Sunday, November 20, 2011

10-4-3: The Hung Over Hollow Men

This is the way the streak ends
This is the way the streak ends
This is the way the streak ends
Not with a bang but a whimper.
The Rangers' seven game run came to an end on Saturday night as they fell down before the mighty mites of Montreal. Le Bleu Blanc et Rouge beat the Blueshirts 4-0 in a game that wasn't nearly that close. Had the Habs had more skill and a coach who was more offensively inclined than Jacques Martin than this one could have been seven, eight, nine to zip.

There was no zip in the Ranger play. Hell, there wasn't much play in the Rangers play. While I have no first- or second-hand accounts of the team enjoying Montreal on Friday night, the squad that took the Bell Centre ice certainly looked like they were battling hangovers - how else can you account for the lack of life? What is it about playing in Quebec that turns a hard-working team into a stumbling, inept mess? Granted, the team that won their previous seven games was flawed (as I have continually pointed out) but it was nowhere near as bad as the one that fell flat on their faces tonight.

Whatever. There is just one more opportunity to be massacred in Montreal, which will be in mid-January - at least it isn't an obstacle in the annual last-ditch run to the playoffs. For now the Blueshirts have three days off before going on a scary three-games-in-four-nights run against tough teams. Let's hope they find better ways to spend the time than whatever they did before taking the ice tonight.

Late Hits:

*It is easier to point out the players who did show up rather than rant about the ones that didn't - and they were all the usual suspects: Callahan, Prust, Avery and Sauer. And even they didn't come out of it clean as Cally had two good scoring chances and two terrible penalties. Prust provided no pressure on Price and got called for a joke of a penalty. Avery had a horrific turnover to the MexiCan't. And Sauer, well, I guess he was the best of the bunch.

*Unless Hank was injured - as his 'maintenance day' Friday may indicate - the decision to start Marty Biron was a mistake. Hank was hot, there would have been time for him to recover before the next game and Biron would have gotten a start anyway during next week's three-in-four run. Unless Torts plans on playing Hank in all three, which would be folly. But tonight Biron was a sieve, three of the four goals were stoppable and that one from the wing by Gionta was atrocious.

*He was not helped by having Michael Del Zaster in front of him, that is for sure. The kid was a colossal failure on this night. He was beaten on the Cole goal, he was out of position on the first Gionta goal and he turned over the puck on the second. Also he had four completely ineffective minutes of power play time - Anton Stralman needs to figure things out soon so he can get on the ice and take some all of that time.

*The Bell Centre, Hockey Night In Canada officiating in the third period was utterly woeful, to put it nicely. Andre Deveaux's boarding and roughing calls were both a joke and the Prust penalty was pulled from thin air. But there is no way Stephane Auger is going to piss off his home province or risk being embarrassed on national tv by allowing the Rangers to get physical. However, to pin the loss on the stripes is folly. The game was all-but-over before the third even started because of how the Rangers were skating.

*Multiple Rangers - including Avery and Stepan and Dubinsky - need to realize that they don't have to score on their open shots. While it would be nice to pick a corner and collect the glory, it is often better to just get the damned puck on net. Too many rushes ended up in the players peeling off and heading back as the shot missed the net, went around the boards and out of the Montreal end.

*It is hard to create anything offensively when the head coach insists you play dump and chase against a team that keeps three and four guys back all the time. The Rangers needed to show off their talent but instead they fell into the trap time and time again. When they got possession deep Montreal quickly double-teamed the puck carrier and forced a turnover. Not to mention that it seemed like the Blueshirts were hacking at the puck like it was a rat in the Florida Panthers locker room.

*The Habs have a defense that is even more inexperienced than the Rangers and yet Martin didn't feel the need to run P.K. Subban or Josh Gorges into the ground. Diaz (19), Emelin (11), St. Denis (2) and Weber (68) had a combined 100 NHL games under their belt starting the night but, still, no Canadien defender played more than 22:26. Dan Girardi played 28:31, Ryan McDonagh played 24:42.

*Why Tortorella refuses to let Deveaux get into any flow is beyond me. The Rangers were completely flat after the deflating Gionta goal slid under Biron in the second, so why not let the guy go out there and inject some energy? A fear of penalties? To point out the boarding call as a reason is ridiculous as it was a clean hit. The big man could have been a big help had he been allowed to play his game but instead he had to rein things in. You can't expect him to be any kind of factor when he has to skate for his job in the two shifts he gets per period.

