Buehler
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Maddie Buehler
Mr. Considine
AP Comp/Lang
10 December 2014
Freedom
James Baldwin once said, “Freedom is not something that anybody can be given.
Freedom is something people take, and people are as free as they want to be.”
Freedom is a privilege that must be worked for according to Baldwin. It is not something we are granted with at birth. Even after acquiring a certain freedom, people are only “as free as they want to be.” Baldwin’s quote presents the concept that you get out what you put in. The degree of the reward will be commensurate with the input. Baldwin has composed credible arguments, but circumstances primarily determine the status of freedom, varying from person to person.
Though freedom is more distinguished upon what you make it out to be rather than the origin, there is still a price to be paid. As for spiritual freedom, that price has been paid for us. Similar to freedom from foreign countries such as Afghanistan, the fight has been fought on our behalf. Spiritual freedom comes as a gift from above. 1
Corinthians of the NIV of the Bible says, “You were bought at a price...”, and “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” in Galatians 5:1. Those who believe, have been set free because of the unconditional love of our God.

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Depending on the circumstances, freedom may not present itself on our doorstep. Situations arise in which personal sacrifices must be given in order to attain freedom. As in
Of Mice and Men,
George felt hindered by Lenny and pursued his personal freedom by removing that burden. It was an individual decision put in George’s hands that determined his as well as the future of others. On a similar note, Querry of
A
Burnt­Out Case, had to make a choice whether to continue as is or travel to Africa in search of independence. In both situations, a choice was made that ultimately altered their lives, thrusting into uncharted territories. They were in search of physical, emotional, and mental freedom as was Frederick Douglass in pursuit of liberation from slavery. As his journey progressed, it became apparent that freedom from slavery was going to require more than an escape route. He was to make a choice whether or not freedom was worth the price. The reality included losing every sliver of comfort. The assurance of bearing circumstances with your loved ones right by your side and any source of nourishment would be sacrificed during his quest for freedom, a ceaseless freedom. His