Fire Schiano. Fire Heathcliff.

Wuthering Heights is an epitome of classical ideals and antiheros. With Heathcliff at the forefront of the story, we, as readers, can’t help but natural sympathize with Heathcliff, yet we concurrently condemn him. Why is this? Let us review. Heathcliff has vowed for revenge against Edgar Linton and Hindley. After eloping with Isabella, Heathcliff returns a broken, cruel man: constantly abusing his son Linton, purposefully denying Hareton of a life of privilege and education, and oppressing both Ms. Dean and Catherine. Although we sympathize with Heathcliff’s behavior driven by love and loss, we cannot overlook his staunch revenge: “I’m trying to settle how I shall pay Hindley back. I don’t care how long I wait, if I can only do it at last. I hope he will not die before I do!” (pp. 48).

Coincidentally enough, a feature has appeared in the world of sports that parallels the readers’ attitudes towards Heathcliff at this point in the story.

“Fire Schiano” has become a popular phrase around the Florida region, referring to Tampa Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano. Recently, a local radio station in Tampa even bought a billboard “calling for the coach’s ouster.” In order to connect Schiano with Heathcliff, we must first analyze the origins of this venom towards Coach Schiano. First off, the Bucs are winless in their first six games and have lost almost all of their past 12 games. Like the Heathcliff’s situation in Wuthering Heights, Schiano had gone through a “messy breakup” with the head of the team (or household), quarterback Josh Freeman. An unreasonable coach, Schiano benched this significant figure on the team for three games. Although he later released Freeman, many question Schiano’s decision-making process regarding this matter.

As mentioned before, Schiano benched the head of the team. Likewise, can we not say that Heathcliff essentially “benched” the head of the household? In chapters 27 and 28, we are exposed to the devastation inflictions that Heathcliff imposes on Nelly Dean, the head of the Linton household – even locking (benching) her in a room at Wuthering Heights. These travesties certainly parallel each other, specifically in terms of audience response. After uncovering these events in the story, I felt strong disdain towards Heathcliff. Although before I had condoned his flaws due to his tragedies with Catherine, I simply now cannot stand him. BOOOOOOOOOOO Heathcliff. Recently, Schiano was also booed after leaving the field with a 31-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

I do know one thing’s for sure. I would not want either Heathcliff or Schiano on my team.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9872198/fire-schiano-billboard-appears-tampa-bay-buccaneers-winless

Does Benefit Justify Treachery?

Does Benefit Justify Treachery?

So far in Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, I have noticed two separate and very distinct plots that are structuring this novel. It begins in the present with Lockwood as the narrator who is visiting Wuthering Heights and its people for the first time. Then, Nelly Dean takes over the narration and the novel shifts into a flashback which creates a plot within the already existing plot.

I want to focus on the climax of this second plot. The scene with the most tension was when Catherine declares she is going to marry Edgar Linton, instead of Heathcliff who Catherine actually loves. This was a turning point or a critical moment because it drives Heathcliff away and induces vengeful emotions. This scene reminds me of the moment when LeBron James abandoned the Cleveland Cavaliers to go play for the Miami Heat in 2010. “Abandoned” might be harsh to some, but, as a Cavaliers fan, I believe it is the perfect word choice.

His unabridged career existed in Ohio. He was born and raised in Ohio. Then, straight from High School, he was drafted to the Cleveland Cavaliers. So then, why did he sign with the Miami Heat? What did the Heat offer that the Cavaliers didn’t’? Just as Catherine didn’t marry Edgar because she loved him, but because I believe she saw personal advantage and social ambition; I believe LeBron James didn’t move to Miami for its warm climate and beautiful city, but for personal gain and desire. He wanted a ring. Can betrayal be justified by personal gain and ambition? Similar to the hatred Heathcliff felt towards the Lintons after Catherine left; many Cavalier fans exhibited a hatred for LeBron and the Miami Heat. It is normal to express hatred after being betrayed. Right?

http://www.eurweb.com/2010/11/video-lebron%E2%80%99s-nike-ad-spoofed-in-cleveland/

After marrying Edgar and achieving money and greater social status, Catherine falls into deep misery and desires to return to Wuthering Heights. Is she beginning to regret leaving Heathcliff and her old manor, Wuthering Heights? Do you think LeBron James will return to his former team after achieving two national championship rings? Interestingly enough, there have been talks and rumors that LeBron James is considering to return to Cleveland after his contract with the Miami Heat is over. Like Catherine, is it possible that LeBron James regrets leaving his home?

By: Viresh 

The Holden Caulfield in Jason Kid?

The Holden Caulfield in Jason Kidd?

Recently, the National Basketball Association has given a two-game suspension to the Nets Coach Jason Kidd due to a drunken-driving charge. In addition to the immediate consequences this reckless behavior has resulted in, there may be further ominous long-term effects.

After reading J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, I was captured by the allusions to teenage desolation, isolation, individuality, and arrogance that the novel exhibits through the protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Throughout the entire novel, Holden experiences a turbulent and depressing path in New York City. And in the end, Holden ends up in a psychiatric ward.

The interesting similarities between Holden Caulfield and Jason Kidd, however, are evident in both of their behaviors. Like Jason Kidd, who was punished for driving under the influence, Holden was expelled from his school due to his lack of academic drive and his failing status. Although the events of Jason Kidd’s suspension have not played out yet and will most likely not be as drastic in terms of psychological outlook as Holden’s punishment, we can speculate similar events to occur to Jason Kidd following this suspension. Will Kidd flee to other sanctuaries during this suspension? Like Holden, will he continue his intractable perspective on his faults? Like Holden, will Kidd seek the companionship of his past acquaintances?

And in terms of comparing the two figures, is it not reasonable for us to discern the same characteristics that both adolescent Holden and adult Kidd exhibit? Following the events in which Kidd rammed his SUV into a telephone pole while intoxicated, Kidd’s isolation from his peers and mentors alike must certainly parallel the situation that Holden experienced. Right?

Many readers and literary critics often find that The Catcher in the Rye most relates to readers during their teenage phase. I, however, believe otherwise. I think it would be beneficial for Jason Kidd to read this novel even as an adult. I am sure that he, too, will empathize with the isolation and cynical attitudes that Holden demonstrated after being expelled from school. This novel might even remind Kidd of his adolescence, prompting him to realize that his reckless behavior has not changed severely from his youthful days.

Overall, I believe we can often find ourselves within literature. We often find both negative and positive qualities about ourselves; nonetheless, I believe that we all are able to relate to certain aspects and figures in novels.

But please Jason: just don’t go around calling everyone “phonies.” Everyone makes mistakes. Just remember, “You’re aces, kid.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/05/sports/basketball/2-game-ban-to-delay-kidds-coaching-debut.html?ref=sports&_r=0

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