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    FantasyFictionLiterary FictionYoung Adult

    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 Seventy-Seven

    by McCauley, Kyrie

    The chap­ter opens with a vivid dawn scene where the rise of the sun is accom­pa­nied by the awak­en­ing of crows in the yard and sur­round­ing trees. This nat­ur­al spec­ta­cle cap­tures the atten­tion of the nar­ra­tor and their com­pan­ions, Camp­bell and Juniper, as a gray bird among the black crows takes flight. The imagery of thou­sands, then tens of thou­sands, of crows ascend­ing into the crim­son sky cre­ates a pow­er­ful visu­al metaphor rem­i­nis­cent of phoenix­es ris­ing from flames, sym­bol­iz­ing renew­al and trans­for­ma­tion.

    As the birds soar, the nar­ra­tor reflects on the sig­nif­i­cance of this moment, describ­ing it as the dawn of a new day and a new year. This tran­si­tion is likened to emerg­ing from a night­mare and awak­en­ing to a fresh world, empha­siz­ing themes of hope, rebirth, and the pos­si­bil­i­ty of change. The sun­rise and the flight of the crows togeth­er evoke a sense of lib­er­a­tion and the start of some­thing pro­found­ly dif­fer­ent and promis­ing.

    The emo­tion­al core of the chap­ter is deep­ened through the phys­i­cal and sym­bol­ic con­nec­tion between the nar­ra­tor and their com­pan­ions. Camp­bell and Juniper stand beside the nar­ra­tor, each tak­ing a hand, which brings a pal­pa­ble sense of com­fort and ground­ing. This ges­ture sym­bol­izes uni­ty, sup­port, and the feel­ing of being anchored after a peri­od of uncer­tain­ty or tur­moil, high­light­ing the impor­tance of rela­tion­ships in the jour­ney toward heal­ing and sta­bil­i­ty.

    Con­clud­ing the chap­ter, the nar­ra­tor expe­ri­ences an inter­nal shift—a set­tling of the rest­less, winged feel­ing with­in their chest, now silent and safe. This moment encap­su­lates the theme of find­ing peace and belong­ing, cul­mi­nat­ing in the affir­ma­tion that they are home. The chap­ter clos­es on a note of calm and res­o­lu­tion, rein­forc­ing the idea that despite past strug­gles, there is a place and a moment where one can final­ly rest and feel secure.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does the imagery of the crows and the sunrise contribute to the overall mood and themes presented in this chapter?

      Answer:
      The imagery of the crows rising with the sunrise creates a powerful and evocative mood of renewal and hope. The description of the crows as “burning” in the crimson light, resembling “a hundred thousand phoenixes,” symbolizes transformation and rebirth, reinforcing the theme of a new beginning. This metaphor suggests that what may have been dark or difficult (represented by the black crows) is now being illuminated and transformed by the dawn, emphasizing the transition from a nightmare to a hopeful new world. The vivid natural imagery deepens the emotional impact, making the moment feel both majestic and intimate.

      2. What significance do the gestures of Campbell and Juniper holding the narrator’s hands have in the context of the chapter?

      Answer:
      Campbell and Juniper holding the narrator’s hands symbolizes connection, support, and belonging. Their physical closeness at this moment highlights a shared experience of safety and peace after a period of turmoil implied by the “nightmare” reference. The narrator feels “something shift inside,” with the “winged thing in my chest” settling, which suggests emotional healing or acceptance. This gesture reinforces the theme of homecoming and emotional grounding, indicating that the presence of loved ones is integral to the narrator’s sense of security and renewal.

      3. How does the phrase “It is like ending a nightmare and waking up to a new world” function within the chapter’s narrative?

      Answer:
      This phrase serves as a pivotal reflection that encapsulates the emotional and thematic shift occurring in the chapter. It contrasts past hardship or trauma (“a nightmare”) with the hopeful present (“a new world”), signaling a fresh start or healing process. The metaphor helps readers understand the narrator’s internal transformation and the significance of the dawn and the crow imagery as symbols of overcoming darkness. It also invites readers to consider the chapter as a moment of catharsis and rebirth, emphasizing the power of renewal in both nature and human experience.

      4. In what ways might the symbolism of wings and flight be interpreted in this chapter, particularly relating to the “winged thing in my chest”?

      Answer:
      The “winged thing in my chest” metaphorically represents the narrator’s spirit, hope, or emotional burden. Its settling and becoming “silent” and “safe” as the crows rise suggests a calming or resolution of internal conflict. Wings and flight are often symbolic of freedom, transcendence, and aspiration. Here, they may signify the narrator’s journey toward emotional liberation or acceptance. The contrast between the noisy, active wings and their eventual silence implies a movement from turmoil to peace, mirroring the broader motif of renewal and the transition from darkness to light.

      5. How could the themes and imagery in this chapter be applied to real-life situations involving personal growth or recovery?

      Answer:
      The chapter’s themes of renewal, transformation, and finding safety through connection can resonate deeply with experiences of personal growth or recovery. Just as the crows rise with the sunrise, individuals facing difficult periods can envision their own “new dawn,” symbolizing hope and fresh starts. The emotional support depicted through holding hands reflects the importance of community and relationships in healing processes. The chapter encourages embracing change, acknowledging past struggles (“nightmare”), and moving forward into new possibilities. Its imagery and themes can inspire readers to find strength in nature’s cycles and human connections during times of transition.

    Quotes

    • 1. “WHEN THE SUN BEGINS TO RISE, so do the crows in our yard.”

      This opening line sets a vivid and symbolic scene, marking the start of a new day and signaling awakening and change. It introduces the motif of the crows, which carry thematic weight throughout the chapter.

      2. “The birds flock, building momentum. Like dominoes falling, but in reverse, each following the last up into the dark sky, until there are thousands of crows above us.”

