Assignment # 10 - Oedipus

In the drama King Oedipus some of the key relationships are between sight, truth, ignorance and darkness.Teiresias whom is a blind prophet, presents the truth to King Oedipus and Jocasta.Oedipus was a man that blinded himself from the truth of reality. When Oedipus found out the truth he took his mother/wife broaches and damaged his eyes and then he became blind. So throughout the play Oedipus was blind both mentally and psyically. Jocasta knew about the prochey and she did not take much mind to it. She had thought Oedipus was dead because of when they got rid of him when he was a young child. She did not realize that she had married her own son and had sexual contact with him. A sin in the eyes of god as incest. Even when she found out the truth, she did not want to accept the fact of her being with her son, which led her to dark and tragedic fate by killing herself and leaving her children behind.Oedipus pride was a downfall for him, it lead to all his ignorant actions.
Teiresias' blindness was of the physical problem. He was physically blind, but he had eyesight into the future and to the truth which lead to confusing and suffering.Oedipus made fun of Teiresias by calling him blind. But even though Teiresias is blind he can see the truth; Oedipus has his sight but cannot.

Blog # 9

Well since my blog can be about anything currently in my life I guess I will talk about the ending of my first year in college. To be honest college was not as hard as I made it seem in my head. But if I had put more effort into it I would have gotten better grades. I did quite well for a person who did not put his all into his school work and never really focused when it came to school. I am just surprised that my first year is over it moved very quickly. In this first year I have taken many classes and earned quite amount of credits but now I am moving on to bigger things like my transfer to Queens College. i have to admit I was not social in my course of the year I basically went to my classes and went home and do the usual that was going on with my life at that given time. I guess the more classes you take you will see repeated faces and then you would probably end up more than acquaintances. I think I should have done better this first year but I guess I am still in my high school focus which was not focused at all. With this coming fall it will be a new start in Queens and I am excited about it.

Blog # 8 - Poems

I chose the poem "Those Winter Sundays" by Robert Hayden. Even though it is a short poem every line has means and is very detailed just within the few sentences. The theme of this poem by Hadyen is about a young boy that truely did not apppreciate what his father did as the main contributor in the family and the son never ever thanked him for the things the father did. You could tell the son was a little afraid of his father and his figure. His father was not the most compassionate guy in the world. His father was more of a hard and rough guy. You can tell that the boy does not have a strong relationship with his father because his father was always busy due to him doing so much work to keep the family warm, fed, and clothed. Because of the lack of contact with his father it really affected the son in a negative way. The bond between the son and the father was not present. And that lack of communication between the son and father shows that the son did not feel fully grown and understand what his father is going through until he actually has to go through it. It takes the son to experience things for himself and be a father to make things different and have a relationship with his kids. But if he would have had a close relationship he would have been able to express his gratefulness and he can understand that his father tough love is just his love in a manly way.

Blog # 7

Rayne Chetram
English 102
Professor Vasileiou
May 4th, 2010

Connection to Criticism

Psychological criticism is “an approach [that] reflects the effect on modern psychology [which] has [been] based upon both literature and literary criticism.” (Padgett) Psychological criticism “focuses primarily on the characters, and on what psychological forces influence and shape them throughout the work.” (Carroll) In the short story, “The Things They Carried,” Tim O’ Brien relates psychological criticism to all of the men fighting in the war and he even relates the criticism to his personal past experience of war. Tim O’ Brien has a strong psychological factor when he was writing this novel because he based his work on what he saw and truly experienced in Vietnam. As you further read into Tim O’ Brien’s story, you can see how the war takes effect on individual characters and also see how they adapted to the situation put forth onto them. These men are drained both mentally and physical throughout the story and it has led them down some paths which they regret and wish they could undo.

