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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 Sixty-Five

    by McCauley, Kyrie

    The chap­ter opens with a cozy yet antic­i­pa­to­ry scene at the nar­ra­tor’s house, where she and her friend Sofia pre­pare for a New Year’s Eve event. The nar­ra­tor dons a strik­ing black satin dress that accen­tu­ates her fiery hair, evok­ing a blend of clas­sic and play­ful imagery. Their light­heart­ed ban­ter about appear­ance and style sets a warm, inti­mate tone. The arrival of Camp­bell adds to the excite­ment as they all get ready to face the cold win­ter night, high­light­ing the close-knit rela­tion­ships and the sup­port sys­tem sur­round­ing the nar­ra­tor.

    Amid the prepa­ra­tions, a poignant moment aris­es when the nar­ra­tor dis­cov­ers two news­pa­per clip­pings: one fea­tur­ing her essay and anoth­er detail­ing a domes­tic vio­lence arrest. This dis­cov­ery evokes a strong emo­tion­al response from her moth­er, who reflects on past trau­ma. The clip­pings sym­bol­ize a turn­ing point, acknowl­edg­ing the narrator’s courage and the community’s reck­on­ing with pre­vi­ous­ly hid­den issues. The note accom­pa­ny­ing the arti­cle sig­ni­fies val­i­da­tion and sup­port, rein­forc­ing the chapter’s under­ly­ing theme of con­fronting dif­fi­cult truths.

    As they dri­ve through the town, the over­whelm­ing pres­ence of crows sym­bol­izes an omi­nous and trans­for­ma­tive atmos­phere. The birds dom­i­nate the land­scape, metaphor­i­cal­ly rep­re­sent­ing the town’s strug­gles and the impend­ing change. The visu­al descrip­tion of the dark­en­ing sky and the loom­ing clouds inten­si­fies the apoc­a­lyp­tic mood, under­scor­ing the grav­i­ty of the sit­u­a­tion as the com­mu­ni­ty pre­pares to address the chal­lenges ahead. This set­ting frames the chapter’s ten­sion between despair and hope.

    The chap­ter cul­mi­nates in a vibrant social scene at the school gym­na­si­um, where the nar­ra­tor and Sofia shine in their retro-inspired out­fits. The inter­ac­tion with Liam intro­duces a hope­ful sub­plot; his accep­tance into an art pro­gram promis­es new oppor­tu­ni­ties and per­son­al growth. Their affec­tion­ate exchange and Liam’s play­ful Super­man shirt con­trast with the ear­li­er dark­ness, sym­bol­iz­ing resilience and opti­mism. The chap­ter clos­es on a note of empow­er­ment, empha­siz­ing the impor­tance of truth-telling and the poten­tial for renew­al with­in the town and its inhab­i­tants.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does the chapter use clothing and style to develop the characters of the narrator and Sofia?

      Answer:
      The chapter uses clothing and style as a way to express the personalities and relationship dynamics between the narrator and Sofia. The narrator’s black satin dress, described as sleek and shiny, highlights her reddish hair and evokes a classic, elegant image reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn, mixed with a playful touch likened to Strawberry Shortcake. Sofia’s teased hair and cobalt-blue heels reflect a bold, confident personality with a nod to 1980s fashion, emphasizing her flair and willingness to stand out. Their playful teasing about hair teasing and height differences conveys familiarity and sisterly closeness, showing how their styles complement their friendship and contribute to their self-expression on an important night.

      2. What symbolic role do the crows play in the setting of the chapter, and how does this affect the tone?

      Answer:
      The crows symbolize a pervasive, almost overwhelming presence that has taken over the town, replacing natural elements like trees and fields. Their sheer numbers—outnumbering humans more than ten to one—and their constant presence create a sense of unease and foreboding. The imagery of crows filling the landscape and rising into the sky contributes to an apocalyptic tone, enhanced by the dark red sky and billowing clouds, making the setting feel ominous and tense. This symbolism reflects the town’s deeper problems and the looming challenges the characters face, setting a mood that blends natural beauty with an unsettling, almost dystopian atmosphere.

