A/N: I'm kind of unsure of what we're supposed to be doing for this, so I'll just write my theory and my reasoning behind it.
I believe the citizens in the story The Lottery preform this ritual in order to keep their crops well and healthy. The idea of sacrificing something or someone to a greater being in order to get something you want isn't new at all. Many shows have done this but the one show I immediately linked to the short story The Lottery is a show by the name Supernatural. In one of the episodes, a small town holds an annual event in which they sacrifice one random person to a demon in order to keep their crops well. I think that the town in The Lottery is in a similar or exact situation with Mr.Summers being the demon. (Reasons why this is believed were already discussed in class.)
Monday, May 21, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Earthbound: Chapter Four. Giant Step
A/N: Well... One sanctuary down, seven to go. We get to see (Well, hear.) a little bit of Paula here. Not going to really say who Paula is quite yet... You just have to read and find out!
After eating I decided to buy more supplies for my trek in Giant Step. I wasn't aware how difficult it would be, or what would be there waiting for me. I bought myself a new bat, some medicine, band-aids, and, just because, a good luck charm. I'd need the good luck, if it gave me any. Once I was stocked up on the miscellaneous I made my way toward the gate of Giant Step.
I pulled the key out of my pocket, inserted it in the keyhole, and twisted it. I heard a satisfying click as the door unlocked. The hinges on the gate were rusty and made a loud screeching noise as a pulled the door open. Behind the gate was a small shed, which seemed odd. I was almost certain this would bring me to some caves or forest...not a small shed. I went in the shed anyways, and my guess was right. The shed had a gaping hole at the end, and outside of the hole was a large cave. I gripped my bat tight and swallowed. Here goes nothing, I thought.
As I entered I was almost immediately attacked by some slugs. I didn't feel threatened by them (and I wasn't). Honestly, all I had to do was simply step on one and the others fled almost immediately. Dozens of them were around the cave, along with some other suspicious looking animals and insects. There were some rowdy looking mice crawling around everywhere, along with some black metal ants. In order to get farther in the cave, I had to battle with a few of these. It was really nothing, though. The ants were a little pesky. I really hoped I would never have to encounter any more metal ants after getting through this cave. They were a bit unsettling.
I maneuvered my way around most of the enemies, up ladders and ropes, through passageways and tunnels. It seemed like this cave never ended, I was starting to lose hope. I found a safe corner of the cave and plopped to the ground. I rummaged in my backpack for some snacks and found a cookie. Gnawing on the cookie I examined the cave. Something white, glowing, and round caught my eye. Behind it was an opening. I was ecstatic. Did I find it? Whatever "it" was I was sure I had found it! I swung my bag over my shoulder and ran toward the light.
I cautiously approached it. I wasn't sure if I could just walk through this light or what. It looked like the light was glowing from something solid so I took my bat and carefully touched it. The light suddenly went out, and just as quickly as it went out something appeared. It was a giant, titanic, ant! I jumped back and held my bat up in a position for me ready to fight. The ant said, in it's cold metallic voice, "This is Your Sanctuary, but it's mine now. Take it from me if you dare." The Titanic Ant charged at me.
My first instinct was to swing my bat at the Ant which, unfortunately, did nearly nothing. For a long while I was making fruitless attempts at hurting the Ant and dodging it's attack. I soon realized that the only thing I could do to hurt it at all was use the PSI powers I had realized earlier in my adventure. I'd use the power of PSI while it attacked me. This went back and forth for what seemed like a lifetime, though it was probably only five minutes at the very most. I was completely exhausted, and no energy left to use my PSI. I took one more desperate swing at the Ant.
I was very lucky, as the Titanic Ant must have been equally as tired as me. The weak swing brought the Ant down. It crawled out of my way and passed out. I dragged myself into the small tunnel, which on the other side I saw light. I crawled slowly through the small tunnel toward the light. Was I dead? Probably not.
