The fact that letters are tangible, brings aspects to letter writing unlike communication through the screen of a phone. One of which is the time it takes to deliver a letter. In general, “standard mail takes around 3 to 4 days for it to be delivered”, which is much longer than the few seconds for a text message to go through. While one might think it’s a bad thing, the prolonged waiting time gives letters many unnoticed benefits. Since there is such a long delivery time for letters, people do not feel urgency to write back and instead can take their time to read and reflect. This is unlike text messages where people are impatient. Much of this is due to the extensive amount of notifications on our phones now. Not only do apps notify someone when they receive a message, but apps such as snapchat notify recipients when someone is texting. As a result, people tend to rush through their texts without thinking things through, as they do not want to keep the recipients waiting impatiently. An example is shown through a study by Dr. Mark Williams: “Notifications trigger a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that can create a sense of anticipation and addiction, leading people to check their phones compulsively in anticipation of new notifications. This can lead to a sense of social pressure to always be connected and responsive.” In contrast, letters give you the time to relax and reflect instead of rushing through them, leading to fewer mistakes and more thought-out responses. 

          The waiting period for a response in letter form can provide a feeling of suspense through its unknown contents and the lengthy journey of delivery. As stated in a New York Times article, “It’s an inherently dramatic device — because a letter is both a vessel for self-expression and a catalyst for a response. Suspense swirls around what that response might be, and often whether one will arrive at all.” The suspense between sending and receiving letters creates an emotional experience through anticipation. The recipient is left wondering about the response and its contents, and when it finally arrives, it ultimately means more than an effortless text out of the blue.  

          The physical characteristic of a written letter also features a keepsake element that messages do not have. Yes, you can screenshot messages, but it’s generally not socially acceptable, with apps such as snapchat even alerting people when screenshots are taken. The keepsake element of letter writing lies in its physical nature, allowing the recipient to preserve and cherish the letter as a lasting memento of personal connection and sentiment. On a personal level, all of my letters through my years at camp are in a box in my closet, which I occasionally read to reminisce about my summers. Some people also value famous people’s letters, which book stores and collectors collect, as shown in Can You Ever Forgive Me by Lee Israel. Love letters are also frequently saved as reminders of personal connections and significant moments in peoples’ lives. Usually these are heart to hearts that can live forever through their tangibility.

          While some letters are typed, most are handwritten, which gives a personal touch that texts and emails cannot replicate. Through the tone in the writing, unique handwriting, and small mistakes and blemishes, handwritten letters capture the authenticity and imperfections that make them feel more human and relatable than digital messages. While typed letters still accomplish some benefits of written letters, they fail to be as authentic. This is exemplified at my sleep-away camp as parents have the ability to send emails to their children through a website called Bunk 1, which gets printed out and delivered the next day. In an interview with a camp friend of mine he stated: “My parents would always send letters through Bunk 1, which would make the handwritten letters from my grandma even more meaningful. Even though her cursive made the letter difficult to read, I always appreciated how it made me feel more connected to her even being far away at camp.” Handwritten letters not only convey a personal touch but also require a significant amount of effort, which adds to their emotional impact as it demonstrates the writer’s thoughtfulness.

          A great thing about communication with phones is convenience. Just take out your phone and start typing! Letter writing involves much more effort. One must take out stationary, write the letter, address it, stamp it, and then go outside to mail it. Although many would consider this a downside, it is actually a positive feature if you look at it through the right lens, as the effort it takes does not go unnoticed to the recipient. As told by Professor Sara Algoe at the University of North Carolina, “A letter shows this person was thinking about me and took the time to actually put pen to paper.” It’s impactful because it takes significant intention to put forth the needed effort, time, and focus to sit down and write a letter, especially with the convenience of a phone in your pocket. Letters display care and consideration that text messages sent in haste cannot replicate; thus, they create a more personal and meaningful connection with the recipient. This past summer I was working at my sleep-away camp as a counselor, so I had access to my phone and technology. I used my phone for communication as it was more convenient for me, but one day in the pile of mail belonging to my campers was a letter addressed to me from my mom. Even though the letter was just a casual conversation, it meant so much more to me due to her thoughtfulness for taking time out of her day to write to me. This experience demonstrates how the effort involved in writing a letter to make it more meaningful trumps the ease of communication using modern technology.

          Handwritten letters offer a deeper emotional connection compared to communication through modern technology. What many call downsides actually offer significant benefits such as the delivery time and effort. The emotional power of handwritten letters lies within its tangibility, personal connection, and the effort it takes to write. While modern technology offers instant communication and accessibility, is it really worth sacrificing the depth and sentiment handwritten letters provide? The act of physically writing out words, waiting for delivery, and reflecting on the message before sending it fosters a stronger emotional connection than a quick, habitual text. Handwritten letters have a lasting quality that digital communication cannot replicate as they can be saved, treasured, and revisited, becoming keepsakes that evoke memories long after they are read. In a world that depends on immediacy, handwritten letters remind us of the importance of personal connections.

