Animal Farm is often classified as a fairy story, but it is really much more than that. A fairy story is generally a fictional story written for children as entertainment and often with the purpose of teaching them a moral. While Animal Farm is a fictional story that is making a point applicable in real life, it was not written for children. This short “fairy story” also serves many other purposes. It acts as a political tract, a satire, an allegorical lesson, a fable similar to Aesop’s, and a sermon against the dangers of political innocence. While it can certainly be called a fairy story the author also meant for it to be much more.

Totalitarianism is defined as, a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state. Communism on the other hand is defined as, a political theory derived from Karl Marx, advocating class war and leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. Just by reading those definitions you can easily decide which one sounds better. Which one would you want to be under? Most of us would say Communism. In the beginning of Animal Farm this was the goal, a form of Communism where “all animals are equal” and everyone prospered. But Orwell is trying to show us that Communism, pure and untainted Communism, is an impossible dream, an impossible goal. While the animals started out heading in the right direction, they took a turn for the worse, and in the end they ended up with a totalitarian government, a government where, “all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” Why is this? Why do we never succeed when we try to set up a prosperous Communist government? Two words: human nature. We are sinful human beings, and when there is the opportunity for one man to take all the authority for himself, he will. This is why we have tried countless times to begin Communist governments, and always ended up with totalitarian regimes instead.

The main two characters in Animal Farm, or the ones that I think stand out above the others, are Napoleon and Boxer. Napoleon is the pig who begins with a keen interest and desire to see “all animals equal” and ends as the brutal, deceitful totalitarian ruler of Animal Farm. Boxer is a horse who is wholeheartedly loyal to Animal Farm, and he will do absolutely anything to keep it secure. His life mottos are, “I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right.” The book shows how the animals rebel to set up their independent farm, and how through small lies and huge deceptions the animals are enslaved by one of their own kind. Because of their ignorance the animals believe whatever they are told, and that the hardships they experience are worthwhile because in the end everyone will be benefited. In the end nobody is really benefited by their hardships and sacrifices, no one but Napoleon, their fearless leader who is “always right.”

While Animal Farm opened my eyes to the dangers of Communism and the consequences of totalitarianism I would not choose to read it again. It was a saddening display of sinful human nature and the depravity of man. So often I am surprised that anyone could be so cruel and power hungry that they would deceive their fellow men and even kill them. But why should I be surprised? If it were not for the grace of Jesus Christ, and the power of His blood I would be no better. Indeed, I would probably be worse.

The French Revolution. What does one think of when they hear this phrase? Blood, riots, a clanking guillotine, bodies without heads, or heads without bodies? Yes indeed, the French Revolution was characterized by all of these horrors, but also by incidents that one might not expect, heroism, love, victory, and patriotism. The slogan of the French Revolution was, “The Republic One and Indivisible of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or Death.” This phrase is filled with irony, but there is also a trace of lasting truth and sacrifice.

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines a Republic as, “a state in which the exercise of the sovereign power is lodged in representatives elected by the people.” France was not a Republic during the Revolution, that is what they were working towards, but it had not yet been attained. The country was in total chaos, anarchy. There was no government, there were no representatives elected by the people, no one who had control. Toward the end of A Tale of Two Cities the seamstress that is guillotined just before Carton, says this, referring to her cousin. “What I have been thinking as we came along, and what I am still thinking now, as I look into your kind strong face which gives me so much support, is this: If the Republic really does good to the poor, and they come to be less hungry, and in all ways to suffer less, she may live a long time: she may even live to be old.” She believes that her death will bring hope to the other inhabitants of the Republic, the Republic that doesn’t even exist!

Liberty. What is it, and why is it important? Liberty is, “A state of society so far only abridged and restrained, as is necessary and expedient for the safety and interest of the society, state, or nation. The restraints of laws are essential to liberty.” During the French Revolution there were no real laws, and the laws that were still in place were not abided by. Therefore, there was no real liberty. Liberty was outside of France, not within. Once the characters of the book are in France the rest of the story portrays them trying to return to England. As they flee the country Lucie says, “Look back, look back, and see if we are pursued!” All they want is to leave France, for therein is no liberty, only fear and oppression.