      This passage captures the powerful, almost mystical imagery of the crows rising together, symbolizing unity, transformation, and the unstoppable force of renewal. It represents a key turning point in the chapter’s atmosphere and emotional tone.

      3. “The sunrise is crimson, reflecting off the black feathers until it looks like the crows are burning as they rise, like a hundred thousand phoenixes soaring over Auburn.”

      Here, the author uses rich metaphor to equate the crows with phoenixes, legendary symbols of rebirth and hope. This quote crystallizes the chapter’s theme of emerging from darkness into light, from nightmare into awakening.

      4. “It is like ending a nightmare and waking up to a new world.”

      This succinct statement conveys the emotional and psychological release experienced by the narrator and companions. It underscores the chapter’s overarching message of renewal and the promise of a fresh start.

      5. “Campbell and Juniper come to stand on either side of me, each slipping a hand into mine, and I feel something shift inside of me. That winged thing in my chest settles. Silent. Safe.”

      This intimate moment symbolizes healing, connection, and the restoration of inner peace. It serves as a powerful conclusion to the chapter, emphasizing the theme of finding home and safety after turmoil.

    Quotes

    1. “WHEN THE SUN BEGINS TO RISE, so do the crows in our yard.”

    This opening line sets a vivid and symbolic scene, marking the start of a new day and signaling awakening and change. It introduces the motif of the crows, which carry thematic weight throughout the chapter.

    2. “The birds flock, building momentum. Like dominoes falling, but in reverse, each following the last up into the dark sky, until there are thousands of crows above us.”

    This passage captures the powerful, almost mystical imagery of the crows rising together, symbolizing unity, transformation, and the unstoppable force of renewal. It represents a key turning point in the chapter’s atmosphere and emotional tone.

    3. “The sunrise is crimson, reflecting off the black feathers until it looks like the crows are burning as they rise, like a hundred thousand phoenixes soaring over Auburn.”

    Here, the author uses rich metaphor to equate the crows with phoenixes, legendary symbols of rebirth and hope. This quote crystallizes the chapter’s theme of emerging from darkness into light, from nightmare into awakening.

    4. “It is like ending a nightmare and waking up to a new world.”

    This succinct statement conveys the emotional and psychological release experienced by the narrator and companions. It underscores the chapter’s overarching message of renewal and the promise of a fresh start.

    5. “Campbell and Juniper come to stand on either side of me, each slipping a hand into mine, and I feel something shift inside of me. That winged thing in my chest settles. Silent. Safe.”

    This intimate moment symbolizes healing, connection, and the restoration of inner peace. It serves as a powerful conclusion to the chapter, emphasizing the theme of finding home and safety after turmoil.

    FAQs

    1. How does the imagery of the crows and the sunrise contribute to the overall mood and themes presented in this chapter?

    Answer:
    The imagery of the crows rising with the sunrise creates a powerful and evocative mood of renewal and hope. The description of the crows as “burning” in the crimson light, resembling “a hundred thousand phoenixes,” symbolizes transformation and rebirth, reinforcing the theme of a new beginning. This metaphor suggests that what may have been dark or difficult (represented by the black crows) is now being illuminated and transformed by the dawn, emphasizing the transition from a nightmare to a hopeful new world. The vivid natural imagery deepens the emotional impact, making the moment feel both majestic and intimate.

    2. What significance do the gestures of Campbell and Juniper holding the narrator’s hands have in the context of the chapter?

    Answer:
    Campbell and Juniper holding the narrator’s hands symbolizes connection, support, and belonging. Their physical closeness at this moment highlights a shared experience of safety and peace after a period of turmoil implied by the “nightmare” reference. The narrator feels “something shift inside,” with the “winged thing in my chest” settling, which suggests emotional healing or acceptance. This gesture reinforces the theme of homecoming and emotional grounding, indicating that the presence of loved ones is integral to the narrator’s sense of security and renewal.

    3. How does the phrase “It is like ending a nightmare and waking up to a new world” function within the chapter’s narrative?

    Answer:
    This phrase serves as a pivotal reflection that encapsulates the emotional and thematic shift occurring in the chapter. It contrasts past hardship or trauma (“a nightmare”) with the hopeful present (“a new world”), signaling a fresh start or healing process. The metaphor helps readers understand the narrator’s internal transformation and the significance of the dawn and the crow imagery as symbols of overcoming darkness. It also invites readers to consider the chapter as a moment of catharsis and rebirth, emphasizing the power of renewal in both nature and human experience.

    4. In what ways might the symbolism of wings and flight be interpreted in this chapter, particularly relating to the “winged thing in my chest”?

    Answer:
    The “winged thing in my chest” metaphorically represents the narrator’s spirit, hope, or emotional burden. Its settling and becoming “silent” and “safe” as the crows rise suggests a calming or resolution of internal conflict. Wings and flight are often symbolic of freedom, transcendence, and aspiration. Here, they may signify the narrator’s journey toward emotional liberation or acceptance. The contrast between the noisy, active wings and their eventual silence implies a movement from turmoil to peace, mirroring the broader motif of renewal and the transition from darkness to light.

    5. How could the themes and imagery in this chapter be applied to real-life situations involving personal growth or recovery?

    Answer:
    The chapter’s themes of renewal, transformation, and finding safety through connection can resonate deeply with experiences of personal growth or recovery. Just as the crows rise with the sunrise, individuals facing difficult periods can envision their own “new dawn,” symbolizing hope and fresh starts. The emotional support depicted through holding hands reflects the importance of community and relationships in healing processes. The chapter encourages embracing change, acknowledging past struggles (“nightmare”), and moving forward into new possibilities. Its imagery and themes can inspire readers to find strength in nature’s cycles and human connections during times of transition.

    Note