Hysteria's Revisit

Alright valued readers, as promised here's a little revisit on Hysteria's Call.

Again, I'm really really grateful for the comments and feedback received for the narrative so thank you (I'm really grateful thus explaining the repetitive thank yous)

For this post however, I'll be talk about the various themes and aspects in which I considered to be included in Hysteria's Call. I admit that given a little bit more time (as well as resources for that matter) I would have been able to further refine the narrative both in terms of story content as well as theme specification.

If you're feeling a little lost ("What the hell is Hysteria's Call anyway?") be sure to revisit the links on the navigation bar to your right for all installments of Hysteria's Call, 1 to 3.

And with that, lets get things started.

General Commentary

With Hysteria's Call, I thought it would be really interesting to incorporate a mixture of the elements such as nature (represented as the torrential rain) as well as industry and society (the setting of the office building, the man having a high business position etc).

That obviously created a stark contrast for the story plot's development as well as room for the development of certain themes which I'll touch on later on.

I also thought that it would be a good idea to point out the vulnerabilities of even the highest of figures in society (ie. the man) that even they, being human beings, have their breaking point as well as their weaknesses as well. Certainly, no one in the world is absolutely perfect.

The reason why I chose to segment the entire narrative into 3 parts is simply indicating a transition between different settings and scenes. Part 1 sees the man's journey to the cafe, part 2 sees the events unfolding in the cafe itself while part 3 climaxes and concludes the story.

Throughout these 3 parts, we are also able to see and foretell the man's slow degeneration in terms of his mental health, the process of how from having absolute power to even losing control of himself.

Indeed, the irony is evident; a man of great status and power, with control over others, not even able to control himself in the end.

Theme of Hysterics, lack of Self Restrain

Certainly the theme of self restrain, or the lost of self restrain, more rather, is the main underlying aspect of Hysteria's Call. It is the basis of the plot's development as well the main gist of the entire concept, thus giving meaning to the title in itself.

The lack of restrain and mental disorientation causes the man dear as the plot reveals bit by bit, the process of mental corrosion that ultimately leads to his demise.

Here, we are also able to observe the adverse but powerful effects of the human mind. So destructive that it can destroy everything with just a tinge of doubt or uneasiness. This theme clearly portrays what will happen when one loses control and grip over his mind.

And when it is unable to take it all, it self destructs.

We see a transformation. As mention, the man degenerates himself from one of power to a being of lesser status and all that solely with the effect of his mind.

Paranoia is the first tinge the man gets (as seen in part 1) and it eventually evolves into something greater when a heighten sense of stress is achieved (as seen in part 2) where it led to excessive behavior as well as actions (of which he'll soon regret). This evolves into something even greater (as seen in part 3) and as if backfiring, the entire effect falls on the reckoning of the man, of which he deals with harshly.

This is also another fine theme of what power can do to a human being. The excess of power, more rather, draws to the man and makes him vulnerable to a huge blow for he was always obtaining everything that he demanded, worked for or wanted at any all.

And when he doesn't get the due results, a chain reaction starts that leads to the development of the story's plot.

Theme of Love

Love is an energy that exists in no fixed orientation but is evident in all things living, especially in that of human beings.

Though the theme of love in Hysteria's Call is not as obvious as other narratives, there is still a slight interpretation for the simple fact that this energy exists throughout the process of life itself; certainly no exception here.

I've tried to visualize love of the most common and simplest (yet troubling in a sense, as some would comply) form; of that towards the relationship type of love. And thus, I've decided that a simple date between this high and mighty executive and his girlfriend (supposedly) would articulate the point substantially.

With this theme, the power of love is expressed in its own unique fashion especially since it sources from the hard and cold mind of the man. It also shows that he has a softer side and that he is just human.

It is also this power of love that serves as a catalyst for the man's insanity, thus substantiating the grip and attachment within the man himself. It can be considered as the tipping force that pivots the man's mental state of health, from being sane to the opposite.