“An agreement of things in dimensions, quantity, or quality; likeness; similarity in regard to two things compared.” Where is there equality in France at this time? There is equality, but not the kind one would desire. There is equal opportunity to be arrested and guillotined, even if you have not done anything wrong. Likewise there is equal opportunity to be rewarded and praised as a friend of the Republic. In the novel we see this in Charles Darnay’s character. He is arrested and imprisoned, he goes on trial and his life is spared. He is carried home on the shoulders of an elated crowd shouting, “Long live the Republic!” That very night he is arrested again, and sentenced to death. Equality, yes, but not equality in life, instead equality in death.

“America, America, God shed his grace on thee. And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.” We sing of brotherhood, fraternity, in America, this noble nation, proud and free. But was their fraternity in France during the Revolution? Madame Defarge seems to be part of a fraternity of knitting women, but is it really a true brotherhood. Fraternity is defined as, “A body of men associated for their common interest or pleasure.” So, I suppose one could say a brotherhood existed between these women, but did a brotherhood exist between them and the other citizens of France? These women were out to destroy any and all people who they considered “enemies of the Republic.” They took pleasure in witnessing their deaths at the guillotine. Fraternity existed in France, but it was a shallow fraternity, not the far-reaching fraternity that we ask the Lord to bless America with, “from sea to shining sea.”

Lastly, the phrase that we are analyzing, “The Republic One and Indivisible of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or Death,” claims that the Republic cannot be broken apart by even death. But if one desires to break apart a people or nation what better way to do it than through death? When individuals cease one can be sure that a culture will cease, and a nation will come to an end. We return to the example of the seamstress, she was sure her death would bring about the happiness and success of her dear cousin. When in truth her death, and the death of thousands like her only succeeded in ripping apart a nation.

Irony overflows from the phrase, “The Republic One and Indivisible of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, and Death.” The one who authored this slogan must have had a tragic case of wishful thinking, and even I reading this phrase can only wish it had been true. In the end the Republics twisted views of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, and Death only served to create a very divisible Republic. Perhaps the revolutionaries should have rewritten their slogan. Something to the effect of, “The Aspiring Republic, having not yet succeeded in being One and Indivisible of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, and Death.”

Jane, a governess to the young ward of a wealthy man twice her age, falls madly in love with her employer. She feels a profound sense of duty to the object of her affections, but also to herself. By marrying Mr. Rochester she believes she is fulfilling her duty both to him and herself. Happiness reigns in Thornfield Hall, until the day they are to wed. “Wilt thou have this woman for thy wedded wife? – when a distinct and near voice said – ‘The marriage cannot go on: I declare the existence of an impediment.’” Finding that Mr. Rochester has a mad wife still living forces Jane to flee from Thornfield.

Her hasty departure leaves her destitute, with no money, no connections, and no one to love her. Her eyes are opened and she realizes that she, “could not, in those days, see God for his creature: of whom I had made an idol.” Though she still loves Mr. Rochester she rediscovers her great duty to her Saviour and relies only on him for her sustenance. Love was great, but when love, human love, failed, duty was what restored and healed.

While the conflict between duty and love is the main theme within the novel, transformation is a prevalent minor theme. Transformation of characters, both physically and spiritually, transformation of situations, and transformation of surroundings. We will focus on the transformation of characters. Jane’s transformation throughout the book is the most obvious. We meet her when she is just a young girl, and we leave her as a married woman. But even more important than her physical transformation, is the transformation made in her mind and heart throughout her life. She slowly morphs from a passionate, headstrong, revengeful girl, to an independent, strong, wise young lady. Mr. Rochester also undergoes a transformation during the time that we know him. He is, at first, a cold-hearted, unfeeling, and proud man, but by the end of the story, he has been humbled, and has found the ability to truly love.

These changes are not temporary, instead they last. The characters of Jane Eyre learned much through their struggles, they were transformed through their suffering. As Mr. Rochester’s wife Jane feels a sense duty towards him, she must take care of him, she is his eyes and his hands. Nevertheless, she has not forgotten her duty to God, and the circumstances that were necessary to bring her back to him after she had become consumed with Mr. Rochester. Throughout the rest of her life she continues to rely on Christ for her sustenance, instead of putting her hope in immortal, sinful human beings. At the end of the novel she is looking to Christ, waiting for his return, as she says, “Amen; even so come, Lord Jesus!”

