In a message dated 98-04-29 17:50:49 EDT, you write: << I think I have an *idea* of what you're talking about, and if I was in my right mind, I didn't call Teddy a whiner at *all*. I remember saying that it was possible to read Teddy's accurate hypothetical account of his death as a sort of subconscious cry for help, but I myself don't read it that way. I don't remember what I said about Seymour at all. Whatever I did say, I disclaim it entirely. The past is the past, and I'm not willing to stand by it. >> First an apology; as I said I wasn't challenging your opinion, I just couldn't remember what it was. Now I rememeber a little better with your prodding. I think the hypothetical account of his death is consistent with the seer myth. I think viewing it as a cry for help is projecting our modern world of psychobabble onto it. The way Teddy presents it, and the way I understand it, it's just part of the spiritual life. A saint, buddha, or guru would be consigned to these matters quite comfortably. In regards to Seymour, I believe his cry for help was marrying Muriel. I can't really talk about that without a lot more time and emotional energy to give. I've been meaning to respond, but it is a very heavy and personal subject for me. I hope to get around to it eventually. Robert