Macbeth Final Draft

    When things go smoothly, it is easy to be happy.  However, when faced with challenge and controversy, that is when morality is tested.  Anyone can be happy when things go right, but can react questionably when challenged.  Success and power should not be given,  they have to be earned.  The need for power is one of the most ruthless and merciful desires, as portrayed in the book Macbeth.  In the beginning of the story, Macbeth who was once a caring, respected man turns into an unrecognizable stranger to the people who knew him the most.  In the novel Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, power overtakes moral character proving that any type of success will turn a man evil.

    No one is born evil, they become that way, through circumstance and choice.  In the book, Macbeth was well-respected and righteous.  "The service and the loyalty I owe, In doing it, Pays itself.. Which do but what they should, by doing everything safe toward your love and honor."   (1.4.22-24) The judgement of someone should not be based on reputation, but by the righteousness of that person.  Often times, people put on a "mask" pretending to be someone they're not.  However, when faced with challenges and competition their true colors come out.  Macbeth failed to balance power with morals, causing him to become ruthless.  "I dare do all that may become a man; who dares do more is none."  (1.7.45-46). Being highly thought of by others, while gaining power motivates a person to do many things whether they are right or wrong.  Power changes people by taking over their lives, eventually destroying it.

    The way a person overcomes challenges while trying to obtain power and success defines their character.  “The castle of Macduff I will surprise, seize upon Fife, give to th’edge o’th’sword his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls.”  (4.1.150-153)  Macbeth believed that many people were out to get him and ended up murdering them and their family so they could not accede his throne.  He was cruel and heartless.  He did everything in his power to keep a person from taking over his reign.  “I have supped full with horrors; direness, familiar to my slaughterous thoughts”. (5.5.14-15) In the beginning of the book, Macbeth was a role-model and a leader in his town.  Over time, he became cruel and lacked compassion trying to gain more and more power.

    With all the wrongdoings a person may commit, there comes a form of punishment.  “Infected minds to their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets.’’ (5.1.64-65)  Lady Macbeth committed an act of murder and wished to be feelingless.  As time passed, she was overtaken by guilt and eventually killed herself.  Although power can make a person feel important, it replaces joy with unhappiness. “Yet I will try the last.  Before my body I throw my warlike shield.”  (5.7.61-62)   The punishment Lady Macbeth and Macbeth served for all their crimes were their unhappy disgruntlness.   Macbeth gained power through all his crimes, but in return lost his happiness and his wife.  A person should think about how power can change a life before attempting to gain it.

     Power can cloud a person's judgement causing them to make unreasonable, hasty decisions.  The need for power and success is so strong that a person will do anything, no matter the consequences, just to gain it.  Even though Macbeth gained power, he lost his happiness and kindness.  Happiness is corrupted in the pursuit of trying to gain power.  Often times, happiness is cast aside so that power can be accrued. 

LOFT journal reflection

    When we first crashed down on the island, I was hopeful knowing that one day we would be rescued and would be able to see our families again.  Now, I doubt that we could ever get off this island alive.  The minutes feel like hours as each passing day feels like my last.  Everyday, Ralph and Jack try to get the boys to listen but the chaos continues to get worse.  Nobody knows who to listen to and who to follow.  We developed a method that whoever holds the conch gets to speak but that quickly failed in an hour.  Jack and Ralph are supposedly our two "leaders" but they both have different concepts on how to survive.  I stick with Ralph because while he can be a jerk, his tactics seem more assurable than Jack.  Ralph has the boys start build shelters while Jack goes hunting for meat.  

     I sure hope that we get rescued soon, because things are starting to fall apart.  Many of the boys get into disagreements with each other and I am worried that something bad might happen.  A lot of the little ones are getting sick because of poor diet, and unclean water.  One day, I had so much hope we were going to be rescued, only to be let down.  I was so disappointed that the fire went out because then the ship couldn't see us.  We keep a fire burning, hoping the smoke will attract distant ships.  That is pretty much all we've done so far to get rescued, which worries me because during the night the "beasties" come out.  The "beasties" terrify me and I pray that I am safe as I sleep. 

    We've been on this island for a couple of weeks now and I feel like I am going to die soon.  We have no meat, as the hunters have not been successful to catch many pigs.  Living on fruits is not a very promising diet.  I feel as if I am no use to anyone.  All the boys want from me is my specks so they can light the fire.  Although I noticed the boy with the mark on his face disappeared, we have not been able to find him since.  Everyday I am constantly called "stupid" or "fat" by the other boys and I try to be strong.  I pitch in ideas to the group, but nobody ever listens to me.  All the boys want from me is my specks so they can light the fire.  Sometimes I wish I could just go off on my own, but I know that Ralph would't come with me and I wouldn't be able to survive.  I miss home, I miss my family.  I just can't wait to get off this island.  

Survivor

10 Rules:
1)  Everyone must do the tasks assigned
2)  Everyone must get along
3)  Everyone must obey me
4)  No stealing other peoples things
5) No lying
6) No turning against each other
7) No fighting
8) Everyone must help out
9) No overeating
10) Take only what you need and nothing more


Plan for survival:
    To get off the island, first I will start by setting a bunch of rules.  By having rules, there will no confusion or chaos.  Then, I will assign jobs based on skill and strength.  Once everyone has their assigned job, they will do that job until I tell them it is completed.  The wood gatherers will start finding wood for the fire and for the boat builders.   The boat builders will attempt to build a strong sturdy boat in which we will be able to get off the island.  Meanwhile, the fruit pickers and hunters will search the island for food so that the cooks can cook.  The servants will help me and do whatever task I need.