“I do not like to boast of my own child, but to be sure, Jane – one does not often see one better looking. It is what everybody says. I do not trust my own partiality. When she was only fifteen there was a gentleman at my brother Gardiner’s in town, so much in love with her, that my sister-in-law was sure he would make her an offer before he came away. But however he did not. Perhaps he thought her too young. However, he wrote some verses on her, and very pretty they were.” These lines describe very accurately the jocular character of Mrs. Bennet from Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice. Mrs. Bennet is notorious for several of her unique character traits; today we will look at three of them.

“…he is a most disagreeable, horrid man, not at all worth pleasing. So high and so conceited that there was no pleasing him! He walked here, and he walked there, fancying himself so very great! Not handsome enough to dance with!… I quite detest the man!” Mrs. Bennet is known, along with her sister Mrs. Philips, as the town gossip. She holds no check on her tongue and is never careful concerning what she says, or who hears it. She seems so absorbed in finding rich husbands for her daughters and yet does not realize that no one would marry them after considering their potential mother-in-law. In all honesty, it is a miracle Jane and Elizabeth Bennet married so well. But I suppose providence is above all slight misfortunes of familial relations. You might also take into account the fact that this is a fictional romance novel.

“…she is not the kind of girl to do such a thing, if she had been well looked after. I always thought they were very unfit to have the charge of her; but I was over-ruled, as I always am. Poor dear child! And now here’s Mr. Bennet gone away, and I know he will fight Wickham, wherever he meets him, and then he will be killed, and what is to become of us all? The Collinses will turn us out, before he is cold in his grave; and if you are not kind to us, brother, I do not know what we shall do.” Not only is Mrs. Bennet a terrible gossip, she is also an extremely nervous and high strung woman. What makes this characteristic rather comical is that she causes herself to be so. In trying circumstances she makes thing worse by imagining horrors that will most likely never occur. She over-reacts to shocking scenarios that she has convoluted herself. If she would only cease her unnerving imaginings I am assured she would be an increasingly phlegmatic woman.

“She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper.” Mrs. Bennet is clearly uneducated and her other characteristics seem to originate from this unfortunate fact. Not only is she uneducated in academics (we never see her reading in the novel), she is also clearly uneducated in the social graces. She blurts incongruous things at inopportune moments and does not even perceive the humiliation she is bringing upon her daughters, who she is trying to marry off. It is intriguing to imagine what the Bennet family would have been like had Mrs. Bennet been educated comparably to her brother Mr. Gardiner. I am sure there would have been much tranquility in the family, and it would not have taken nearly as long to find husbands for her daughters.

We have explored several unique and humorous character traits of Mrs. Bennet, including her affinity to gossip, her fabricated nervousness, and her uncouth condition. One who shares these unfortunate idiosyncrasies with Mrs. Bennet would undoubtedly discover a kindred spirit in her. I am reminded of Mrs. Bennet’s daughter Lydia, who enjoyed her mother’s company immensely because they were so grievously alike. As they say, “Birds of a feather flock together.” If one happens to be fortunate enough to bear completely opposite traits to those of Mrs. Bennet one would not make her a favorable companion. Nevertheless, one must cease not to rejoice, for their plight in life will indubitably be superior to hers.

Gulliver sets out on his first journey with a light heart and an eye for adventure, and an adventure is exactly what he gets. He is shipwrecked on an island, the only survivor from his ship. After swimming to shore he collapses, exhausted. When he awakes he cannot move, he has been tied to the ground by thousands of people who are barely four inches tall. He soon learns their language and finds that they call themselves Lilliputians. After some time Gulliver is no longer considered an enemy because of his size, but a friend. At the time there was a rift in the kingdom of the Lilliputians. Some of them had rebelled by breaking their eggs at the large end, instead of the traditional small end. Those who had rebelled were labeled as Big Endians, the others as Little Endians. Through this seemingly silly situation Swift is satirizing the rift in England between Catholics, represented by the Big Endians, and Protestants, represented by the Little Endians. The Protestant’s communion consisted of bread and wine, while the Catholic’s consisted only of bread. Many English citizens were unhappy with the Protestant church and wished to return to Catholicism.  The point is that no matter what end you open the egg from, you will always get the same thing out of it. Likewise, it may be difficult to know what exactly is the proper way to have communion, but as long as you do it for the right reasons you will get similar benefits from it. This rift was the result of many disagreements between Catholics and Protestants, not just communion. As Swift focuses on this one level disagreement his intention is to show how the rift itself is a bit ridiculous.

