DB 1&2

Looking at the different explanations of the idea of "liberty," which one do you think was most important to early European settlers of the colonies? Explain why.

Which category do you think is closest to your own idea of liberty? Do you think that your definition of the word is one still commonly held in our culture? Describe how it is differs from Fisher's categories.

2. Weekly WIKI

Students will choose a short excerpt / quote from one of the readings of that week, type it in, then add a short (150 words or so) explanation for your choice. Was your selection important because it:

· is an example of beautiful or striking language?

· exemplifies a particular theme or character?

· makes the reader think about something in a new way?

· is typically "American" in some way (and in what way)?

· was just something that you liked?

Try not to use the same quote that someone else already has; if you must, make sure that what you say about it is original.

For example:

"My country is the world, and my religion is to do good."  Thomas Paine.  

I chose this quote because I think it is a good example of Enlightenment thought which was very popular during the late 1700's.  Paine is rejecting formal ties to any specific country or any particular religion (humanist world view).  He is focused on the here and now, not an afterlife, and this concern is evident in his writing about social and political systems that influenced the thinkers behind the American Revolution.  The language is simple and straightforward.

3. Write a 75 words short reply for another student’s response.

Mary Rowlandson faces a time in her life that she deems as the worst time in her life. Being captured by her enemy, the Indians, Mary faces an internal battle between her faith and the will to survive. Although Rowlandson's battle had a taken a turn for the worst, she uses her experience to reaffirm her Puritan belief in God. Through constant prayer, Mary catches small glimpses of miracles given to her by the mercy of the Lord, "Wait on the Lord, Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine Heart, wait I say on the Lord" (pg. 226). Rowlandson credits the gifts of survival, the Bible given to her, seeing her son alive and well, and food from time to time, all to the Lord. Under Puritan belief, individuals believe that God is the most powerful and will help those in need. 

Throughout her experience, Mary had a couple of instances where she seemed to waiver in her faith. One specifically was at the time when the English Army met the Indians at the River, "God did not give them courage or activity to go after us; we were not ready for so great a mercy as victory and deliverance; if we had been, God would have found out a way..." (pg.228). In this moment, Mary believes that she is not worthy of being saved and thinks God did not give her mercy for the English Army to save her.