If These Wings Could Fly
Chapter Sixty-One
by McCauley, KyrieIn this chapter, the protagonist, Leighton, is unexpectedly called out of art class by Mrs. Riley to the newsroom, where she delivers significant news regarding Leighton’s essay. The council has chosen Leighton’s essay for a scholarship, which is a substantial achievement accompanied by a $5,000 award. However, the council refuses to publish the essay in the local newspaper, the Auburn Gazette, citing concerns that it poses a liability. This decision introduces a complex dynamic between recognition and censorship, highlighting the tension between personal achievement and community sensibilities.
Mrs. Riley explains that although the council acknowledges the merit of the essay and believes Leighton deserves the scholarship, they consider the essay potentially dangerous—not just for Leighton and her family but for the town as a whole. This reasoning suggests that the essay touches on sensitive or controversial issues that the council fears could provoke backlash or unrest. The protagonist’s reaction is one of quiet defiance and determination, underscored by the symbolic presence of Joe, a bird outside the window, who seems to silently urge her to take action despite the risks.
Leighton proposes a compromise: to publish the essay anonymously. She argues that if the council refuses even this option, it would reveal that their objections are not solely about protection but about suppressing the essay’s message. She expresses a strong desire to see her work shared with the Auburn community, even without public credit, emphasizing the importance of the essay’s impact over personal recognition. Mrs. Riley is hesitant but agrees to advocate for anonymous publication, reflecting the delicate balance between institutional constraints and individual expression.
The chapter closes with Leighton contemplating alternative uses for her essay, such as submitting it to other college applications, including New York University. This resolution reflects her resilience and adaptability in the face of censorship. The absence of Joe at the end symbolizes a moment of transition, leaving Leighton poised to continue her journey with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to her voice, despite the challenges posed by the town’s resistance.
FAQs
1. What is the main conflict presented in this chapter regarding Leighton’s essay and the scholarship?
Answer:
The primary conflict is that although the council has chosen Leighton’s essay for a $5,000 scholarship, they are refusing to publish the essay in the Auburn Gazette. Mrs. Riley explains that while the council acknowledges the essay’s merit and the deserving nature of the scholarship, they consider printing the essay a “liability.” This liability is tied to concerns for Leighton and her family’s safety as well as the town’s reputation. Leighton faces the challenge of having her work recognized and shared publicly while navigating the council’s reluctance and the implications of censorship.2. How does the presence of Joe, the bird outside the window, function symbolically in this chapter?
Answer:
Joe, the bird with a black eye sitting by the window, symbolizes the silenced voice and the underlying tension in the situation. His silent yelling, unheard by others due to the wind carrying away the sound, parallels Leighton’s essay being suppressed despite its importance. Joe’s presence highlights the theme of voicelessness and the struggle to be heard, embodying the frustration of being censored. When Joe disappears at the end, it may symbolize the fleeting nature of hope or the isolation felt when one’s voice is muted by external forces.3. What reasoning does Leighton use to argue for anonymous publication of her essay, and what does this reveal about her character?
Answer:
Leighton argues that publishing the essay anonymously removes the “liability” to her personally, shifting the risk back onto those opposing the essay’s publication. She insists that if the essay cannot be published with her name, it should at least be shared to ensure the ideas reach the community it was written for. This reasoning shows Leighton’s determination, courage, and commitment to truth and justice, even when facing personal risk. It reveals her willingness to sacrifice personal recognition for the greater good and to challenge institutional censorship.4. In what ways does this chapter explore the theme of censorship and its impact on individuals and communities?
Answer:
This chapter highlights censorship through the council’s refusal to publish Leighton’s essay despite awarding her the scholarship. The council fears the essay’s content is too controversial or dangerous, labeling it a “liability.” This act silences Leighton’s voice and limits public discourse, reflecting how censorship suppresses important perspectives and truths. The impact is twofold: it isolates Leighton and her family from full recognition and protection, and it deprives the community of an important conversation. The chapter invites readers to consider how fear and control can stifle expression and the consequences of such suppression on social progress.5. How might Leighton’s decision to send the essay to other college applications or use it in other ways influence her future opportunities?
Answer:
By choosing to submit the essay to other college applications, such as NYU, or finding alternative ways to use it, Leighton demonstrates resourcefulness and resilience. This approach could enhance her chances of admission by showcasing her strong writing and commitment to meaningful topics, potentially opening doors that the local censorship closes. It also allows her to maintain ownership and pride in her work while circumventing local barriers. This strategy reflects adaptability in overcoming obstacles and could positively shape her academic and personal future by ensuring her voice is heard beyond her immediate environment.
Quotes
1. “So here’s the situation,” she dives in without preamble. “The council is choosing your essay.”
This quote marks the pivotal moment when the protagonist learns that her essay has been selected for a significant scholarship, setting the stage for the chapter’s conflict between recognition and censorship.
2. “They seem to really believe you deserve the scholarship money. They were impressed by the essay and the topic. So was I, by the way, when they forwarded me a copy, Leighton. But they don’t want to print it. They called it a liability.”
This statement reveals the central tension: the essay is valued and rewarded privately, yet publicly suppressed due to perceived risks, highlighting themes of censorship and the power dynamics within the town.
3. “Well, they implied that printing it could be dangerous to you . . . your family. But, Leighton, we both know it’s a liability for the town, too.”
Here, the quote exposes the dual nature of the “liability” — it is not just a threat to the protagonist’s personal safety but also an indictment of the town’s unwillingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
4. “Tell them to publish it anonymously.”
This succinct demand captures the protagonist’s determination to have her voice heard despite obstacles, reflecting a key turning point where she strategizes to bypass censorship while preserving her message.
5. “Then it’s not a liability to me. Only to them. And if they still refuse, at least we know it wasn’t just about protecting me. At least then I tried everything.”
This concluding insight underscores the protagonist’s resolve and the moral clarity she gains — recognizing that resistance to publication reveals deeper motives beyond personal protection, and affirming her commitment to truth.