On Gulliver’s next journey he is sent to an island, with a crew of men, to get fresh drinking water for the ship. He is accidentally left behind. On this island Gulliver discovers that he is no longer the giant, but the miniature in comparison. He has entered the land of the Brobdingnagians, human creatures twelve times his size. He is found and treated as a pet and a toy, which for Gulliver is humiliating. In one instance Gulliver is found by a pet monkey and frighteningly carried all over the place. The monkey treats Gulliver as a baby monkey, reducing him from a human to an animal. Still Gulliver brags about his country and their form of government, not realizing that the giants will always be morally superior. We act similarly, we can be humiliated to no end, we can be given crystal clear examples of how and why we are inferior to other cultures or other people, and yet our pride in our own abilities is always greater. In Lilliput Gulliver laughed at the great pride of the tiny, insignificant men, and yet now, from their position and perspective, he displays a similar pride in his false superiority.

On Gulliver’s third journey he is set in command of a sloop and sent to land to trade for some much needed goods. Unfortunately pirates attack them; Gulliver is mercifully set adrift instead of being killed. He is rescued by the inhabitants of a flying island called Laputa. The people of Laputa are consumed with two subjects, mathematics and music. Though they spend so much time studying these two subjects they are extremely incompetent when it comes to the application of them. Their structures are built without right angles, they cannot tailor clothes accurately, and their music only hurts the ear of the listener because it lacks harmony. Swift uses this journey to satirize reason. People of the day were so completely absorbed with the ideas of science and mathematics that they had set them apart as a religion. Everyone became prideful of the facts they possessed, not realizing that what they knew was useless without the ability to properly apply it and benefit from it.

In the fourth and final book Gulliver sets sail as the captain of a ship. Unfortunately his crew is mutinous, they throw him overboard and he swims to an island. Here he is attacked by creatures that very much resemble humans though they have more hair and often walk on all fours, they are called Yahoos. He is rescued this time by horses called Houyhnhnms. They have a language of their own and govern the island being the most rational and reasonable creatures to inhabit it. The Houyhnhnms believe Gulliver to be a Yahoo, but are confused by his sense of reason. Gulliver desires to become a Houyhnhnm because he sees that they use their reason to promote peace while humans use their reason to start wars and not to end them. Each day he becomes more and more convinced that he is indeed a Houyhnhnm until he is a veritable madman. Finally the Houyhnhnms decide that he must either be treated entirely like a yahoo or leave the island. Gulliver reluctantly leaves. He is found by a Portuguese ship and taken back to England. Nevertheless he still views himself as a Houyhnhnm and his fellow man as Yahoos, despicable creatures. It takes him over five years, but finally his pride ebbs and he is able to at least eat with his family. In this fourth and final journey Gulliver again satirizes reason, thereby once more exposing our great pride. As humans we pride ourselves on being rationable, reasonable creatures, the only ones on earth. Yet we use our reason to commit the worst atrocities instead of using our reason to solve problems and bring about peace on our planet. In cold blood we murder children who are mentally challenged or deformed, reassuring ourselves that it is better for all of society. We use our reason to invent weapons of war and great destruction instead of using our reason to put an end to all war. And we do it all with pride in our hearts for being the only rational creatures on earth.

Swift cleverly exposes some important issues within Gulliver’s Travels. He uses the technique of satire in his book, not only to mock the politics of the time, but also to address problems that are prevalent in society, even today. There is a lot packed into this small book, treated by some as a story for children. It is very important, when reading any book, to take what is edifying and beneficial, and to discard that, which is defective.

“Jesus Christ is Lord!”

“We have been ministering here for six years now and our church has grown by leaps and bounds.” Six years ago Faithful and his wife Forgiveness were obedient to God’s call by moving to North Korea as missionaries. North Korea is known as a strict communist country, and they knew becoming missionaries there could result in death. Nevertheless they had a heart for the lost and went despite dissuasion from many of their friends.

In three long years they had only four converts. By the fourth year the number in their congregation had doubled to eight. Now their church had grown to twenty-three. They had to practice their faith in secret being very careful of where they met and when. If twenty-three people were seen coming or going from the same place on a regular basis the authorities might become suspicious. In six years they had never had a problem with the authorities, they had never been questioned or caught. Faithful and Forgiveness attributed this to the grace and sovereign will of God.