I emerged from the small tunnel. My eyes squinted as I looked around the large open area. There was a giant footstep on the hill. I cautiously approached. It felt like a large burst of energy had knocked me right off my feet. I felt more relaxed than I ever had in my journey so far. I also, for whatever reason, had a flashback of when I was younger. I saw King as a puppy, he sure was cute. I stood in my sanctuary pondering what had just happened. I must have stood there for twenty, maybe even thirty minutes. Was this it? This is my sanctuary? My thought process was interrupted by a melody. It was coming from my backpack. I rustled around my backpack, trying to find the source of the sound. I soon discovered it was the stone that Buzzbuzz had given me. It played the same eight note melody over and over. The melody didn't seem complete though, like it needed more parts. I looked at Onett from where I was standing, listening to the fragment of the melody. I took a deep breath and went back in the small tunnel.
Walking back through the cave, none of the enemies tried to attack me. They simply moved to the side and went about their business. This was a rather pleasant surprise to me, even though I was completely energized. I felt like I could take on anything! I was so full of energy I ran through the cave toward the exit. I ran as fast as I could smiling like an idiot. I had done it! The first sanctuary! I was filled with so much joy and a large sense of accomplishment. This would be the first time I would ever feel this joyful. I would only feel this one more time on my journey, but that's not till later.
After running into town and to the hotel, my endless energy was slowly starting to drain. I sat on the bed panting. I flopped down, the bed made a loud squeaking noise. As the sun went down on Onett I slowly started to drift to sleep. That night I had a very strange dream.
Ness! Ness, listen to me!
I turned my head on the pillow.
My name is Paula, I am a friend you have never met. Ness, you need to help me!
I turned my head again.
Go south, towards Twoson. Please help!
After eating I decided to buy more supplies for my trek in Giant Step. I wasn't aware how difficult it would be, or what would be there waiting for me. I bought myself a new bat, some medicine, band-aids, and, just because, a good luck charm. I'd need the good luck, if it gave me any. Once I was stocked up on the miscellaneous I made my way toward the gate of Giant Step.
I pulled the key out of my pocket, inserted it in the keyhole, and twisted it. I heard a satisfying click as the door unlocked. The hinges on the gate were rusty and made a loud screeching noise as a pulled the door open. Behind the gate was a small shed, which seemed odd. I was almost certain this would bring me to some caves or forest...not a small shed. I went in the shed anyways, and my guess was right. The shed had a gaping hole at the end, and outside of the hole was a large cave. I gripped my bat tight and swallowed. Here goes nothing, I thought.
As I entered I was almost immediately attacked by some slugs. I didn't feel threatened by them (and I wasn't). Honestly, all I had to do was simply step on one and the others fled almost immediately. Dozens of them were around the cave, along with some other suspicious looking animals and insects. There were some rowdy looking mice crawling around everywhere, along with some black metal ants. In order to get farther in the cave, I had to battle with a few of these. It was really nothing, though. The ants were a little pesky. I really hoped I would never have to encounter any more metal ants after getting through this cave. They were a bit unsettling.
I maneuvered my way around most of the enemies, up ladders and ropes, through passageways and tunnels. It seemed like this cave never ended, I was starting to lose hope. I found a safe corner of the cave and plopped to the ground. I rummaged in my backpack for some snacks and found a cookie. Gnawing on the cookie I examined the cave. Something white, glowing, and round caught my eye. Behind it was an opening. I was ecstatic. Did I find it? Whatever "it" was I was sure I had found it! I swung my bag over my shoulder and ran toward the light.
I cautiously approached it. I wasn't sure if I could just walk through this light or what. It looked like the light was glowing from something solid so I took my bat and carefully touched it. The light suddenly went out, and just as quickly as it went out something appeared. It was a giant, titanic, ant! I jumped back and held my bat up in a position for me ready to fight. The ant said, in it's cold metallic voice, "This is Your Sanctuary, but it's mine now. Take it from me if you dare." The Titanic Ant charged at me.
My first instinct was to swing my bat at the Ant which, unfortunately, did nearly nothing. For a long while I was making fruitless attempts at hurting the Ant and dodging it's attack. I soon realized that the only thing I could do to hurt it at all was use the PSI powers I had realized earlier in my adventure. I'd use the power of PSI while it attacked me. This went back and forth for what seemed like a lifetime, though it was probably only five minutes at the very most. I was completely exhausted, and no energy left to use my PSI. I took one more desperate swing at the Ant.
I was very lucky, as the Titanic Ant must have been equally as tired as me. The weak swing brought the Ant down. It crawled out of my way and passed out. I dragged myself into the small tunnel, which on the other side I saw light. I crawled slowly through the small tunnel toward the light. Was I dead? Probably not.
