If These Wings Could Fly
Chapter Twenty-Two
by McCauley, KyrieThe chapter opens with a vivid depiction of Auburn at sunset, using the changing sky as a metaphor for the narrator’s internal reflections. The narrator recalls a childhood memory involving Juniper’s colorful highlighter marks on a book, symbolizing the tension between beauty and underlying chaos. This imagery sets the tone for the visit to Liam’s home, located in a well-maintained, affluent neighborhood contrasting with the narrator’s usual surroundings. The transition from the town’s flaws to the polished environment hints at social and personal contrasts that will unfold throughout the chapter.
Upon arrival, the narrator navigates a subtle family dynamic with her mother, who questions the tutoring story but ultimately supports her artistic struggles. The exchange over the imperfect art portfolio reveals vulnerability and the narrator’s acceptance of needing help, which strengthens the bond between mother and daughter. The interaction is lightened by Juniper and Campbell’s presence, adding warmth and humor. This moment underscores themes of growth, support, and the complexities of familial relationships in the context of personal challenges.
Inside Liam’s home, the narrator meets his sister Fiona, whose friendly and humorous demeanor immediately creates a welcoming atmosphere despite initial awkwardness. Fiona’s playful teasing about Liam’s boredom and teasing establishes a relatable sibling dynamic. The narrator’s discomfort at being mistaken for a date is quickly diffused by the arrival of Liam’s mother, Mrs. McNamara, whose kindness and familiarity offer a sense of community and continuity. This scene highlights the importance of connection and acceptance within social circles during transitional life phases.
The conversation with Mrs. McNamara deepens the chapter’s exploration of identity and belonging. Her pride in progressive values, represented by the equality yard sign, contrasts with the conservative environment of their town. The dialogue touches on challenges faced by educators in underrepresented communities and the significance of fostering inclusivity. The narrator’s anticipation of college life and broader horizons aligns with these themes, reflecting a desire for growth and change beyond the limitations of their current environment. Overall, the chapter balances personal introspection with social commentary, weaving together individual and communal experiences.
FAQs
1. How does the author use the imagery of the sunset in Auburn to reflect the narrator’s feelings or situation?
Answer:
The sunset imagery in Auburn is vivid and layered with meaning. The narrator describes the sunset as a “fireball” glowing red, suggesting intensity and potential destruction, which parallels the narrator’s internal tension or conflict. The colors remind the narrator of a childhood memory involving highlighters on The Bell Jar, where bright colors obscured dark words, symbolizing how beauty or surface appearances can mask underlying chaos or difficulty. This metaphor reflects the narrator’s experience in Auburn—a town with many flaws yet capable of stunning sunsets—mirroring the contrast between outward appearances and inner struggles.2. What does the interaction between the narrator and her mother reveal about their relationship and the narrator’s self-perception?
Answer:
The exchange about tutoring and the art portfolio reveals a caring and nuanced relationship. The mother’s initial skepticism about the need for a tutor shows concern and a bit of disbelief, but her eventual laughter and acceptance indicate warmth and support. The narrator’s self-deprecating humor about her art (“they suck”) and her reassurance to her mother demonstrate vulnerability and honesty. This interaction highlights the narrator’s awareness of her limitations and her willingness to seek help, as well as a deep familial bond where teasing coexists with genuine affection and understanding.3. In what ways does Fiona’s character contribute to the atmosphere and tone when the narrator arrives at Liam’s house?
Answer:
Fiona’s warm and playful personality immediately sets a welcoming and lighthearted tone. Her teasing about Liam’s boredom and her dramatic eye rolls create a sense of familiarity and humor, easing the narrator’s potential discomfort in a new environment. By announcing the narrator as Liam’s “date” in a loud, joking manner, Fiona injects a moment of awkwardness that humanizes the interaction and makes it relatable. Overall, Fiona’s friendliness and humor help establish an inviting atmosphere that contrasts with the narrator’s initial hesitation.4. How does Mrs. McNamara’s perspective on living in Auburn versus Philadelphia inform readers about the social and cultural environment of the town?
Answer:
Mrs. McNamara’s reflections reveal Auburn as a predominantly white, conservative town (“a blue dot in a red county”) with limited diversity. She contrasts this with Philadelphia, a more diverse but challenging urban environment with underfunded and overpoliced schools. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity and progressive values in Auburn’s middle school highlights both the difficulties and opportunities of working in a small, less diverse community. This insight helps readers understand the social dynamics at play and the challenges faced by those striving for social justice and inclusion in such settings.5. Considering the themes presented in this chapter, how might the narrator’s experience with art tutoring and her interactions with Liam’s family influence her personal growth?
Answer:
The narrator’s decision to seek tutoring reflects self-awareness and a desire to improve, signaling a step toward personal growth. The supportive, if teasing, environment at Liam’s house, including Fiona’s warmth and Mrs. McNamara’s openness, offers a space where the narrator can feel accepted and encouraged. Exposure to diverse perspectives, such as Mrs. McNamara’s activism and the family’s progressive values, may broaden the narrator’s worldview. Together, these experiences could help the narrator build confidence, cultivate new interests, and navigate her identity within a community that contrasts with her previous experiences.
Quotes
1. “Just before the sun disappears, it glows red like a fireball over Auburn. Like it could make everything its light touches burn.”
This vivid imagery sets the tone for the chapter, symbolizing the tension and intensity beneath the surface of the seemingly quiet town. It reflects the theme of contrast between outward appearances and inner realities.
2. “The contrast kept pulling me from the pages. Neon pink and lemon yellow in layers, just like the sky looks now. Dark words covered in highlighter. A stifling town blanketed by pretty sunsets.”
This metaphor poignantly captures the narrator’s struggle to reconcile beauty with discomfort, illustrating how the town’s charm can mask deeper emotional or social challenges. It introduces the motif of conflicting impressions that recurs throughout the chapter.
3. “Mom is quiet for so long that I look up and realize her struggle. She isn’t sure how to agree that I probably do need help with art class without offending me.”
This moment reveals the subtle dynamics of family communication, highlighting vulnerability and the difficulty of expressing support without judgment. It underscores the theme of personal growth and the need for guidance.
4. “I like your sign,” I say. ‘Thank you, Leighton. It’s hard to be a blue dot in a red county, isn’t it?’”
This exchange encapsulates the social and political isolation felt by progressive individuals in a conservative environment. It introduces the broader theme of belonging and the challenges of advocating for inclusivity in a resistant community.
5. “It’s tough to move to a town that has, what, fewer than five percent people of color living here? But it means I can really shape the discourse in the middle school. Add some inclusive school programs, get more diverse books in the library.”
Here, Mrs. McNamara articulates the difficulties and opportunities in striving for social change within a small, homogeneous community. This quote highlights the chapter’s underlying message about the impact of committed individuals working to foster diversity and inclusion.