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    If These Wings Could Fly

    by McCauley, Kyrie
    If These Wings Could Fly by Kyrie McCauley is a lyrical young adult novel that explores the complexities of family violence through the story of seventeen-year-old Leighton. As she starts her senior year, Leighton struggles to protect her two younger sisters while coping with her father’s ongoing abusive behavior. The narrative incorporates elements of magical realism, using the presence of thousands of crows to underscore themes of trauma, resilience, and hope.
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    If These Wings Could Fly

    Chapter Fifty

    by McCauley, Kyrie

    The chap­ter cen­ters on a high school art show where the pro­tag­o­nist, Leighton, reluc­tant­ly par­tic­i­pates by stand­ing beside her sub­mit­ted draw­ing, “Por­trait of an Old Crow.” Despite her low self-esteem about her artis­tic skills, her class­mate Liam encour­ages her, see­ing poten­tial in her work. The event becomes a moment of vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty as Leighton endures the dis­com­fort of pub­lic scruti­ny. The small-town set­ting ampli­fies her feel­ings of expo­sure and embar­rass­ment, high­light­ing the emo­tion­al weight of ado­les­cent self-con­scious­ness and the pres­sure to per­form in a social set­ting.

    Leighton’s dis­com­fort inten­si­fies when she notices Liam’s own dis­played art­work, a com­ic book-style piece titled “These Bro­ken Wings: An Ori­gin Sto­ry.” The draw­ings depict a pro­gres­sion from a young girl with a crow to a young woman with wings, sur­round­ed by feath­ers and appear­ing dev­as­tat­ed, a fig­ure Leighton rec­og­nizes as resem­bling her­self. This rev­e­la­tion stirs com­plex emo­tions as she con­fronts the unin­tend­ed per­son­al sym­bol­ism in Liam’s art, feel­ing both hurt and exposed by the por­tray­al, espe­cial­ly since it was shared pub­licly with­out her pri­or knowl­edge.

    The ten­sion cul­mi­nates in a pri­vate con­ver­sa­tion between Leighton and Liam, where he apol­o­gizes and explains the art­work was a class assign­ment inspired by his thoughts of her, not meant to hurt. He admits to pri­or­i­tiz­ing his grade over her feel­ings, which deep­ens Leighton’s sense of being objec­ti­fied rather than tru­ly under­stood. Their dia­logue reveals the chal­lenges of nav­i­gat­ing friend­ship, artis­tic expres­sion, and per­son­al bound­aries, empha­siz­ing Leighton’s asser­tion that she is not bro­ken or a project to be fixed, but a per­son deserv­ing respect and hon­esty.

    In a moment of rec­on­cil­i­a­tion, Liam shares the full com­ic, show­ing the hero­ine’s trans­for­ma­tion into a pow­er­ful, fear­less fig­ure rather than a bro­ken one. This act shifts Leighton’s per­spec­tive, allow­ing her to see the inten­tion behind the art and to appre­ci­ate Liam’s cre­ativ­i­ty and care. Their inter­ac­tion ends on a hope­ful note, sug­gest­ing the pos­si­bil­i­ty of heal­ing and deep­er con­nec­tion through com­mu­ni­ca­tion and empa­thy. The chap­ter poignant­ly explores themes of iden­ti­ty, vul­ner­a­bil­i­ty, and the com­plex­i­ties of ado­les­cent rela­tion­ships.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does Leighton initially feel about attending the art show, and what does this reveal about her character and self-perception?

      Answer:
      Leighton views attending the art show as a form of high school humiliation, indicating her discomfort with public scrutiny and vulnerability. She stands by her drawing, “Portrait of an Old Crow,” which she considers her best work but still regards with low confidence. This ambivalence shows her self-critical nature and insecurity about her artistic abilities. Her comparison of having “potential” to an “ugly old house that needs a ton of work” reveals her tendency toward self-deprecation and a lack of self-esteem. Overall, her feelings highlight her struggle with self-acceptance and fear of judgment.

