A Loving Rashness Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet a play by William Shakespeare tells the story of two young people who fall in love. They are supposed to be enemies. But, when they meet at a party it's love at first sight. They don't know that they're enemies at first and they don't care. They decide to be married at once. Many view this as a rash decision, that wasn't made from true love. Romeo made a rash decision out of true love by marrying Juliet.

The love between Romeo and Juliet is very powerful. For example, in act 2 scene 6 lines 3-5 the play says, “Come what sorrow can, it cannot countervail the exchange of joy that one short minute gives me in her sight.” Romeo’s love for Juliet is more powerful than any sorrow. Being with Juliet, he forgets all his pain. She makes him extremely happy. Their love creates a bubble that destroys sorrow when they are together. This is for sure true love. His decision to marry Juliet was rash; he didn't think about the consequences or how it would effect other people. He was only thinking about Juliet and him together and how happy they’d be.

Romeo only wants to live if he is with Juliet. For example, in act 2 scene 6 lines 7-8 the play says, “Then love-devouring death do what he dare, it is enough if I may call her mine.” This expresses that would rather die than live in a world without Juliet. He doesn't care about what will happen in the future. Only what happens now, and all he wants is to be with Juliet and to be married to her. It may seem that Romeo is being very rash saying something so extreme; that he would die for a girl he met at a party. He is being rash, but only because this is true. Romeo does kill himself when he thinks Juliet has died. So he spoke the truth. This is a very extreme act of true love. Romeo didn't care how his family would be affected by his suicide. He only thought of what a world without Juliet would be like. He couldn't bear to live in that life so he took his own.

Romeo’s actions were rash, but his intentions were of true love. Many times when we are with someone, whether it be our friend(s) or someone that we love. We feel like we are unstoppable; that we can do anything and it doesn't matter what people think. We make decisions without considering the consequences. But we do these things out of love for the people we care about. To better their lives and our lives together. Rarely, we care about someone so much that we feel as if we cannot live without them. We've forgotten what life was like when we weren't with them and we can’t imagine what it’d be like to live without them. Love is truly special; it surpasses boundaries, it breaks rules, and it changes our lives. Following our hearts and not thinking about others’ judgments is important to live a happy life.

A joyous journey

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

In the novel, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, Santiago lives in Spain as a shepherd. When he meets a gypsy, he learns of his destiny to go in search of his treasure in Egypt. Santiago embarks on a life-changing journey, and Santiago meets many wise people and learns from his mistakes and experiences and gains much wisdom. Santiago learns of “omens”, destiny, happiness, and love. This captivating story of coming of age and discovering oneself is full of much philosophical wisdom. Santiago is able to live a happy and joyous life throughout his quest.

Firstly, Santiago remains content even when unfortunate events occur. Even when everything is looking down Santiago is always able to see the positive and be grateful. For example, when Santiago travels to Africa after selling his entire herd of sheep for money to go to Egypt. He is robbed and all of his money is gone. But Santiago is appreciative of the fact that he has been able to travel to Africa and see an entire new world and culture. Many people in his position would be terribly disheartened. He gave up his old ways of life as a shepherd to become a traveler and a nomad. He isn’t just appreciative. But he is excited and overjoyed! It’s important to stay positive when bad things happen so that when wonderful things happen we can be even happier and full of joy. Coelho says “...people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives everyday the sun rises” (p.27). We should be grateful of the opportunities that have opened up because of bad things that happen. It gives a chance for us to approach things differently. Santiago had a more exciting experience because he was robbed and had to do things in another way. We will be able to notice that fantastic things are happening more easily. Santiago was able to.

In addition, Santiago has goals that he wants to achieve in his life. Santiago seeks to accomplish his Personal Legend or his destiny. He has been told that his Personal Legend is to find his treasure in Egypt. But Santiago realizes that his true Personal Legend is to travel the world and learn its wisdom, and to have adventure. Santiago is fulfilled when he discovers his physical treasure but also when he finds the love of his life and has learned the Language of the world. Santiago can understand that everything is connected. he learns that “...when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Conclusively, throughout all of this Santiago experiences and lives through delightful and wonderful things. When bad things happen to Santiago he remains grateful, so as not to become saddened. Santiago always pushes himself to new limits, and he has a lot of fun and enjoys himself on his adventures. Santiago obtains much knowledge about his world. Santiago has goals that he (and the universe) set for him that he strives to achieve. He is faithful that all of the universe will conspire to help him. His hope supports him to never give up. Sometimes in life, we forget to keep these things in mind. We busy ourselves with unnecessary stress, and our lives become very unhappy. As our lives become bland we become blind to good fortune when each day is so similar to the next. We should aim for greatness; being grateful even when things are misfortunate and being adventurous and striving to accomplish our goals.

"Czar Putin" Nonfiction Response A luke-warm war?

In the article, "Czar Putin" by Patricia Smith, she discusses the conflict surrounding Vladimir Putin. President of Russia and a ferocious dictator. He is highly popular in Russia, because he is seen as a strong leader to many Russians. With many aspects comparable to past "czars' and kings of the Russian empire. Putin has executed many actions related to those of the Soviet Union.  Putin has caused much conflict around the world, and the relationship between The United States and Russia is very tense. When Putin annexed a region of Ukraine (Crimea) many other Eastern European countries worried for their safety. Flashbacks to the Soviet Union annexing Eastern European territories after World war two arose. In response, the United States has sanctioned, or banned individual  trades between Russia and the United States to try to stop Russia’s aggressive action. These sanctions are causing an economic crash and crisis in Russia, from a lack of trade with many countries. Russians are getting restless and angry and protests are rising, as public services decline. Putin's reaction to these protests and the economic crisis could either be him "letting up” and allowing the demonstrations. Or being even more aggressive and constraining protests even more. Smith assumes the latter. If this happens will another “cold-War like” stand occur again.

The author wants me to realize that Putin has a large impact on the world. Putin will be even more aggressive and he will not relent; he won’t give in to protests. For example, Smith chooses the end the article with a quote. Stating, “If [Putin] prolongs the policy of greatness, of expansion, of confrontation with the west, he will be popular and supported by the people despite any economic crisis.” By ending with this statement she is expressing her opinion. She thinks Putin will be popular with the people from his actions. Smith includes a political cartoon titled “Vladimir Schwarzenegger” showing Putin frail and skinny flexing his muscle. But his muscle droops downward. From war, falling oil prices, and sanctions. This cartoon shows that, while Putin may look one way, he actually is another. Acting powerful and strong, but in reality concerned and “weak”. Smith uses a great deal of background information to show the history of Russia and its past actions and relations with other countries. For example, the author conveys her opinion that Putin will be even more aggressive, by telling of past leaders, Czars, and the history of imperialism in Russia.

In summary, this makes me think how one person can have such a large impact. Their actions changing politics and the world. Putin has such a large impact on the world. Provided that he used his power to make progress; like supporting democracy, fighting climate change, and emphasizing equality, then he could change the world for the better instead of (sometimes) for the worse. Putin might be take for granted the amount of power he holds. This makes me angry. I agree with Smith; Putin will continue act in provocative behaviors and continue to receive support and praise by the majority of the Russian people. Through reading this article I have learned that one person’s actions can give their whole community or society (or country) a bad reputation that will stay with them. The notion of a new cold war was very intriguing. Considering and contemplating what this would entail was fascinating. Would there be actual physical war and fighting? Or will it be another space and arms race? Will other countries join? Will this become “World War three”?