If These Wings Could Fly
Chapter One
by McCauley, KyrieThe chapter opens with a tense atmosphere, as the narrator reflects on an oppressive silence that fuels fears about their mother’s wellbeing. The setting is a small town suffering from a relentless drought, where rain symbolizes not only relief but also renewal and forgiveness. The narrator’s window is open, inviting a non-existent breeze, and the night is heavy with humidity and thick clouds. Amidst this uneasy calm, the narrator’s protective instincts emerge as they comfort their two younger sisters, trying to shield them from the underlying tension that permeates their home.
This fragile sense of safety is shattered by the presence of a volatile figure, the narrator’s father, whose anger is as loud and destructive as the classic rock music blasting through the house. The father’s rage is sparked by financial stress—an upcoming mortgage payment and soaring energy bills during a scorching August. The narrator’s fear is compounded by the knowledge that a gun is within easy reach, introducing a menacing threat of potential violence. The mother, caught in the turmoil, is physically pushed yet remains silent, emphasizing the family’s cycle of fear and endurance.
As the conflict escalates, the narrator takes decisive action, planning to seek help despite the phones being disabled by the father. The siblings are moved to the roof of their home, a precarious refuge that offers a brief escape and a semblance of adventure amid the crisis. The narrator draws on memories of courage to bolster the youngest sister’s shaken spirit, highlighting the emotional resilience required to survive such nights. This moment of bonding and bravery underscores the children’s struggle to maintain hope and security in an unstable environment.
The chapter closes with a vivid image of crows gathering ominously in the yard, intensifying the foreboding mood. Despite the lack of wind, the trees sway under the weight of the birds, symbolizing the pervasive tension and impending storm both outside and within the family. The narrator’s leap from the roof signals a critical turning point, a leap into uncertainty driven by necessity and protective love. This opening chapter sets a somber, suspenseful tone, inviting readers into a story marked by fear, resilience, and the quest for safety amid domestic chaos.
FAQs
1. How does the author use weather and nature imagery to reflect the mood and circumstances in the chapter?
Answer:
The author employs weather and nature imagery, such as the heavy clouds, drought, and the absence of rain, to mirror the tension and emotional drought within the family. The open window with no breeze and the anticipation of rain symbolize a longing for relief and cleansing, paralleling the family’s desperate need for peace and forgiveness. Rain is described as “life” and “forgiveness,” suggesting that just as rain would wash away the drought and hard earth, the family yearns for a cleansing of their troubled situation. The imagery of crows and the swaying tree, despite no breeze, adds an eerie, foreboding tone, underscoring the sense of danger and unrest inside the home.2. What role does the character Joe, the bird, play in the narrative, and what might he symbolize?
Answer:
Joe, the black bird with distinctive gray feathers, serves as a comforting presence amid chaos. His close proximity and familiarity with the sisters, especially Juniper’s farewell, suggest a symbol of loyalty and protection. Joe’s sharp, shiny eye and bold behavior contrast with the fear inside the house, perhaps representing resilience or the watchful eye of nature amid human turmoil. The bird’s recurring appearances in safe spots like the mailbox and fence imply a connection to the outside world and freedom, contrasting with the confinement and danger the sisters face. Joe could symbolize hope, continuity, or the possibility of escape from their troubled environment.3. How does the chapter portray the impact of domestic violence on the children, particularly through the narrator’s perspective?
Answer:
The chapter vividly portrays domestic violence’s psychological and emotional toll on the children through the narrator’s fearful and protective perspective. The narrator’s internal dialogue reveals constant vigilance and fear, as seen in her worry about whether “tonight is the night he reaches for [the gun].” The children’s actions—huddling together under the window, whispering reassurances, and hiding on the roof—highlight their need for safety and solidarity. The narrator’s attempt to comfort Juniper and the calculated decision to seek help by climbing out the window demonstrate a blend of courage and desperation. This portrayal emphasizes how domestic violence creates an atmosphere of terror, uncertainty, and forced maturity for the children.4. In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of protection and vulnerability?
Answer:
The theme of protection and vulnerability is central to the chapter. The narrator tries to protect her sisters physically and emotionally, wrapping her arms around them and whispering reassurances despite her own fear. The children’s vulnerability is evident in their small, fragile bodies and their hiding places—from under the window to the roof nook. The narrator’s awareness of the father’s anger and the presence of a gun underscores the constant threat they live with. Yet, her decision to climb out the window to get help shows an active effort to safeguard her siblings. This tension between vulnerability and protective action highlights the complexities of surviving trauma within a family.5. How does the author use music and sound to enhance the atmosphere and tension in the chapter?
Answer:
Music and sound are used effectively to build atmosphere and heighten tension. The loud, classic rock music—specifically Guns N’ Roses’s Greatest Hits—blasts through the house, symbolizing the father’s rage and the chaotic energy he brings. The opening shriek of the song and the bass drum shaking the bedroom door create a sensory overload that mirrors the emotional turmoil inside. The contrast between the “stretches of silence” and the sudden, overwhelming noise accentuates moments of fear and uncertainty. Sounds like the crashing downstairs, footsteps, and the bird’s cawing punctuate the narrative, immersing the reader in the children’s fraught environment and amplifying the sense of danger and urgency.
Quotes
1. “Rain is life. Rain is forgiveness.”
This quote encapsulates the chapter’s vivid portrayal of drought and hardship, symbolizing rain as both a physical necessity and a metaphorical cleansing force. It highlights the community’s desperate hope for renewal amid harsh conditions.
2. “His voice is as loud as God’s and as mean as the Devil’s.”
This line powerfully conveys the menacing presence of the father figure, establishing the tense and fearful atmosphere that underpins the family dynamic. It marks a central emotional tension in the chapter.
3. “Rain washes away sins faster than a priest can.”
This provocative statement deepens the symbolic weight of rain, suggesting that nature offers a more immediate and profound form of redemption than traditional religion, reinforcing themes of forgiveness and renewal.
4. “It’s always the same question in my mind: Is tonight the night he reaches for it?”
Here, the narrator reveals the constant fear of domestic violence and the looming threat of a firearm, underscoring the precariousness and danger that defines their home life. This moment is a critical turning point in the narrative tension.
5. “How big is your brave? … ‘So big,’ Juniper says, and climbs out the window.”
This exchange illustrates the fragile courage that sustains the children in the face of trauma, blending innocence with resilience. It offers a poignant moment of hope and solidarity amid fear, highlighting the narrator’s role in protecting her siblings.