      3. Analyze how the chapter juxtaposes the excitement of New Year’s Eve with the darker underlying themes present in the narrative.

      Answer:
      The chapter contrasts the traditional celebration of New Year’s Eve, marked by dressing up, socializing, and hopeful beginnings, with darker themes such as domestic violence, community decay, and the ominous presence of the crows. While the narrator and Sofia prepare excitedly for the evening, the discovery of a police blotter describing a violent arrest and the note “You were right. It was good.” introduces a grim reality beneath the surface. Additionally, the crows symbolize the town’s deeper issues and the impending efforts to reclaim it. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between youthful optimism and the harsh truths of their environment, emphasizing that while the characters seek joy and progress, they remain aware of the challenges they must confront.

      4. How does Liam’s character contribute to the themes of individuality and acceptance in the chapter?

      Answer:
      Liam embodies themes of individuality and acceptance through his unique style and aspirations. His choice to wear a Superman T-shirt under a formal tuxedo symbolizes a blend of geek culture with traditional elegance, signaling pride in his identity rather than conformity. His confident attitude about wearing glasses and his excitement about acceptance into an art program further showcase his embrace of his talents and passions, particularly in graphic novels and storytelling. Liam’s relationship with the narrator, including her encouragement and his openness to her opinions, reinforces the idea that acceptance and support from others are crucial in nurturing individuality and self-confidence.

      5. What message does the newspaper excerpt that Liam reads convey about the town’s challenges, and how does this reflect the narrator’s perspective?

      Answer:
      The newspaper excerpt challenges the town’s nostalgic idealization of itself, stating that “the charm of this town is lost on its victims” and rejecting the notion that removing the crows alone will restore its greatness. It calls for addressing deeper, pre-existing problems rather than relying on superficial fixes. This message aligns with the narrator’s perspective, who recognizes that the town’s issues are complex and rooted in long-standing social and personal struggles. The excerpt underscores the need for honest self-assessment and collective effort to heal and improve the community, reflecting a mature, realistic viewpoint that contrasts with simplistic or nostalgic thinking.

    Quotes

    • 1. “They now outnumber humans more than ten to one. It seems that every few minutes another group of them is startled and rises into the sky over us. Instead of trees, we have crows. Instead of fields, we have crows. Instead of clouds . . .”

      This vivid description captures the overwhelming presence of crows in the town, symbolizing a profound environmental and societal shift. It sets the stage for the chapter’s tension and highlights the inescapable reality the characters face.

      2. “The charm of this town is lost on its victims, and perfect is just a fairy tale. We have to stop pretending we’d be great again if only the crows were gone, and work on the parts of this town that were broken long before the birds arrived.”

      This critical reflection from the newspaper article challenges the town’s nostalgia and denial, urging a deeper reckoning with longstanding issues beyond the visible crow problem. It serves as a thematic centerpiece, emphasizing the need for genuine change.

      3. “Liam wraps his arms around me, pulls me in close. It’s freezing, but I don’t care.”

      This intimate moment amidst the cold and chaos underscores the human connections that persist despite external turmoil. It provides emotional grounding and contrasts with the bleakness surrounding the characters.

      4. “An art program, actually. The art director got in touch and said he really loved my portfolio, and graphic novels aren’t usually their thing, but my ‘exceptional talent’ convinced them I belonged there.”

      This quote marks a turning point of hope and personal achievement for Liam, symbolizing future possibilities beyond the current struggles. It injects optimism and forward momentum into the narrative.

    Quotes

    1. “They now outnumber humans more than ten to one. It seems that every few minutes another group of them is startled and rises into the sky over us. Instead of trees, we have crows. Instead of fields, we have crows. Instead of clouds . . .”

    This vivid description captures the overwhelming presence of crows in the town, symbolizing a profound environmental and societal shift. It sets the stage for the chapter’s tension and highlights the inescapable reality the characters face.

    2. “The charm of this town is lost on its victims, and perfect is just a fairy tale. We have to stop pretending we’d be great again if only the crows were gone, and work on the parts of this town that were broken long before the birds arrived.”