      2. Analyze the significance of Liam’s artwork titled “THESE BROKEN WINGS: AN ORIGIN STORY” and its impact on Leighton.

      Answer:
      Liam’s artwork is highly symbolic and emotionally charged, depicting a girl who transforms from a vulnerable, crying figure surrounded by black feathers into a fearless, winged superhero. The title and imagery suggest themes of pain, resilience, and transformation. For Leighton, the middle figure in the drawing strongly resembles her, which initially causes hurt and embarrassment because it exposes her vulnerabilities publicly without her consent. However, the full comic reveals a narrative of empowerment rather than brokenness. This layered portrayal challenges Leighton’s initial interpretation and encourages her to see herself not as “broken” but as someone capable of strength and growth, reflecting the complexity of identity and perception.

      3. What does the interaction between Leighton and Liam after the art show reveal about communication and conflict resolution in their relationship?

      Answer:
      Their interaction reveals that communication is crucial but also complicated by emotions and misunderstandings. Liam’s failure to warn Leighton about the artwork’s personal nature causes hurt, highlighting a lack of transparency. However, his sincere apology and willingness to share the full comic show his desire to make amends. Leighton’s struggle to articulate her feelings and reach a resolution reflects her inexperience with conflict resolution. The conversation demonstrates the importance of honesty, empathy, and openness in resolving conflicts, as well as the need to consider others’ feelings before making decisions that affect them.

      4. How might Liam’s approach to his art and his relationship with Leighton reflect broader themes of identity and self-expression in the chapter?

      Answer:
      Liam’s art serves as a medium for exploring identity, both his and Leighton’s, by portraying personal struggles and transformations. His depiction of Leighton as a superhero in an origin story suggests a desire to understand and honor her complexity beyond surface appearances. This reflects broader themes of self-expression as a way to process emotions and communicate unspoken feelings. Additionally, Liam’s hesitation to remove the piece from his portfolio due to academic pressure highlights the tension between personal authenticity and external expectations. Together, these elements underscore the chapter’s exploration of how individuals navigate self-identity, vulnerability, and the desire for acceptance.

      5. If you were in Leighton’s position, how might you approach the situation differently to balance your feelings of hurt with the opportunity for understanding Liam’s perspective?

      Answer:
      If I were Leighton, I might try to address my feelings more directly and sooner by asking Liam to explain his intentions before jumping to conclusions. Expressing my discomfort calmly could open a dialogue that prevents misunderstanding. I would also consider the context of the artwork as a class project, recognizing that Liam may have struggled with balancing honesty and academic goals. Seeking to understand the full story behind the drawings earlier might help me see the empowering message Liam intended. This approach would help maintain trust while protecting my emotional boundaries, fostering a healthier communication dynamic and reducing prolonged anger or resentment.

    Quotes

    • 1. “I am not a broken thing you have to fix. I’m not your four-point-oh. Or your application to Harvard. I’m not a hobby or a project or a school assignment.”

      This quote captures the core emotional confrontation in the chapter, where Leighton asserts her sense of self beyond being seen as a project or a symbol of achievement. It highlights themes of identity and respect within personal relationships.

      2. “‘These broken wings: an origin story’… She looks alone. She looks devastated. She looks like me.”

      Here, the protagonist recognizes herself in Liam’s artwork, a moment that triggers vulnerability and misunderstanding. This quote is significant as it sets up the conflict and emotional tension around perception and representation.

      3. “In Liam’s drawings, this girl transforms until she is more feather than girl… ‘She’s a superhero. This is her origin story.’”

      This quote reveals the deeper meaning behind the artwork, moving from a portrayal of brokenness to one of empowerment and transformation. It marks a turning point in the chapter where understanding and empathy begin to bridge the gap between the characters.

      4. “I could have refused to see the rest of the drawings… but I’ve seen how that kind of relentless anger builds on itself.”

      This reflection shows Leighton’s decision to move beyond anger toward reconciliation and understanding. It encapsulates the chapter’s theme of emotional growth and the complexity of human relationships.

    Quotes

    1. “I am not a broken thing you have to fix. I’m not your four-point-oh. Or your application to Harvard. I’m not a hobby or a project or a school assignment.”

    This quote captures the core emotional confrontation in the chapter, where Leighton asserts her sense of self beyond being seen as a project or a symbol of achievement. It highlights themes of identity and respect within personal relationships.

    2. “‘These broken wings: an origin story’… She looks alone. She looks devastated. She looks like me.”

