2017 – 4th Grade National 3rd Place Winner

Sarayne Jefferson , California.

Is the pen mightier than the Sword?

“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” Said Malala Yousafzai. Pens are the simplest writing instruments. They come in all shapes and colors. By itself the pen holds no power; but in the right hands the pen can change the world. It can create laws, it can write books, the pen keeps a record of our history, and it can give use freedom. Peace treaties are signed with pens. The pen can easily be a tool for harm as well. A pen can be an instrument of war and destruction, creating propaganda that causes people to fear and hate. A pen is the easiest tool for creativity; beautiful art pieces are created by pens every day. We listen to music constantly that is written by the mighty pen. The accessibility of the pen gives it its power, we all have a voice and we can express it through the power of the pen.

The pen is a tool for creativity. The artist Pablo Picasso used his pen as an artist to express his protest to the war in his beloved country of Spain. He used his pen to tell a story in art form. In the Weeping Woman, he used the power of his art to show his passion for his country and the destruction of it through war and the sword. The pen through his art became his voice. The worldwide appreciation of his art is a testament to the power of his creativity through the pen.

The pen also has a powerful effect through music. The pen is one of the most important instruments a song writer needs to make music. When a musician makes music, they write the notes and lyrics down so others can play their music as well. Music has the power to inspire people, it makes them think another way, or it can change their feelings about something. Pete Seeger explains it, “One of the purposes of music is to help you forget your troubles; another, help you learn from your troubles, and, some will help you do something about your troubles.” Music is powerful, like the pen. The pen is used to write the message in song form. Music is a way to express your feelings, it helps you think about what other people are feeling and informs you of what is happening in the world. “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.” said Bob Marley in Redemption song. Through the use of song, Bob Marley reminds us that we are responsible for our own learning, we are our best teacher.

Is the pen mightier than the sword? Yes, the pen is more powerful than the sword. The swords power is temporary, it causes fear and fear cannot last forever. When you hold the power of creativity through the pen, the work will last, the power of the pen is unlimited. The people who love Picasso’s work and Marley’s music are witnesses to this power. Malala Yousafzai is a witness to this power as well. She was attacked by the violence of the “sword” and that sword meant to silence her, but through the power of the pen and her courage to continue writing she has proven herself mighty.

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