One of the main characters introduced into the story is Lieutenant Jimmy Cross. He was a 24 year old sophomore in college and was growing up in New Jersey. Jimmy decided to sign up with the Reserve Officers Training Corps just because he could earn a few credits and also a couple of his friends were doing it. He really did not think much of the war and did not want to have the responsibilities of a leader. But that was the position he was given, Lieutenant. But Jimmy was not mature enough to manage his position and to lead his fellow man into battle. In the story, Jimmy was a young man in love with a girl who does not love him back, Martha. His whole focus while in Vietnam was about Martha. The item that he carries throughout his travels and battles in Vietnam were letters from Martha which he wished were love letters. In addition to the letters, Jimmy held “the responsibility for the lives of his men.” (394) Jimmy’s was physically present in the war but mentally he was in New Jersey with the girl of his dreams, living the life he thought he would have instead of fighting a war. Jimmy was not doing his job as a Lieutenant and was being more of a friend then a leader to his peers. On April 16, it was a day that Jimmy Cross had been damaged psychologically. He was the leader of the group; one of his men Ted Lavender had been shot in the head while peeing and was killed. After this event Cross took it personally by feeling so guilty that he was not doing his job right and his focus was elsewhere and not on his men like he should have had it. “He felt shame. He hated himself. He had loved Martha more than his men, and as a consequence Lavender was now dead, and this was something he would have to carry like a stone in his stomach for the rest of the war.” (399) With the realization of Lavender’s death, Jimmy decided to stop losing focus and playing games and worked on becoming the Lieutenant that he was positioned for. He would not allow any distraction to come in his way of leading his fellow men. The death of Lavender made Jimmy realize that the war was not a joke and needed to be taking seriously and everything personal had to be left behind.

Tim O’ Brien is the narrator of the story and also plays a role in the story as the protagonist. O’ Brien uses his personal experiences about being in the Vietnam War to connect to the individuals he wrote about. O’ Brien was drafted into the United States Army, after he graduated college in 1968. He served as an infantryman in Vietnam, and had attained the rank of a sergeant and won a Purple Heart after being wounded by shrapnel. He original wrote the book “The Things They Carried” in 1986 and then was reissued in 1990 as a group of short stories. When Tim had entered the war he was a shy and scared young man. He was afraid that if he did not join the war he would bring shame to his family and himself. Tim leaves the war as a worn and old man who later tells and writes about some of the stories and experiences of the Vietnam War, because it was helpful for him to collect and order his painful memories. In the story, Tim is our guide through the pains and horror of the war which has affected him both physical and mentally. He shows how being in a war can change any civilized young man into a soldier that only knows how to kill and do unspeakable acts and become an illogical person. Tim as the protagonist of the story is been out of the war for over twenty years and he is still writing about his mistakes, and about the horrible things he witnessed and took part in. He believes that the stories he has been writing well help him understand who he is and what type of person that he has become. It links Tim back to his past. Also, with the writings being about Vietnam and his buddies, Tim can remember the love ones that have pasted on from battle, and in his works it makes him seem like he is bringing them back from the dead. His mind has been affected in many ways from his age to his life experiences of pre and post war. These factors and more all took part on him psychologically.

This short story “is a portrait of the psychological damage that war can bring.” (1399) These men have changed throughout their experiences of war. Mainly not for the good though. The difficulties and hardships that they had to go through; also the sights and sounds which were present took a huge total on the individuals’ mental state of mind.


Work Cited
Carroll, Joseph. Literary Darwinism: Evolution, Human Nature, and Literature. New York: Taylor Francis/ Routledge. 2004. Web

O’Brien, Tim. “The Things They Carried.” Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. Ed. X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 6th Compact ed. New York: Longman, 2010. 392 – 403. Print.

Padgett, John B. “Psychological Criticism.” http://www.olemiss.edu. January 15, 1997. Web.

Blog # 6

So I have been in my ENG 102 class for about 6 or 7 weeks now and I think it is a pretty decent class. So far, the work has not been so challenging and it has been a great environment to work in. So of my classmates have really good knowledge when it comes to the stories and poems.I am greatful for the opportunity to create these blogs because they are based on simple tasks and experience from the readings. It gives me a sense of freedom to express myself more then me stressing on a big paper.I also like some of the blogs that my classmates write because I can and they can relate to many things written and then they can also give their input and try to correct my work to make it better for me to understand. My only problem so far in the class is the new topic of poems. Poems I know have a deeper meaning then the words written down on the paper. So I need to work on rereading and try to understand a different meaning than the words presented to me.

