The Feeling of Helplessness is not so new
             On September 11, 2001, I starred at my television, like so many other Americans, in utter amazement at what was unfolding on the screen before my eyes. During that split-second, I had witnessed an unthinkable happening that will stay in my mind for the rest of my life. The second plane flew into the World Trade Center and all I could do was sit and watch in terror.
             The site I will never forget will be watching people who were trapped in the upper floors, end their lives by jumping out the window. This was very disturbing. This reminded me of Stephen Crane's story, "The Open Boat." In this story, four men escape from and sinking boat only to end up fighting for their lives in the end. Crane's use of words maybe an indication of how some New Yorkers, along with American's may have felt that dreadful Tuesday afternoon.
             If I am going to be drowned--if I am going to be drowned--if I am going to be drowned, why, in the name of seven mad gods who rule the sea, was I allowed to come thus far and contemplate sand and trees? (752)
             Did the men on the boat feel just as helpless as these innocent people did on a day they mad it through a plan crashing in their building, only to die minutes later? We may never know the real answer, but to take a look and to try and explain the insanity is all we may be able to do.
             It is only fitting that "The Open Boat," was somewhat, a true account of what Stephen Crane, himself, went through during his voyage on the steamer Commodore. On January 2, 1897 this steamer left Jacksonville, Florida, then went on to sink the next day, leaving Crane and three others the only ones to escape the sinking ship. In the hours to follow, the four men fought the sea just to be able to enjoy another day. In his fictional account of the encounter, Crane asks questions that may have crossed through his mind that fateful day. Some about death, and some of life. He explained his...