*Really, why the hell were Micheletti and Rosen rambling throughout the pre-game tribute to the Montreal trainer? And Micheletti insisting that Biron stepped on 'a strap or something' when he simply missed the Gionta shot was just ridiculous.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Carey Price - 17 saves.
2-Erik Cole - one goal and one assist.
1-Brian Gionta - two goals.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Cole - You could see why Eric Staal misses him so much in Carolina - the New York native never stops skating and is willing to get his nose dirty to make a play.
2-Scott Gomez - Do you know how painful it is to put him here? And yet he made two nice feeds that resulted in Gionta's goals.
1-Gionta - Amazing what happens when your hard-working captain has a little help.



 10-4-3: The Hung Over Hollow Men - A Closer Look



In the world of college hockey, each game carries its own story, its own drama, and its own impact. The scoreline tells a tale, but the journey of a team through a season is far more intricate. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the story behind the numbers - 10-4-3: The Hung Over Hollow Men. We'll dissect the season, analyze the team's performance, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the dynamics of college hockey.

Table of Contents

Beyond the Numbers: The Essence of College Hockey
The Season So Far: A Deeper Dive into 10-4-3
Notable Wins and Stumbling Blocks
Player Spotlight: Key Contributors
Coaching Strategies and Adaptations
FAQs - Unveiling the World of College Hockey
: The Ongoing Saga of College Hockey
1. Beyond the Numbers: The Essence of College Hockey

College hockey is more than just a series of wins and losses; it's a journey of passion, commitment, and growth. The numbers on the scoreboard provide a glimpse, but the heart and soul of the sport lie within the stories of players, coaches, and fans.

2. The Season So Far: A Deeper Dive into 10-4-3

Let's dive into the story behind 10-4-3:

Notable Wins and Stumbling Blocks: We'll review the team's notable victories and the challenges they've faced, dissecting the moments that defined their season.

Player Spotlight: Key Contributors: College hockey thrives on individual talent, and we'll shine a spotlight on the key players who have been instrumental in the team's performance.

Coaching Strategies and Adaptations: Coaching is an art in college hockey, and we'll analyze the strategies and adaptations made by the coaching staff to navigate the season.

3. FAQs - Unveiling the World of College Hockey

Let's address some frequently asked questions about college hockey:

Q1: How do teams qualify for the NCAA tournament in college hockey?

Teams can qualify for the NCAA tournament through automatic bids by winning their conference championships or through at-large bids based on their regular-season performance.

Q2: What role does recruiting play in college hockey's success?

Recruiting is essential in college hockey, as it determines the talent pool available to a team. Successful recruiting can elevate a program and lead to sustained success.

Q3: How do players balance academics and athletics in college hockey?

Balancing academics and athletics is a hallmark of college hockey. Student-athletes are expected to excel in both areas, with academic support and time management playing crucial roles.

4. Conclusion: The Ongoing Saga of College Hockey

The journey of a college hockey team is an ongoing saga filled with highs and lows, challenges, and triumphs. The story behind the numbers - 10-4-3: The Hung Over Hollow Men - is a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport.

As the season continues, the team's narrative will evolve, new chapters will be written, and the drama of college hockey will unfold. Beyond the statistics, it's the passion, dedication, and camaraderie that make college hockey a beloved and timeless sport. So, as we follow the team's journey, let's celebrate the essence of college hockey and the stories it weaves, one game at a time.







 10-4-3: The Hungover Hollow Men - A Literary Analysis



In the realm of poetry, few works have captivated readers with their enigmatic beauty and thought-provoking verses as T.S. Eliot's "The Hollow Men." This iconic poem, published in 1925, is known for its haunting imagery and profound exploration of human existence in a post-World War I world. In this article, we will embark on a literary analysis of "The Hollow Men," diving deep into its themes, structure, and significance.

