How does Raymond’s retreat under the kitchen table provide evidence of shame and

Question

How does Raymond’s retreat under the kitchen table provide evidence of shame and doubt?

Case Study: Little Raymond

Raymond and his mother live in the urban high rise. Raymond loves to use the kitchen pots and pans as his instruments. He sings and dances to the rhythms. The neighbors do not appreciate Raymond’s musical interests, so responding to the pounding on the wall, Mom turns on the radio station and take the “instruments.”

On Monday nights after dinner, Mom takes Raymond to the library. The books they select are used throughout the week for bedtime once Raymond is snuggled in bed. Raymond also participates in Monday Story Time giving Mom a chance to select their books for the week.

This Monday night, Mom did not take Raymond to the library. Her new boyfriend came over to visit and watch football on television. He doesn’t like the noise Raymond makes in the kitchen and wants the boy to be quiet. Raymond retreats under the kitchen table with Elmo and has Elmo play instruments and sign to him. Boyfriend belittle Raymond’s behavior and makes fun of his high-pitched Elmo voice imitation. Boyfriend threatens to take Elmo if Raymond is not quiet.

Mom can’t let Raymond outside to play because the neighborhood is unsafe. Not going to the library means fewer books at home and a break in a family ritual.

Raymond, still under the table, tells Elmo: Read book, read book. Raymond fantasizes that Elmo takes him to the library for story time. Later Raymond snuggles Elmo on his lap and pretends to read Elmo a book saying: Elmo no cry, Ray read book.

Explanation / Answer

According to Erik Erikson's theory of Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt ,in this case raymond knows his abilities and wants to do things by himself,very self reliant,He gains personal control,choice of friends and toys and food.Raymond has preferences of wanting Elmo to be on his lap and pretends that he would read a book.At the same time Ray has exhibited shame and doubt by inadequacy and self doubt.he feels inadequate as he is not read a story and his routine is disrupted .

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