"I Want to be Buried Here"

                “I want to be buried here” (Rushdie, 134). These were the words spoken by Elliot, one of the characters in Rushdie’s stories “The Harmony of The Spheres,” in his book East, West. Is this perhaps signs of insanity, or simply a wish to no longer want to live in this world? It reminds of me of a friend I once had in high school. His name was, we will call him Wes, and since grade school we were the best of friends. He was a brilliant kid who passionately believed in his music and always had a bright smile on his face. To me, there was never a time when he wasn’t enjoying life. However, by tenth grade he had taken his life. Before the incident I was beginning to notice changes in his actions no longer was he as bubbly, and the music he was beginning to right reflected a more dark tone. In some cases I believe he was opening a part of his mind he had never reached before. It captured his soul and thoughts.

                From the beginning of “The Harmony of Spheres it is quickly realized Elliot Crane, the main character has an odd mind before he took his own life the same way his father did, with a shotgun.”He had been suffering from what he called Brainstorms’ (Rushdie, 125). It is quite odd but it seems Elliot had opened up his mind and began to sort of, lose it. Being that he was a writer, his mind was able to wonder and create countless accusations. “Elliot had elaborated a conspiracy theory in which most of his friends were revealed to be agents of hostile powers” (Rushdie, 127) Already at this point there is obviously some sort of chemical imbalance occurring within the mind of Mr. Crane.

                “He seemed better as long as he did not try to write” (Rushdie, 128). It is clear the balancing of the spheres was not apparent in the life of Elliot Crane. Perhaps it was the sudden loss of his father or the very schizophrenia he was diagnosed with? The truth is unknown to why someone would do such a thing; and I don’t believe there is a reason why. It is upon the individual to find the harmonizing Sphere life will never be easy and simple; instead it is filled with hardships and drama.

                I do believe that life is what you make it; and if one can accept the differences in life they can live life happily. Elliot surely had his issues that were indeed some sort of medical condition. However sometimes individuals let their mind taken over there soul and commit harmful acts upon others and themselves just as Elliot did. As a society, in order to restore order and harmony in everything is simply impossible. It is upon the individual to restore that order within themselves. Society can definitely do things to help harmonize life for many; however some individuals don’t follow certain paths and that is why humans are so unique, because we have that ability to create, believe, and imagine. Life is confusing and not any two people will experience it the same identical way.