood, dancing in the forest, speaking with the Devil, and conjuring up the dead. This kind of behavior is not taken lightly by the rest of the Puritans and they tried their best to keep it hidden. Because of the legalism, the Puritans believed that people who did this were from the Devil or must be a witch. They would then kill them by either burning, hanging, or drowning them. They cannot fathom the thought of them not believing and acting the same way as they do for their religion.

An overall breakdown of the Puritans beliefs is very strict. They need every thing a certain way, and are legalistic like I had said. It's their way or the highway. An example of this would be the horror of witchcraft in the village and the violent deaths of the accused "witches". To be apart of their religion, you had to completely surrender yourself to it and follow it exactly. I have a feeling that this is going to be a conflict in the plot as we continue to read The Crucible.

Miller, Arthur. The Crucible: A Play in Four Acts. Harmondsworth, Eng.: Penguin, 1976. Print.

Journal #4

My favorite vacation I have ever been on in my entire life is by far when my family and I traveled to London, England for a week last summer. It was an experience of a life time. Obviously, England is very far away and to get there we spent fourteen long painful hours on a plane. The plane was very nice though and they did take care of us, but being in one spot for fourteen hours anywhere is a drag. I remember we had little television screens on the back of the chairs in front of us so we could watch specific movies that were playing. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. This plane ride was also the first time I ate a meal on a plane. I am not just talking about little peanuts and pretzels, but a legit meal. I was a little hesitant at first on what we were going to be fed, but it was surprising very good. For dinner, we could pick between chicken or pasta. I now understand the joke about not having beef on airplanes. My mom and I both picked the pasta. Each part of the meal was in its own separate container, but it really was not bad. I think with our pasta we had bread, green beans, and then a little cheesecake for dessert. Later into the flight we were also given a "snack". I put snack in parenthesis because it was a huge and very filling snack. There was a deli sandwich, a  full size candy bar, crackers, chips, and then a drink as well. I was very impressed with my food. This was probably the only high light of the extremely long plane flight. The rest of the flight was awfully long and I felt like we were flying forever. On our little television it showed where we were on the map and how much longer it was until we landed. I found myself pathetically staring at the screen waiting to land. I swear time pasted slower on that plane. The effects of the long flight were not being able to sleep and nausea when we landed. It was well worth it all though, because London was amazing.

Reflection Blog: Plymouth Plantation

The History of Plymouth Plantation is very similar to the other pieces of literature written by the Puritans. "A Narrative of Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson" by Mary Rowlandson  and "Upon the Burning of our House" by Anne Bradstreet, are the only other Puritan writings we have read so far, but they seem to have similar themes. One of these themes would be their unmistakable presence of their faith in their writings. This is a huge characteristic of the Puritans and it is not surprising that their beliefs are seen in their literature as well. They not only just mention their relationship with God, but more so revolve their relationship with God around what they are experiencing and therefore writing. They definitely do not lay it on thinly. I think this is a very admirable trait of the Puritans and I can appreciate that they are not afraid to be and express themselves just the way they are through their writing. Plymouth Plantation talks a lot about how God helped them and was always there for them. I think one of the themes of this writing would be exactly that. How God can help you overcome obstacles if you simply put your faith in Him. "Seeing therefore the course was probable, they must rest herin Gods providence, as they had done in other things" (Bradford, Ch. V). Another characteristic of Puritan Writing that is reflected in Plymouth Plantation is how personable it is. The Puritans write very personally and honestly. An example of this would be the way that a big chunk of this literature piece is of letters. You see Bradford mentioning the dates and to whom and from whom each letter consisted of. "Your loving friend, Robart Cushman. Dartmouth, August 17. 1620" (Bradford, Ch. VIII). A similar theme with the Puritan's writings is how straight forward it is. This is something we also noticed in  "A Narrative of Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson" by Mary Rowlandson  and "Upon the Burning of our House" by Anne Bradstreet. They tend to not exaggerate or complain about their unfortunate situation at the time, but simply state the facts about it saying this is what it was like. They are very humbled people, due to their trust in God, and I have yet to read about them complaining or questioning God's plan for them or their present state. This is also an admirable act and a good lesson for people to still read about today. I think that is one of the reasons that Plymouth Plantation is still taught and talked about. I actually find it very refreshing to read about the Puritans and their morals and strong faith. As a Christian, I definitely know how easy it can be to question God's plan and timing and be hesitant to trust that He has everything under control. Reading about the hardships the Puritans went through, and how that did not even shake their trust, I find so impressive. I feel like I can personally relate to them and it makes it that much more interesting and easier to read about history that may not be as exciting. The Puritans are definitely a people to model yourselves after.

Bradford, William, and Harvey Wish. Of Plymouth Plantation. New York: Capricorn, 1962. Print.

Journal #3

Honestly, I would not feel very great about being held hostage. I have never had to really think about what I would do in this situation. Some of my favorite books involve hostage situations. In middle school, we read a very interesting story about a girl who was taken hostage with her twin sister. The girl survived and was able to get away, but her twin sister was not as lucky. The rest of the plot involves her kidnappers continuing to hunt for her while her extremely protective brother does his best to keep her safe. I feel like my first reaction to being kidnapped would be fear and panic. I know I would try to fight them off and do my best to defend myself, but after being successfully taken hostage, I think I would simply be scared to death. During the first few days I think I would probably try to think of a way to escape of course. In the stories that we read, "A Narrative of Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson" by Mary Rowlandson  and "Upon the Burning of our House" by Anne Bradstreet, both victims of the tragic situations coped by prayer and their trust in God. I feel that in this situation, I would do the same. There is no situation that God cannot handle and He is big enough to take care of anything you are dealing with. Being held hostage is no exception of this. I am sure I would be completely unsure of how or when or if I would escape my hostages, but I know for sure that God would not leave me. I would be praying twenty four seven in this situation. This would be the main way that I would cope. One of the reasons I think most people would become terrified in a situation like this would be because of the loneliness. I know, and even in a situation like this, that I am never truly alone. God will always be there.