“How Long Will Mail Take from Zip Code to Zip Code? – US Global Mail.” Www.usglobalmail.com, www.usglobalmail.com/blog/how-long-will-mail-take-from-zip-code-to-zip-code/ 

‌Bastow, Margo. “What Notifications Are Doing to Our Brains – Jennifer Oaten.” Santa Maria College, 22 Sept. 2023, santamaria.wa.edu.au/notifications-and-our-brains/ 

Collins-Hughes, Laura. “The Drama of Letters, Swirling with Suspense.” The New York Times, 27 Apr. 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/04/27/theater/irish-repertory-theater-letters-series.html

“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” SimonSchuster, 2018, www.simonandschuster.com/books/Can-You-Ever-Forgive-Me/Lee-Israel/9781982100339   

Ufberg, Jack. Interview. 2 December 2024

Jared, Scott. “Why Handwritten Letters Mean so Much | UNC-Chapel Hill.” The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 31 Oct. 2023, www.unc.edu/discover/why-handwritten-letters-mean-so-much/.

We then spoke about illustrated letters and other entertaining forms. I enjoyed this lesson as it showed me how much thought goes into creating letters like these. It takes a lot of skill to draw what you want on a letter, in some cases in the middle of the paper, and still be able to write your letter around it and fit it on the page. I’m excited to be able to present my final presentation soon and be able to relax on Thanksgiving break.

After we spoke about these jobs, class transitioned into talking about cover letters. We learned the importance of these as they are first impressions for your job. I also learned many tips and tricks into forming these cover letters which I will soon put into practice on our cover letter assignment. A stat mentioned that caught my eye was the average time employers read a cover letter is two seconds. That proves why it is important to differentiate yourself from others.

          It is currently 480 BC in Ancient Greece. During this time period, Greece is split apart into city-states, with Sparta and Athens being the most prominent. The story focuses on Sparta, distinguished for its military strength and warrior culture. Sparta is ruled by a diarchy, which consists of two kings, one of each from the Agaidai family and the Eurypontidai family. At this point in history, the Agaidai king is the famed King Leonidas, while the Eurypontid is King Leotychidas. Together with the help of a council of elders, the Gerousia, they rule over Sparta. 

         Close to Greece is the Persian Empire, ruled by King Xerxes. Separated by just the Aegean Sea, the Persians have dreamt of taking over Greece for many years, first beginning with King Xerxes’s father Darius the Great. King Xerxes is plotting a new invasion of Greece to avenge his father’s defeat a decade later.

King Leotychidas,

The Persian army is prepared to march at once. My three-hundred-thousand troops are eagerly awaiting Ephialtes’s arrival. Once he arrives we shall depart for Greece.

– King Xerxes

Dienekes,

          One of my spies that I stationed as King Leotychidas’s guard brought me a letter he received from a sketchy messenger. It was addressed to Leotychidas by King Xerxes from Persia. I believe he is scheming with Xerxes to invade and conquer Greece. I will stay silent about the issue and allow the letter to get to Leotychidas, with hopes he will write a response to Xerxes that we can use to uncover information. I think he also sent a Greek citizen, Ephialtes, to Persia to aid in the march, although I do not know in what way.

          I need you to help gather warriors from all of the city-states around Greece. Send messengers around that the Persians are invading. You yourself must travel to Athens and warn them of the upcoming danger. We will need their assistance if what Xerxes says is true about the size of his army. It is not just their army we need, but also their navy. Goodluck dear friend.

– King Leonidas

King Xerxes,

I am pleased to hear of the immense army you have rounded up. I hope that Ephialtes has arrived by the time you have received this letter, and is helping navigate you through the terrain. There are some whispers here around Sparta of a Persian invasion; however, Leonidas is completely in the dark. Eventually word may get around to him, but I can always help from the inside when the time is right and you are closer. I hope the journey is not too dreadful. 

– King Leotychidas

My dear Pleistarchus,

          It was an extremely eventful day in the throne room today. Your father found proof of King Leotychidas working with King Xerxes to conquer Greece. He put his head to the sword in the middle of the hall, with all of the Gerousia to witness. He explained to them afterwards of what he had found. At first he was unconvinced, as anyone could have forged the letter; however, he intercepted a follow-up letter written by Leotychidas to confirm his suspicions. Your father still allowed the messenger to send Leotychidas’s letter to Xerxes, in hopes he does not realize Leotychidas is dead until it is too late. Your father announced that the Persians are currently marching towards Greece at this moment and we must gather troops and prepare defenses.

          You must return from your training in Corinth and join me and your father in Sparta. There is much going on now.

– Your mother, Queen Gorgo

King Leonidas,

I write to you after I acquired the aid of Athens. They are helping stop the fighting between the other city-states and unite together as one army to fight against the common enemy. Spartan and Athenian messengers are riding among the lands, amassing soldiers for battle. Athens is also preparing their navy for battle as you requested. They will soon depart and stop the Persian navy from reaching the shores. The only way to Greece now is through marching from the North. I have heard rumors of you killing Leotychidas. Is this true?

– Dienekes

Dienekes,

          Yes, I did execute King Leotychidas. I did not want him to learn of my knowledge and do something abrupt.