Blog # 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgtWIx2zLtk
Michael Jackson - Man In The Mirror
Lyrics -
"Man In The Mirror"

I'm Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right . . .

As I, Turn Up The Collar On My
Favourite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See
Their Needs
A Summer's Disregard,
A Broken Bottle Top
And A One Man's Soul
They Follow Each Other On
The Wind Ya' Know
'Cause They Got Nowhere
To Go
That's Why I Want You To
Know

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change)
(Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah)

I've Been A Victim Of A Selfish
Kind Of Love
It's Time That I Realize
That There Are Some With No
Home, Not A Nickel To Loan
Could It Be Really Me,
Pretending That They're Not
Alone?

A Willow Deeply Scarred,
Somebody's Broken Heart
And A Washed-Out Dream
(Washed-Out Dream)
They Follow The Pattern Of
The Wind, Ya' See
Cause They Got No Place
To Be
That's Why I'm Starting With
Me
(Starting With Me!)

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Ooh!)
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change)

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm Asking Him To Change His
Ways
(Change His Ways-Ooh!)
And No Message Could've
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .)
Change!

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror,
(Man In The Mirror-Oh
Yeah!)
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Better Change!)
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make The Change)
(You Gotta Get It Right, While
You Got The Time)
('Cause When You Close Your
Heart)
You Can't Close Your . . .Your
Mind!
(Then You Close Your . . .
Mind!)
That Man, That Man, That
Man, That Man
With That Man In The Mirror
(Man In The Mirror, Oh Yeah!)
That Man, That Man, That Man
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Better Change!)
You Know . . .That Man
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah
(Oh Yeah!)
Gonna Feel Real Good Now!
Yeah Yeah! Yeah Yeah!
Yeah Yeah!
Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah
(Ooooh . . .)
Oh No, No No . . .
I'm Gonna Make A Change
It's Gonna Feel Real Good!
Come On!
(Change . . .)
Just Lift Yourself
You Know
You've Got To Stop It.
Yourself!
(Yeah!-Make That Change!)
I've Got To Make That Change,
Today!
Hoo!
(Man In The Mirror)
You Got To
You Got To Not Let Yourself . . .
Brother . . .
Hoo!
(Yeah!-Make That Change!)
You Know-I've Got To Get
That Man, That Man . . .
(Man In The Mirror)
You've Got To
You've Got To Move! Come
On! Come On!
You Got To . . .
Stand Up! Stand Up!
Stand Up!
(Yeah-Make That Change)
Stand Up And Lift
Yourself, Now!
(Man In The Mirror)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Aaow!
(Yeah-Make That Change)
Gonna Make That Change . . .
Come On!
(Man In The Mirror)
You Know It!
You Know It!
You Know It!
You Know . . .
(Change . . .)
Make That Change.


My opinion of the song "Man In The Mirror" by Michael Jackson is that before you can take any steps to improve the world and others around you, you need to begin with yourself. If you cannot make a change in yourself for the better it is going to be a serious challenge to spread influence to others. The more effort you can put into bettering yourself others can see what it does in a positive way and might be able to agree with the new ideas and views you have with change.When I listen to this song it has inspired me to try to be better in going about my ways of life. I try to become a better person with things I think I need to change or put a little more effort into. Then with my positive actions I try to help those that are close around me with things and challenges that they go through.