Table of Contents

The Hollow Men: An Overview

Context and Background
Structure and Form
Themes and Symbolism

Hollowness and Emptiness
The Eyes
The Hollow Land
10-4-3: Deciphering the Title

Meaning and Significance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About "The Hollow Men"

1. The Hollow Men: An Overview

Context and Background

"The Hollow Men" was written during a tumultuous period in history. T.S. Eliot, a renowned poet of the modernist era, penned this poem in the aftermath of World War I, a conflict that left a profound impact on the world's psyche. It was a time of disillusionment, shattered ideals, and a prevailing sense of emptiness that permeated society.

Structure and Form

Eliot's poem is a free verse masterpiece, devoid of a consistent rhyme scheme or meter. It is composed of five sections, with the last three forming a trilogy. This structure reflects the fragmented and disjointed nature of the hollow men's existence. The poem's use of repetition and allusion adds depth and complexity to its meaning.

2. Themes and Symbolism

Hollowness and Emptiness

At the core of "The Hollow Men" lies the theme of hollowness and emptiness. The poem presents a bleak portrait of individuals who are spiritually and morally bankrupt. They are neither fully alive nor completely dead, trapped in a state of liminality. The recurring refrain "This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper" underscores the futility of their existence.

The Eyes

Eyes play a significant role in the poem, symbolizing not only the ability to perceive but also the inability to act. The hollow men have "eyes I dare not meet in dreams" and "eyes that fix you in a formulated phrase." These eyes, devoid of vitality, represent the spiritual blindness that plagues the characters.

The Hollow Land

"The Hollow Men" also references a "Hollow Valley" and a "Hollow Hill." These images evoke a sense of desolation and abandonment. They allude to a landscape devoid of life and meaning, mirroring the emotional and psychological barrenness of the hollow men's lives.

3. 10-4-3: Deciphering the Title

The title "10-4-3" is not a part of the original poem but rather a reference to a particular interpretation or analysis of "The Hollow Men." It's crucial to note that literary works, especially those as intricate as Eliot's, can be subject to various interpretations and analyses by scholars and enthusiasts. The title "10-4-3" may refer to a specific analysis that organizes the poem into ten sections, each with four stanzas, and then further divides those stanzas into three lines each. This interpretation could be a way to explore the poem's structure and meaning in a systematic manner.

Meaning and Significance

The significance of such an interpretation lies in its potential to offer a structured approach to dissecting the complex themes and symbolism within the poem. By breaking it down into smaller sections, readers and scholars can delve deeper into the nuances of each stanza and explore how they contribute to the overall message of "The Hollow Men."

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About "The Hollow Men"

Q1: What is the main message or theme of "The Hollow Men"?

A1: The main theme of "The Hollow Men" is the hollowness and emptiness of human existence, particularly in the aftermath of World War I. It explores the spiritual bankruptcy and moral disillusionment of individuals who are neither fully alive nor completely dead.

Q2: What is the significance of the poem's structure and form?

A2: The poem's free verse structure reflects the fragmented and disjointed nature of the hollow men's existence. Its lack of a consistent rhyme scheme or meter mirrors the chaos and disillusionment of the post-war world.

Q3: Are there any notable literary devices used in the poem?

A3: Yes, Eliot employs several literary devices, including repetition, allusion, and symbolism. The repetition of phrases like "This is the way the world ends" emphasizes the poem's themes. Allusions to literature and religion add depth to its meaning.

Q4: What is the significance of the refrain "This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper"?

A4: This refrain underscores the futility and insignificance of human existence in the face of a world marred by war and moral decay. It suggests that the world's end will be marked by a quiet, unremarkable demise rather than a dramatic conclusion.

Q5: How does "The Hollow Men" relate to the broader modernist literary movement?

A5: "The Hollow Men" is a quintessential modernist poem that reflects the disillusionment, fragmentation, and existential questioning prevalent in the literature of the early 20th century. It embodies the modernist sensibility of grappling with the complexities of the modern world.

Conclusion

T.S. Eliot's "The Hollow Men" remains a timeless masterpiece of modernist poetry, exploring the profound themes of hollowness, emptiness, and disillusionment in the aftermath of World War I. Its enigmatic verses and haunting imagery continue to captivate readers and scholars alike. Whether analyzed through the lens of its structure, symbolism, or specific interpretations like "10-4-3," the poem serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature to provoke thought and introspection.




No comments:

Post a Comment