“Are you all ready for the prayer meeting tonight?” Forgiveness asked her husband. “Yes, my sermon is prepared, and the communion is ready.” “Good,” said Forgiveness, “Redeemed is going to be here at seven with her family and the others will follow in fifteen minute increments.” “My dear,” said Faithful, “I don’t mean to alarm you, but I think we should be extra careful and extra quiet tonight. I have noticed some disguised Korean soldiers patrolling our street more often than usual. I think they may have been warned by someone, or noticed something strange, increasing their vigilance here.” “We will be careful,” replied Forgiveness, “But remember, we are in the Lord’s hands.”

A few hours later everyone had arrived safely with no incident. Forgiveness was overjoyed to see that Clandestine had decided to come. “You haven’t been to a meeting in a while, it’s good to see you again.” “Sure, thanks.” Clandestine replied quietly. “Have you considered what we talked about a few months ago?” Forgiveness inquired. “Yes.” Clandestine didn’t seem inclined to conversation so Forgiveness decided to leave her alone.

Faithful gave a powerful message and was closing with the benediction and blessing when the doors flew open and the room was filled with Korean soldiers. They were armed to the teeth and they didn’t look pleased. Craven, a hard-hearted sergeant, strode up the aisle, a glimmer of hate in his eyes. He turned to face the congregation, “If any of you desire to live then stand up, curse the name of this man called Jesus, and leave here never to return again, you have one minute.” All was silent as everyone weighed the value of life and the value of eternity with Christ. Almost immediately Clandestine rose, cursed the name of Jesus, and turned to walk out of the room. “Anyone else want to join the traitor?” Craven mockingly asked.

Forgiveness sat with tears rolling down her cheeks realizing that Clandestine had brought the soldiers to the meeting. She prayed earnestly that her heart might be changed and that the rest of the congregation would persevere during this trial. Less than a minute later no one else had risen to curse their Lord. Craven ordered that everyone be herded outside and lined up. One by one the members were given a last chance to curse the name of Christ, one by one each member cried “Jesus Christ is Lord!” and one by one each member was shot. As Clandestine watched this her heart ached, she was responsible for the death of each member and she had never expected the guilt her deed would bring. Faithful and Forgiveness stood at the end of the line, they would be the last to die. “Will you curse the name of Jesus?” Craven barked at Forgiveness. “No, I will not, but may I say one last thing before you kill me?” Locking eyes with Clandestine Forgiveness said, “You are forgiven.” In that moment Clandestine knew that the entire congregation had forgiven her and Jesus Christ had as well. “Jesus Christ is Lord!” she shouted and instantly she too was shot.

A few seconds later Faithful, Forgiveness, and their entire congregation welcomed Clandestine before the throne of Jesus Christ and witnessed her receive a new name, Restoration.

The first book of Paradise Lost shows Satan’s fall from Heaven and how he quickly adapts from the glory of Heaven to the darkness of Hell because of his thoroughly evil nature. When Satan realizes his sorry state he is in a rage. He does not think he deserves such treatment, like so many lost in sin he does not think he has done anything wrong. He is overtaken with prideful grief that he has lost the light of Heaven and been cast into a pit of darkness. He vows to find a way to defeat the omniscient God and regain the throne of Heaven.

Satan is shocked by the ugliness of Hell when he is used to the light and splendor of Heaven. He equates Heaven with happiness and he calls Hell a horrible dungeon. Flames surround him yet they emit no light, but rather darkness. He sees and hears terrible anguish and suffering all around him, a severe contrast to the beauty he has become accustomed to.

Because of Satan’s pride and anger this positive view of Heaven does not last long. He curses the King of Heaven all the while desiring His place on the throne of light. He begins to see the advantages of his new habitation and declares that “farthest from Him is best.” He mistakenly assumes that God is not present, and does not rule in Hell. Satan says; “The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.” Satan is playing pretend believing that it is better to rule in Hell than to serve in Heaven. Likewise, we, depending on our attitude can also make a Heaven of Hell or a Hell of Heaven by pretending that to be the master of our own destiny is better than following Christ, eventually reigning with Him in glory.