I emerged from the small tunnel. My eyes squinted as I looked around the large open area. There was a giant footstep on the hill. I cautiously approached. It felt like a large burst of energy had knocked me right off my feet. I felt more relaxed than I ever had in my journey so far. I also, for whatever reason, had a flashback of when I was younger. I saw King as a puppy, he sure was cute. I stood in my sanctuary pondering what had just happened. I must have stood there for twenty, maybe even thirty minutes. Was this it? This is my sanctuary? My thought process was interrupted by a melody. It was coming from my backpack. I rustled around my backpack, trying to find the source of the sound. I soon discovered it was the stone that Buzzbuzz had given me. It played the same eight note melody over and over. The melody didn't seem complete though, like it needed more parts. I looked at Onett from where I was standing, listening to the fragment of the melody. I took a deep breath and went back in the small tunnel.
Walking back through the cave, none of the enemies tried to attack me. They simply moved to the side and went about their business. This was a rather pleasant surprise to me, even though I was completely energized. I felt like I could take on anything! I was so full of energy I ran through the cave toward the exit. I ran as fast as I could smiling like an idiot. I had done it! The first sanctuary! I was filled with so much joy and a large sense of accomplishment. This would be the first time I would ever feel this joyful. I would only feel this one more time on my journey, but that's not till later.
After running into town and to the hotel, my endless energy was slowly starting to drain. I sat on the bed panting. I flopped down, the bed made a loud squeaking noise. As the sun went down on Onett I slowly started to drift to sleep. That night I had a very strange dream.
Ness! Ness, listen to me!
I turned my head on the pillow.
My name is Paula, I am a friend you have never met. Ness, you need to help me!
I turned my head again.
Go south, towards Twoson. Please help!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
South Park
A/N: Hm, well, this was bound to happen one time or another. I am a huge fan of South Park and I really appreciate the satirical qualities of the show... So here's an essay about it!
Almost everybody is familiar with South Park, a show about four foul-mouthed boys from a podunk town in Colorado. It is infamous for slandering nearly every race and religion, every pop culture icon and celebrity. Because of this and the shows dark, crude, humor, many people disregard it as a stupid show, made by ignorant people. Is this really the case, though? South Park may actually be an adept satirical comedy.
In nearly every episode of South Park you can find a celebrity, current event, or new fad. You find it, and it's completely skewed or portrayed melodramatically. A good example of this is one of the older episodes, Chinpokomon (S3E10). When this episode aired the "in" thing was the Pokemon franchise. Matt Stone and Trey Parker (The creators of the show) took this fad and stuck it right into the small town of South Park, under the name of Chinpokomon. The boys became obsessed with the toys, the cards, the games...everything with the name on it. This is very similar to how children were acting about Pokemon outside of the show.
In this episode, as well as many other episodes, they touch on two subjects. The Chinpokomon episode not only touched on how obsessive children get over the new thing, but also how quickly the newest thing becomes old. This, of course, is exaggerated but it makes a very good point When one of the boys, Kyle, gets a Chinpokomon doll and shows it to his friends, they tell him that is was, "So yesterday," and proceed to tell him how the new thing is the Chinpokomon video game. This keeps happening to Kyle, as the cool new thing constantly changes every day. Just as, say, Silly Bandz were the coolest thing to have about a year ago, and now almost nobody is seen with one.
South Park doesn't just touch on pop culture and fads, but is also very big on religion. Jesus and Satan are common reoccurring characters in the show, along with other religous figures such as Moses, Joesph Smith, Budda, and even God himself. The show points out the worst in nearly every religion, not singling (or leaving) one out. This has sparked much controversy within the audience of the show. Two of the most recent episodes, the 200th and 201st episodes, are a great example of this. The Muslim audience of the show became very upset when Muhammad was shown in the show. The creators received death threats and lawsuits. The show even had to go on a long hiatus because of this. When the episode aired, Muhammad had to be censored. A censor was even played every time Muhammad's name was spoken or mentioned. This resulted in nearly a minute of continuous censored dialogue and a very confused fan base.