    Here, the protagonist recognizes herself in Liam’s artwork, a moment that triggers vulnerability and misunderstanding. This quote is significant as it sets up the conflict and emotional tension around perception and representation.

    3. “In Liam’s drawings, this girl transforms until she is more feather than girl… ‘She’s a superhero. This is her origin story.’”

    This quote reveals the deeper meaning behind the artwork, moving from a portrayal of brokenness to one of empowerment and transformation. It marks a turning point in the chapter where understanding and empathy begin to bridge the gap between the characters.

    4. “I could have refused to see the rest of the drawings… but I’ve seen how that kind of relentless anger builds on itself.”

    This reflection shows Leighton’s decision to move beyond anger toward reconciliation and understanding. It encapsulates the chapter’s theme of emotional growth and the complexity of human relationships.

    FAQs

    1. How does Leighton initially feel about attending the art show, and what does this reveal about her character and self-perception?

    Answer:
    Leighton views attending the art show as a form of high school humiliation, indicating her discomfort with public scrutiny and vulnerability. She stands by her drawing, “Portrait of an Old Crow,” which she considers her best work but still regards with low confidence. This ambivalence shows her self-critical nature and insecurity about her artistic abilities. Her comparison of having “potential” to an “ugly old house that needs a ton of work” reveals her tendency toward self-deprecation and a lack of self-esteem. Overall, her feelings highlight her struggle with self-acceptance and fear of judgment.

    2. Analyze the significance of Liam’s artwork titled “THESE BROKEN WINGS: AN ORIGIN STORY” and its impact on Leighton.

    Answer:
    Liam’s artwork is highly symbolic and emotionally charged, depicting a girl who transforms from a vulnerable, crying figure surrounded by black feathers into a fearless, winged superhero. The title and imagery suggest themes of pain, resilience, and transformation. For Leighton, the middle figure in the drawing strongly resembles her, which initially causes hurt and embarrassment because it exposes her vulnerabilities publicly without her consent. However, the full comic reveals a narrative of empowerment rather than brokenness. This layered portrayal challenges Leighton’s initial interpretation and encourages her to see herself not as “broken” but as someone capable of strength and growth, reflecting the complexity of identity and perception.

    3. What does the interaction between Leighton and Liam after the art show reveal about communication and conflict resolution in their relationship?

    Answer:
    Their interaction reveals that communication is crucial but also complicated by emotions and misunderstandings. Liam’s failure to warn Leighton about the artwork’s personal nature causes hurt, highlighting a lack of transparency. However, his sincere apology and willingness to share the full comic show his desire to make amends. Leighton’s struggle to articulate her feelings and reach a resolution reflects her inexperience with conflict resolution. The conversation demonstrates the importance of honesty, empathy, and openness in resolving conflicts, as well as the need to consider others’ feelings before making decisions that affect them.

    4. How might Liam’s approach to his art and his relationship with Leighton reflect broader themes of identity and self-expression in the chapter?

    Answer:
    Liam’s art serves as a medium for exploring identity, both his and Leighton’s, by portraying personal struggles and transformations. His depiction of Leighton as a superhero in an origin story suggests a desire to understand and honor her complexity beyond surface appearances. This reflects broader themes of self-expression as a way to process emotions and communicate unspoken feelings. Additionally, Liam’s hesitation to remove the piece from his portfolio due to academic pressure highlights the tension between personal authenticity and external expectations. Together, these elements underscore the chapter’s exploration of how individuals navigate self-identity, vulnerability, and the desire for acceptance.

    5. If you were in Leighton’s position, how might you approach the situation differently to balance your feelings of hurt with the opportunity for understanding Liam’s perspective?

    Answer:
    If I were Leighton, I might try to address my feelings more directly and sooner by asking Liam to explain his intentions before jumping to conclusions. Expressing my discomfort calmly could open a dialogue that prevents misunderstanding. I would also consider the context of the artwork as a class project, recognizing that Liam may have struggled with balancing honesty and academic goals. Seeking to understand the full story behind the drawings earlier might help me see the empowering message Liam intended. This approach would help maintain trust while protecting my emotional boundaries, fostering a healthier communication dynamic and reducing prolonged anger or resentment.

    Note