It was also his addiction and obsession to love that contributed to his ultimate downfall in the end.

Theme of Signs

The existence and presence of signs are largely ignored in our modern society mainly because many people not only do not believe in them. Most regard them as skeptical religious material but with Hysteria's Call, I thought it would have been really good to bring out this aspect and to create awareness.

Signs are tell tale signals, which usually presents itself in the form of events. With Hysteria's Call, I thought it would be a really good idea to start off with a very subtle sign, namely the rain, and slowly progress to the encounter with the taxi driver.

The man's recollection of his day (while he was in the room of the cafe, seemingly waiting for his date), tells readers of the man's entire day's events, of which seem to be trying to tell him something.

Again, I've tried to be as subtle as I can to simulate conditions in reality; signs are often concealed amongst daily events and happenings that we take a natural or "coincidence".

I did that through the rain to not only create an atmosphere for the plot of the story but also to visualize a barrier in the said circumstances, a barrier preventing the man from meeting the fate that unfolded in the story.

The epitome of this theme comes through the encounter between the cab driver and the man, where, by some strange twist of fate, the cab gets stuck and is unable to bring the man to the cafe.

A major hint is dropped in that encounter, where the cabby tries to shout and warn the man but trails off (as seen in part 1). But the mention of signs is also seen in part 2 though sparsely which the man in the story treated with "a pinch of salt".

Conclusion and Parting Commentary

Overall, I'm personally satisfied with the development of Hysteria's Call, and I really hoped that you guys enjoyed it as much as I did. Sure there are alot of other themes to explore in this short narrative alone but due to length constrains, I guess this is enough food for thought for the time being.

I would (as expressed earlier) have wished for more time to develop the ending as well as certain segments of the story but the themes came out ideally in my view.

The reason why I chose not to disclose the man's identity (ie. his name) till the very end was down to a couple of reasons. One being that I wanted to keep the formality and i didn't really see the need to disclose his actual name and the other reason was that I valued the suspense till the end.

Feel free to share your comments about Hysteria's Call as well as its various themes via comments (located just right below this post, click on the (number) comments link).

I appreciate feedback from my readers so don't be shy!

Till then, remember to check back for updates and articles. Cause here at metallic-stains, we deliver (ripoff much?).

Cya'll later.

Hysteria's Call, Part 1

Alright, time for a little update.

Been pretty active these past couple of days largely due to the abundance of outdoor activity both for social purposes as well as personal lifestyle issues.

I'm in the midst of preparing for an upcoming article installment, thus have been doing the required amount of research these past couple of days as well. And don't mind the post's title; you'll be able to see the significance later on in this post.

Active and tiring as the days may be, it serves as an ideal reprieve from the late night projects and various tasks that would normally occupy the average media student. As I've mentioned, learning takes a different form once the holidays start.

Today has been especially hectic due to certain reasons not at my liberty to disclose. This period has also granted me to think about certain taxing issues that I'm sure everyone has in their mind, at some point of their lives.

I've also been looking around for various Universities and post-tertiary education sources. I guess that's what they call planning for the future, which is really, ideal and gives one a clear steer for their respective path in life.

I hold my considerations private to me but naturally, am free from advice from you, my readers. So if you guys have recommendations and better still, if you're in a certain university and would like to share the learning environment there, I'm eager to listen.

I seek further education (after my polytechnic studies in Media Studies and Management) in disciplines such as Media, Psychology, Mass Comm and various Legal aspects, just to name afew. So yea, just looking around for ideas and what not.

Of course, alot of hardwork will have to be invested and put in, in order for admissions to the best universities in the world. So lets all strive for the best and achieve what we seek to in our lives.

Moving on.

More particularly, moving back to the relation of this post and its title which relates greatly to the following narrative which I creatively thought about and through during my free time, just to occupy my mind.

As with my usual narratives, there are hidden meanings and interesting aspects to consider, so I hope you guys will enjoy and have a little food for thought.