At the end of nearly every episode, one of the four boys concludes the show with the line "You know, I think I've learned something today." or with a reflection of the events within the episode. In the episode, Super Best Friends (S5E03) , the boys join a cult, being promised powers and magic. This ends up with the cult planning a mass suicide (a play on the Jonestown cult mass suicide in 1978). After they manage to get out of the cult (With the help of the Super Best Friends, a league of the popular religious leaders), Stan reflects on the events of their day by saying, “Cults are dangerous because they promise you hope, happiness, and maybe even an afterlife, but in return they demand that you pay money. Any religion that requires you to pay money in order to move up and learn its tenets is wrong. You see, all religions have something valuable to teach but just like the Super Best Friends learned, it requires a little bit of them all."
Once you look past the immature jokes, the crude language, and the overall absurd nature of the show you will find that South Park makes many great points, and is actually a very clever satire. They touch on religion, fads, beliefs, race, and everything in between. They not only insult them, and point out their weaknesses. They insult and say why. The boy's speeches at the end of the episodes are the voice of reason in the town of South Park, and maybe even be the voice of reason to the fans.
Almost everybody is familiar with South Park, a show about four foul-mouthed boys from a podunk town in Colorado. It is infamous for slandering nearly every race and religion, every pop culture icon and celebrity. Because of this and the shows dark, crude, humor, many people disregard it as a stupid show, made by ignorant people. Is this really the case, though? South Park may actually be an adept satirical comedy.
In nearly every episode of South Park you can find a celebrity, current event, or new fad. You find it, and it's completely skewed or portrayed melodramatically. A good example of this is one of the older episodes, Chinpokomon (S3E10). When this episode aired the "in" thing was the Pokemon franchise. Matt Stone and Trey Parker (The creators of the show) took this fad and stuck it right into the small town of South Park, under the name of Chinpokomon. The boys became obsessed with the toys, the cards, the games...everything with the name on it. This is very similar to how children were acting about Pokemon outside of the show.
In this episode, as well as many other episodes, they touch on two subjects. The Chinpokomon episode not only touched on how obsessive children get over the new thing, but also how quickly the newest thing becomes old. This, of course, is exaggerated but it makes a very good point When one of the boys, Kyle, gets a Chinpokomon doll and shows it to his friends, they tell him that is was, "So yesterday," and proceed to tell him how the new thing is the Chinpokomon video game. This keeps happening to Kyle, as the cool new thing constantly changes every day. Just as, say, Silly Bandz were the coolest thing to have about a year ago, and now almost nobody is seen with one.
South Park doesn't just touch on pop culture and fads, but is also very big on religion. Jesus and Satan are common reoccurring characters in the show, along with other religous figures such as Moses, Joesph Smith, Budda, and even God himself. The show points out the worst in nearly every religion, not singling (or leaving) one out. This has sparked much controversy within the audience of the show. Two of the most recent episodes, the 200th and 201st episodes, are a great example of this. The Muslim audience of the show became very upset when Muhammad was shown in the show. The creators received death threats and lawsuits. The show even had to go on a long hiatus because of this. When the episode aired, Muhammad had to be censored. A censor was even played every time Muhammad's name was spoken or mentioned. This resulted in nearly a minute of continuous censored dialogue and a very confused fan base.
At the end of nearly every episode, one of the four boys concludes the show with the line "You know, I think I've learned something today." or with a reflection of the events within the episode. In the episode, Super Best Friends (S5E03) , the boys join a cult, being promised powers and magic. This ends up with the cult planning a mass suicide (a play on the Jonestown cult mass suicide in 1978). After they manage to get out of the cult (With the help of the Super Best Friends, a league of the popular religious leaders), Stan reflects on the events of their day by saying, “Cults are dangerous because they promise you hope, happiness, and maybe even an afterlife, but in return they demand that you pay money. Any religion that requires you to pay money in order to move up and learn its tenets is wrong. You see, all religions have something valuable to teach but just like the Super Best Friends learned, it requires a little bit of them all."
Once you look past the immature jokes, the crude language, and the overall absurd nature of the show you will find that South Park makes many great points, and is actually a very clever satire. They touch on religion, fads, beliefs, race, and everything in between. They not only insult them, and point out their weaknesses. They insult and say why. The boy's speeches at the end of the episodes are the voice of reason in the town of South Park, and maybe even be the voice of reason to the fans.
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