GOALS:
- Take lots of notes
- Finish the Book by May 7th
- Use new words
- Use metaphor
Spring District Assessment
Everyday you’re serving until dawn through dusk. Serving so much that it becomes your motto. I serve. Yet, you’re not selfish. Others may want all the fancy treasures, but you stay on the right path and don't care for those things. The beady eyed creatures comfort you, they are your life. The fantastic short story, "The Hundredth Dove" by Jane Yolen was an interesting tale due to the fact that not caring so much of material things was present, and that is rare to find in our society today.
Serving, serving, serving, that's all you ever do. When you care for a person, really the only one getting a benefit from it is the person, not you. Yet, we are taught to treat others the way we would like to be treated but in the end, we never are taken care of. Life in general can be sacrificed for assisting others. Family and friends may seem less important, and then they are gone forever. Life becomes just to please one particular person. In the end, serving, caring, assisting, is all nice to a certain extent, until it takes over. This is shown in the film, "Cinderella", for when Cinderella follows every order ever given, just so her step-family is happy. Luckily she breaks free from the chains holding her back, unlike Hugh from "The Hundredth Dove". He will serve and please the King until his death.
While serving another constantly may not be the best idea, keeping a promise instead of taking material items is almost unheard of. If someone was to take a poll of all the people in the world, asking them if they would obey a command or take fame and fortune, most would take the fame and fortune. Although, why would they do that? All that jazz can only get you so far, while loyalty may result in true friendships. People who have all of the fancy goods may not even be as happy as a poor person. Hugh went against all of the odds when he turned down the white dove, for that he is looked up to. His new motto should be if your rich in love your are rich in life, money is then not needed.
Caring less for fame and fortune is unique to find in everyday live but is apparent in the story, "The Hundredth Dove" by Jane Yolen. Be true to yourself and happiness will come your way. With happiness comes a joyful life.
Ericka Schaeffer
Historical Fiction
Johann, April 10th, 2011
Letters From Abraham
February 12, 1862[1]
To my dearest wife, Mary,
My beloved, today is suppose to be a celebration but my only wish is to be there with you. I love you more than you can imagine. The love flows deeply through my veins just like the will to fight. I understand I have been away for over a couple weeks but I'm afraid it's going to be longer. I will not be able to visit for a month, due to the ongoing war. Just remember, I am battling for you. But promise me, when I return that you will love me the way you did prior to leaving. I am thankful to have you in my life. You are a wonderful mother, and for that I look up to you. And if I was to take my last breath, I hope it would be shared with you. Looking back on the past, I was foolish to not spend every moment with you, now I may not be able to make up for it. And for that, forgive me.
I am feeling the pressure like no other, so keep me in your prayers, as well, you are in mine. In my return, I shall bring freedom for all, and not separation but, unison.[2] My love, you have nothing to fear. I am safe for now. Though my experience ranks low, my pride and hopes are high. Please forgive me for being away, I never wanted it like this.[3] If only the Confederates would join.[4] The outcome of the war is unpredictable but I have faith, and numbers.
Oh my dearest how I miss you. Please tell the children I do love them.
-Your love,
Abraham
February 12, 1862
Dear Stephen,
Oh my dear close friend, how I need you now. I wish we could go back to the way it used to be, just freedom involved. You are my friend, and you have experience, so please help me. I don’t know what to do and I’m scared. I have told Mary that all is fine and dandy, but things are not. I am starting to question, is it all worth it in the end? But no, I must be strong and lead this country. My military references are weak, but my heart and soul is strong.[5] I will bring the people together. I will succeed. All those you doubt me will see too. But how? How do I still have uncertainty? All these questions are relying me to answser, therefore I need your opinions.[6] There is no one else I can confine my worries to. I trust you Stephen. Lead me with your knowledge.
-Yours truly,
Abraham
February 12, 1862
Dear Union members,
Hello. First off I would like to thank you for all of the birthday wishes. My gratitude cannot be expressed. I am now just one year older, and wiser. This year I only wished that I will be blessed with the will to be brave and the ability to answer all the important questions from the upcoming battles of the war. I would also like to extend my thanks to everyone for sticking with the right program. In the end we are fighting for everyone’s rights and freedom. I send my sorrow to all those who have been injured or killed in the process of the war, also to their families.
The war has progressed and I am sure that you are aware of the situations. We the Union, contain more numbers and heart unlike the Confederates, which are relying on just their skills.[7]
[1]Mr Lincolnand Freedom Homepage, available at:
http://www.mrlincolnandfreedom.org/inside.asp?ID=27
[3]Shmoop Homepage, available at:
http://www.shmoop.com/causes-of-civil-war/
[5] Ashby Ruth Lincoln (2003)
[6] Ashby
[7] Ashby