So yea, here goes...

"

The man fancied a quick glance at his watch before he exited the building.

Outside, people in black raincoats and umbrellas were doing what they can to stay out and keep themselves as dry as possible, for that all important business meeting, or that exclusive date with a particular gorgeous chick.

Yes, this was the business district of in country and arguably the business capital of the world in itself. This is where high profiled personnel come in and out daily, to keep the economy going as well as to serve the nation; economics and finance was of utmost important.

The man was of no exception. He had nothing to gain in small business ventures but all to lose in big financial advancements and acquisitions of other companies. In essence, he held a high position in both his social ladder as well as his occupation.

He was labeled as the "cold-blooded" stereotype who often axed incapable or under par employees. He would walk into a hall full of the highest ranking officials and deliver a business proposal, messed up the first few lines, but still get the deal done; he was that highly valued.

However, as the rain poured and hammered its relentless fists upon the glass tinted windows of the building, to be precise the company's global headquarters, the man felt a cringe, as if the janitor suddenly decided to turn the radiator off.

Yes, it was time.

And for the first time in a long time, the man felt a very humanly fear creeping up upon him as he stood motionless in the hurried lobby.

Lets just get this over and done with, irritated at even his own cowardice, the man shook what fear was left within his hallowed mind and emptied it before making his move.

After paying the doorman a hefty tip, as with his usual routine, he stepped out of the building.

A sheet of grey enveloped his vision as he struggled for composure. The storm with getting really bad and the people who were out in the open were sparse, if not scattered, in the violent bedlam.

A pity, the man thought to himself as he hailed a nearby cab and signalled for it to drive.

"Going out in this violent storm, sir?" The cab smelled of dried leaves but the man had other things on his mind. Far more taxing issues.

"I hear that the south pier's flooded from all this rain and people are trapped. Communications have been cut off and people are stranded. I sure hope my wife brought her cellphone with her, been trying for ages to call her."

The man kept really quiet, clearly not interested in what the cab driver has to say, and not paying any attention to the conversation at hand as he fiddled with his coat and adjusted his cuffs, waiting in anticipation.

Around the sharp turn and the cab slowed to a halt as its engine fizzled to a dead silence.

Blast it, the man thought to himself and automatically dug up a 50 dollar note and literally threw it at the cabby before he could offer a remedy to the situation.

"Sir, wait! Remember the si..."

The man rallied his umbrella and walked in the direction of the cafe where he was supposed to have his appointment, cursing under his breath as the rain grew heavier, pounding upon his umbrella.

A beacon of light pieced the grim composure of the rainy surrounding as the man crossed another avenue two streets away.

He was there, and grateful to have even made it in this rain.

Now, she'd bloody be coming, he thought as he made his way across the street, the rain so heavy, masking any trace of his presence.

"

Okay, thats all for this first installment. I'm thinking of a 3 part series but yea, there is plenty to digest in this segment of the entire story so yea, hope you guys will have something to think about after reading this short part of the narrative.

Looking forward to comments and be sure to check back for article, updates and the continuation to this short narrative.

Cya'll later.

The Rite of Life.

Okay, for a little something different this time, I will be chronicling the day's events (something which I have never really articulated on this page).

I've always stood in favour for class bonding events, such as the "soccer" session we had today; it was really awesome and I'm pretty sure most if not everyone enjoyed themselves. Its good to see you guys in sporting outfits once in awhile for a change.

We should really do this often.

Along my bus ride back from my (second) class with my tuition student, I've come to realise a couple of things that has often puzzle and befuddled me previously. This aspect of which, will be featured in my upcoming article, so turn on your feeds and check back when the post is done!

I also realised that once in awhile, its really really nice to give yourself a good treat. Reward yourself for a particular well done job or even a good deed done; so as long as it remains a privilege, not an entitlement.

Self rewards are only effective if only reserved and saved for deserving moments or milestones in one's rite of life.

