On Writing, Post 1: Success

King's success came in many ways, just as mine will, and everyone's does. Starting off with his mother's smile as the only reward he got from writing, that is the happiest moment of success King says he's had. But, as he developed more of a sense for writing, he wrote in to magazines, wrote novels (and sold them at his school), and eventually wrote novels for the big time. But, success is not something to be taken lightly: it is something earned through hard work and dedication. There was a time in King's life when he had about three hours of sleep some days because he'd work before school and after school. It wasn't for frivolous reasons, either. It was for the purpose of going to college. He was working hard to further his ability to work hard in the future. I truly admire this.

The Crucible, Post 5: Overall Thoughts

I honestly really enjoyed The Crucible. It was a good read, and an even better watch (I know, it's rare to find a movie that's better than the book). There were certain characters that I disliked, but just as is the case with Cruella Deville, the hatred of the antagonist makes you love the story more. There were few times when I was confused at all (and when I was it was purely due to the language barrier), meaning the plot is rather simple--but in a good way. I can say, reading and watching The Crucible caused me to think a bit more about the time of the Puritans, the Puritans themselves, and my own values. The time of the Puritans was a time where religion tended to be greatly involved in everyday life, anyway. But, the Puritans brought it to a whole other level. Puritans' values not only frighten me, but disgust me. As a Catholic, my own values are that of a kind, forgiving God, not the god that the Puritans portrayed.

The Crucible, Post 4: A Powerful Moment

There was a moment they had in the movie, that wasn't in the book, that I found quite powerful. It makes sense to me that they couldn't include it in the original "meant-for-live-theater" script, because it could possibly kill a man. But, the moment that John Proctor died was touching to me. It wasn't so much in the death itself (although, I did find that heartbreakingly sad), but more in the moments leading up to it. He stood there, ready to be hanged, yet he did not look afraid, he looked fearless and strong. He began to recite his last prayers, in a powerful way he probably hoped would incite some sort end to the trials. The most intense part of it, though, was when his prayers got cut off half way through. I don't understand why they would do that. In a society where God is the most prominent part of their lifestyle, why would the stop someone from having their last talk to god? Though I didn't understand it, I found it intense, exciting, devastating, and powerful.

The Crucible, Post 3: A Few Good Men

Despite the terrible liars found in Abigail and her friends, I'd like to take a moment to point out the few good men and women of the play (and movie!). In the movie, there was a woman who went unnamed, and I couldn't find her in the book. She was among the first to call the girls out on their lying, worriedly asked about the children when Goody Proctor was taken into custody for witchcraft, and she was the one who, despite being hanged, herself, looked at John, disappointed when he was going to sign his name to say he was in league with the devil. I found her inspiring throughout, every time I saw her. Of course, John Proctor, despite his indiscretion with Abigail, was a good man. He tried to stop the nonsense, save innocent lives, and keep his wife safe--but he failed, and lost his life for it. The last man who I'd like to draw everyone's attention to is Hale. He came into town, honestly scared for the people's welfare. Then, he stayed and fought to keep innocent lives safe. These men and woman were the best of the best in the town. I applaud them through this post.

The Crucible, Post 2: Terrible Lying

The entire conflict in this book could have been very simply put to rest if it weren't for some lying adolescent girls. Starting with Betty and Ruth's "illness" to get out of a beating, the pattern of lies never ceased. I don't often hate characters in books but if there ever were one to hate it would be Abigail Williams. She caused confessions of being associated with the devil (which is not such a big deal now, but back then it certainly was) or death upon several innocent men and women all over a boy--a boy who happens to be a married man. Abigail and her following irritated me to no end throughout the play. They seemed to be playing some sort of game; only they didn't realize just how dangerous it was.