Blog # 4 - Criticism

In the story "The Things They Carried" there was many signs of psychological criticism. The whole conflict of these men being and fighting this war has got to their heads and it was not good for their being. These men were scared and paranoid and just did not want to be there. Psychological criticism first came into play when Ted Lavender had died. Ted was so paranoid about dying on the battlefield that he would do drugs and inject himself with tranquilizers just so he was able to calm himself down. The ironic thing was that he tried so hard to not die on the battlefield, that he was actually killed away from the fighting because he was shot in the head by an enemy while he was going to the restroom or a spot where he could use as a restroom. With this event happening Jimmy Cross state of mind changed. Once a young man in love with a girl back home named Martha, his judgment was clouded because she was a sign of hope and freedom for which he believed was waiting for him to a man that became the Lieutenant that put all his friendships behind and acted like the boss. He could not lose anymore mean and his guilt was deeply within him because he knew he was not focused enough and was not fighting for his men which he was meant to be doing in the first place. Due to the fact that this death hit him psychologically he became the man that was meant to run that position.

Blog # 3

In Ernest Hemingway’s short story “A Clean, Well Lighted Place” there was a special meaning for what the café meant for the main character and the old waiter. I also have a haven for getting away from everyday life. To me that place is my bed. It was one of the best places for me. It is a place of rest, escape and also peace. There are times when I could be very angry and I might do something I regret so I would go to bed and sleep because it would be the best way to calm myself down. Also, I would go to bed for rest of a hard day at school or work and it was even a time to collect and organize all my thoughts. When I am in my bed it is like my escape from any problem I have because if I am comfy I will go into my own zone and fall asleep for however long I sleep for at that time. The only time I would be up when I am in my bed if I was either woken up due to my phone or my body just told me it was time to get up. As in Hemingway's short story the place of haven was the cafe and mine was my bed. Both places are escapes from the reality of what our lives are and how we need a place to go to when we are in certain moods and an escape from problems and distractions.

Blog # 2

John Steinbeck in his short story The Chrysanthemums used many ideas for symbols. In fact the use of the chrysanthemums symbolizes the main character Elisa ideas and thoughts. The flowers also refer to her beauty. When her husband shows no interest and does not appreciate her she feels depressed and neglected so she turns to her pride and joy the chrysanthemums. Elisa and the chrysanthemums are defined as one in the story. When a stranger comes into Elisa life and talks with so many compliments about the chrysanthemums and him showing interest in the flowers also showed that he had some interest in Elisa. With this interest Elisa feels like a new woman and she feels wanted and appreciated. Elisa confidence went to a new high and felt like a sexy woman with her putting on her sexy clothes and transformed into a model. Her excitement from the stranger’s interest in her chrysanthemums, gives her the confidence to grow and blossom like her flower.

Also The Salinas Valley symbolizes Elisa’s emotional life. The story opens with a very detailed description of the valley. The metaphor of the valley as a “closed pot” suggests that Elisa is trapped inside an airless world and that her existence has reached a boiling point. Although there is sunshine nearby, no light penetrates the valley. Sunshine is often associated with happiness, and the suggestion is that while people near her are happy, Elisa is not. It is December, and the atmosphere in the valley is chilly and watchful but not yet devoid of hope. This description of the weather and the general spirits of the inhabitants of the valley applies equally well to Elisa, who is like an empty field: quiet but not beaten down or unable to grow.

Blog # 1

Hi my name is Rayne Matthew Chetram. I was born on February 19, 1991 in England, U.K. I presently live in Richmond Hill, New York. I live with both of my parents who have a Guyanese background, and I also have a younger brother who was also born in England. I lived in England for 9 years and then moved to New York in November of 2000. I am a graduate of Aviation High School Class of 2009. Presently I am studying to become an accountant but I am not quite sure on what branch I would like to take on as a professional job. Currently I am a sales associate in J.F.K International Airport at Terminal 4. It is amazing to see all the different races and cultures that are coming in and leaving the airport. I like to play a lot of sports such as soccer,basketball, and even tennis.Overall I would rate my skills as average but it is having fun which is important to me but I do have a very competitive side. I am really interested in tattoos since I do have a few and I am trying to live a straight edge lifestyle which is defined as a person who is trying to live a clean and sober life and I know it will be a great challenge especially in this day and age but when I am determined to do something I can pull through it. This is just a little information about me.