    This critical reflection from the newspaper article challenges the town’s nostalgia and denial, urging a deeper reckoning with longstanding issues beyond the visible crow problem. It serves as a thematic centerpiece, emphasizing the need for genuine change.

    3. “Liam wraps his arms around me, pulls me in close. It’s freezing, but I don’t care.”

    This intimate moment amidst the cold and chaos underscores the human connections that persist despite external turmoil. It provides emotional grounding and contrasts with the bleakness surrounding the characters.

    4. “An art program, actually. The art director got in touch and said he really loved my portfolio, and graphic novels aren’t usually their thing, but my ‘exceptional talent’ convinced them I belonged there.”

    This quote marks a turning point of hope and personal achievement for Liam, symbolizing future possibilities beyond the current struggles. It injects optimism and forward momentum into the narrative.

    FAQs

    1. How does the chapter use clothing and style to develop the characters of the narrator and Sofia?

    Answer:
    The chapter uses clothing and style as a way to express the personalities and relationship dynamics between the narrator and Sofia. The narrator’s black satin dress, described as sleek and shiny, highlights her reddish hair and evokes a classic, elegant image reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn, mixed with a playful touch likened to Strawberry Shortcake. Sofia’s teased hair and cobalt-blue heels reflect a bold, confident personality with a nod to 1980s fashion, emphasizing her flair and willingness to stand out. Their playful teasing about hair teasing and height differences conveys familiarity and sisterly closeness, showing how their styles complement their friendship and contribute to their self-expression on an important night.

    2. What symbolic role do the crows play in the setting of the chapter, and how does this affect the tone?

    Answer:
    The crows symbolize a pervasive, almost overwhelming presence that has taken over the town, replacing natural elements like trees and fields. Their sheer numbers—outnumbering humans more than ten to one—and their constant presence create a sense of unease and foreboding. The imagery of crows filling the landscape and rising into the sky contributes to an apocalyptic tone, enhanced by the dark red sky and billowing clouds, making the setting feel ominous and tense. This symbolism reflects the town’s deeper problems and the looming challenges the characters face, setting a mood that blends natural beauty with an unsettling, almost dystopian atmosphere.

    3. Analyze how the chapter juxtaposes the excitement of New Year’s Eve with the darker underlying themes present in the narrative.

    Answer:
    The chapter contrasts the traditional celebration of New Year’s Eve, marked by dressing up, socializing, and hopeful beginnings, with darker themes such as domestic violence, community decay, and the ominous presence of the crows. While the narrator and Sofia prepare excitedly for the evening, the discovery of a police blotter describing a violent arrest and the note “You were right. It was good.” introduces a grim reality beneath the surface. Additionally, the crows symbolize the town’s deeper issues and the impending efforts to reclaim it. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between youthful optimism and the harsh truths of their environment, emphasizing that while the characters seek joy and progress, they remain aware of the challenges they must confront.

    4. How does Liam’s character contribute to the themes of individuality and acceptance in the chapter?

    Answer:
    Liam embodies themes of individuality and acceptance through his unique style and aspirations. His choice to wear a Superman T-shirt under a formal tuxedo symbolizes a blend of geek culture with traditional elegance, signaling pride in his identity rather than conformity. His confident attitude about wearing glasses and his excitement about acceptance into an art program further showcase his embrace of his talents and passions, particularly in graphic novels and storytelling. Liam’s relationship with the narrator, including her encouragement and his openness to her opinions, reinforces the idea that acceptance and support from others are crucial in nurturing individuality and self-confidence.

    5. What message does the newspaper excerpt that Liam reads convey about the town’s challenges, and how does this reflect the narrator’s perspective?

    Answer:
    The newspaper excerpt challenges the town’s nostalgic idealization of itself, stating that “the charm of this town is lost on its victims” and rejecting the notion that removing the crows alone will restore its greatness. It calls for addressing deeper, pre-existing problems rather than relying on superficial fixes. This message aligns with the narrator’s perspective, who recognizes that the town’s issues are complex and rooted in long-standing social and personal struggles. The excerpt underscores the need for honest self-assessment and collective effort to heal and improve the community, reflecting a mature, realistic viewpoint that contrasts with simplistic or nostalgic thinking.

    Note