Our attitudes, as Christians, are important in all that we do. If we depend on the Lord to direct our steps we will not be free from trials and frustrations, but we will be able to endure them easier. Does Satan succeed in overthrowing Heaven or ruling the earth? Initially he seems to, but in the end we know that the King of Heaven will reign eternally, and that Satan will be vanquished forever.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

What comes to mind when you think of a romance? Damsels in distress? Perhaps knights in shining armor? Well, this romance includes something you would not always expect, a moral. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a medieval romance about the conflict between Sir Gawain, a knight from King Arthur’s Round Table, and the Green Knight. During the New Year celebration the Green Knight arrives in Camelot bringing with him a challenge.

If any knight is brave enough to strike the Green Knight a blow he will give him as a gift a handsome axe of gold and green. But, after a year and a day the knight who accepts the axe must withstand a blow from the Green Knight. The Knights of the Round Table remain silent, none of them rising to this seemingly silly challenge. The Green Knight laughs in mockery surprised that the renowned Knights of the Round Table seem intimidated when they have never even seen him swing an axe. Ashamed King Arthur quickly rises to take the axe from the Green Knight, and with it his challenge. As King Arthur prepares to deal the Green Knight a heavy blow Sir Gawain speaks. He beseeches the King to let him take the challenge and not shame himself in front of the Queen at such a silly game. In this response of Sir Gawain’s we see many ideals of medieval society; loyalty, chivalry, thoughtfulness, and a respect for the ladies. These are aspects of gentlemanly conduct that are slowly disappearing from our society.

Sir Gawain deals the Green Knight a heavy blow and ultimately removes his head. However, the Knight does not die, but rides from Camelot with his head in his hands. In a year and a day Sir Gawain must again confront the Green Knight, this time at the Green Chapel. Almost a year later during his search for the Green Chapel Sir Gawain stumbles upon a fair castle where he seeks shelter and rest from his wearisome journey. He is welcomed gladly by the Lord and Lady of the castle and is joyous to find that the Green Chapel is only half a days ride away. On the other hand he is dismayed to learn that no one has ever passed in view of the Green Chapel alive.The Lord of the castle makes plans to go hunting, he promises Sir Gawain that whatever he wins in the wood will be his. In return Sir Gawain must give the Lord what ever he receives at the castle. Three days in a row the Lord of the castle goes hunting while Sir Gawain stays behind to rest and prepare for his confrontation with the Green Knight.  Meanwhile the Lady of the castle takes advantage of the Lord’s absence to declare her ardent admiration for Sir Gawain. Three days in a row she visits Sir Gawain each time leaving him with a kiss. Each evening Sir Gawain bestows the kiss he received to the Lord of the castle. Sir Gawain, the true gentleman that he is, continues to resist the Lady’s declarations and gifts, never returning them. Until, on the third day she offers him a green and gold girdle that she claims will protect him from the blow of the Green Knight. He accepts the gift, but in turn fails to give it to the Lord of the castle. The next day Sir Gawain confronts the Green Knight and withstands his blow because he is wearing the girdle. The Green Knight reveals himself as the Lord of the castle and tells him that the Lady purposely deceived him to test his fidelity and his ability to keep his end of the bargain.

Sir Gawain humbly admits failure of the challenge, something that seldom occurs in traditional medieval romances. He is greatly distressed that he did not stand firm in his convictions and that he accepted the girdle, even if not doing so would have resulted in his death.He is ashamed that he broke his oath with the Lord of the castle and that his fear for his safety made him break a solemn promise. Of course had he given the girdle to the Lord of the castle as he had promised he would have withstood the challenge and his life would have been spared.

Yes, this medieval romance includes some traditional elements such as chivalry and knights in shining armor, but some unexpected twists as well. The resounding moral of this medieval romance is that it is always better to do the right thing, the virtuous deed, even if it results in personal injury or even death. And that even when we fail to do the right thing recompense can be made by humbly admitting our failure, seeking to mend our ways, and trying again.

I wanted to apologize for not posting, especially to you Jay. I have been so busy! So, I just wanted to let you know that I am still persevering even though I’m not posting. Any encouragement y’all would like to offer would be greatly appreciated!

I am afraid the majority of adults do not act as such because they are not aware that they are adults.

Wow, I thought that was a rebelutionary definition!

Analects, n. A collection of short essays or remarks.

The analects on U.S. Presidents are due on Thursday.

Almightiness, n. Omnipotence; infinite or boundless power; an attribute of God only.

Almightiness is displayed in the nature and character of God.

Anility, n. The state of being an old woman; the old age of a woman; dotage.

Because of her anility she was unable to make the journey.