          I fear the Persians will arrive in Greece shortly. There will not be enough time to gather all of the Greek armies together. We must hold off the Persians ourselves while the rest of the soldiers strategize. Please depart for Sparta as soon as possible and bring three-hundred of the most elite Spartans. Be sure all have sons to carry on their names. Send the rest of the warriors you have recruited to Athens to help fortify defenses.

          We will organize ourselves at Thermopylae. The sheer numbers of the Persian army would be too difficult for us to deal with normally; however, with the narrow pass at Thermopylae between the mountains and the sea, the army will have no choice but to thin out. We will enact a hoplite phalanx to cover the land. Our role is not to win the war, but to give the rest of the Greeks enough time to organize against our common enemy. 

– King Leonidas

The Journal of Herodotus: “The Histories”

          Before embarking on the journey to Thermopylae, Leonidas made his way to the Oracle of Delphi to foresee his fate. It prophesied that this battle was essential to the eventual Greek victory although in the process, he would die. Although hearing the prophecy, Leonidas did not hesitate. He proceeded to march with Dienekes and the 300 elite spartans to Thermopylae. Along the way, a few thousand other soldiers joined them including some Athenians, Phocians, Thespians, and Thebans.

         The soldiers arrived at Thermopylae a few days before the Persians. They had some time to organize defenses and strategize. A scout team found a hidden pass within the mountains of Thermopylae. If the Persians discovered this, they could outflank the Spartans. Leonidas stationed a thousand soldiers to guard this pass. 

          Once the Persians arrived, they camped across the sea-side for four days, giving their soldiers a rest from the fatiguing hike, but also in hope of scaring away Leonidas and his soldiers from the massive army. However, the Greeks did not budge. Xerxes then sent an envoy of soldiers to demand Leonidas to lay down his arms. “Come and take them,” Leonidas responded. 

          With that, the battle commenced. Xerxes began by sending the inexperienced soldiers, which the Spartans easily dealt with. Following this came the rest of the army, but due to the thin pass of Thermopylae, the Persians kept attacking in small waves, which helped even out the battlefield for the much smaller Greek army. This continued for two days, with the Persians finding no strategy that could outmatch the Spartan Phalanx. They tried barrages of arrows, but those just bounced off against the Spartan shields and armor. Even their finest soldiers, “The Immortals”, had failed to disrupt the effective battle tactic.

         However, on the night of the second day, the Greek traitor Ephialtes located the hidden mountain pass. With the path undiscovered, Xerxes sent tens of thousands of his best soldiers to overtake the path, hidden in the darkness of the night. On the third day they surprised the Greek soldiers guarding the path. At this point, Leonidas knew the battle was soon to be over. He allowed all the Greek soldiers to retreat back to their homes, while he and the 300 spartans remained at Thermopylae. 

          After most of the remaining soldiers withdrew from the battle to warn of Persia’s arrival, King Leonidas, Dienekes and the three hundred Spartans heroically prepared for their last fight. They reconvened in an open area, where they fearlessly fought to the death, killing as many Persians they could.

          Following the Battle of Thermopylae, Leonidas, Dienekes, and the three-hundred Spartans all fell, but they did not lay down their lives for nothing. The Greek armies had enough time to unify together and defeat the Persians over the next couple of years. The Greeks caused Xerxes and his troops to retreat back to Persia.

          In Sparta the diarchy between the Agaidais and the Eurypontidais ended with Leotychidas’s traitorous actions. Afterwards Sparta was ruled by just the Agaidai family, starting with Leonidas’s son Pleistarchus.

          The Greek soldiers that retreated from the Battle of Thermopylae carried on Leonidas’s legacy, telling the story of the three-hundred Spartans that fought to the death for all of Greece.

Lee Israel indicated that her best writing was her forgeries. I think this was thought due to the measure of success from all of her works. Through the movie, we learn that people did not like Israel’s personality, and therefore perhaps her voice. That may be why she spent her writing career writing biographies about other people as people did not like her voice. Therefore, her forgeries may have been her biggest success because she had the opportunity to write in other peoples’ voices that were not her own.

The title of the movie was written in a letter Israel impersonated, writing as Dorothy Parker. In this letter, she apologizes for any comments she may have said while she was drunk. I think this is ironic because we know from the movie that Lee Israel would frequently drink and say mean comments; however she would never apologize for these comments and stand by them. I think writing this letter that she knows that she is not a nice person, and that other, nicer people would apologize while she would not.

I think an issue with Lee Israel’s writing was that people did not like her voice or personality. She was a talented writer but as shown by her agent, people did not like her character. This may have been why she focused on writing biographies of other people. One way of changing this could have been targeting audiences that enjoy her voice. This could be done writing books that these people are interested in. Another way is by changing her voice until she became famous. When Lee Israel was complaining about Tom Clancy’s personality to her agent, the agent mentioned he can act that way due to him being famous and successful. Therefore, Israel can act as herself, but only when she is famous. Before that her personality is a turnoff for people.

A lesson I learned from this movie is that a likable personality is extremely important. Lee Israel was a terrific writer, but her personality turned her away from many opportunities. A question I had after the movie is how did Lee not get a prison sentence? I thought it was interesting how her lawyer was certain she would go to prison, but she did not.