And for me, it was a good foot long Parmesan, Cold Cut Trio with no chili and pickles and plenty of sweet onion sauce to top it off. Mmm...

Life is really unexpected and justifiable, and thats what makes it exciting all the more. When life comes round and punches you right smack on the face, clean up the mess, stand right up and stand tall.

And this is why I always tell people to live life to the fullest, for you'll have no idea when you'll disappear. Second chances are few; third tries are scarse. Thus, always make sure to revolve your life around purpose and values.

Having said so much, I think I'd better continue with my narrative as seen in the previous post, call it a followup if you may...


"
The man stands very still now, not knowing exactly what to do.

Thoughts and recollections of the past memories he had with the oasis suddenly exploded in his mind and this was also why the sand around him saw drops of water.

The man dropped to the ground on all fours. More drops of water appeared and the man was not at all surprised for the tears that welled up in his eyes flooded his soul too.

He wasn't sad.

But of those were tears of confusion and indecision. The man felt helpless and desolated.

Perhaps this is the end, he thought to himself and pounded the sand with his fist, letting out a cry of agony in doing so, not being able to mask it anymore.

Was this the end for the man? Has the oasis and the desert given up on him?

Dusk soon settled around the man, who lay broken both mentally and physically, in a pathetic heap on the massive sand dune in which the man climbed the earlier day.

The desert was no place to be at night and the man knows that, having survived being in the desert for what seemed like years to him now. He soon regained his composure and got to this feet.

As he rose, the man saw and took note of the massive sand dune he scaled that very afternoon; that massive sand dune which he stood on and broke down on.

The person I am now wasn't the one who scaled this sand dune, he reflected.

It all suddenly fell into place and the truth hit him like a truck. The man knew what he had to do and as if to reaffirm this, something made him look to the sky.

He saw it and took it as a sign. Desolated and agonized emotions that took their place on his face were replaced by a firm and renergised expression.

It was at this point that he knew exactly what to do for he regained his determination.

He dusked away the remainding sand that settled upon his hair and ragged attire and began his pace. He knows this is the right way to go for the sign has convinced him and one day, maybe one day, he'll realise this reinvigorated goal of his.

The winds blew and the sands shifted, covering the footprints left behind by the man as if to guide him along his way.

Move on, they urge.

And thats exactly what the man does...
"

There is subjectivity in this narrative and I hope you guys will read and understand this both on a literal and metaphoric level. There is no definate answer for it leaves to your perception to decide the flow and the content of the narrative.

I would like to hear about your reactions from you guys, my readers, on the narrative and the whole concept of it.

A little food for thought again then. Remember to check back for updates and articles.

Till then.

Cya'll later.

Horribly Horrible Horror

Blogging through Wireless@SG at some location not at pleasure to disclose.

These few days have been hard for me both physically and mentally for there wasn't a "good night's rest" largely due to the amount of projects I had to complete.

Nevertheless, this phase is almost done and the week's almost over; I'm so looking forward to the weekends.

And no, the title of this post does not describe the workload but the lack of sleep; its horrible, trust me on that. I feel as if I'm in a dreamstate and everything around me lags a second behind.

I'm expecting another long night today, simply due to the fact that I have assignments to complete.

And oh yea, pretty excited about my first class with my student later.

I do, however, need tips on handling kids (around 6 to 7 of age) as I forsee the difficulties that I'll be facing. Hopefully the guy listens to me and concentrates on the lesson. Afterall, it would be a great experience for me personally.

Time for a couple of random thoughts (though this post is not entirely dedicated to them),

Random Thought 1: I need to get a haircut
Random Thought 2: Its creepy when people you don't know yell your name
Random Thought 3: Oh yea, did I mention anything about feeling realy sleepy? Hmm.

Thats pretty much it for this update then. Be sure to check back for articles and bear with me; I'll post more articles after this week, it has been crazy.

Cya'll later.