Flying Home

The plane symbolizes escape and equality. In literature and art, the sky is often associated with power, freedom, joy, tranquility, and even godliness. In “Flying Home,” Todd perceives flying planes as a way to transcend; he wants to be treated with just as much respect as his white counterparts at flight school, with equal opportunities for joy and achievement.

The prospect of pure, unadulterated joy excites Todd so much that he loses control and crashes. By destroying the plane, Todd potentially jeopardizes his chances at freedom from racism and abuse. Additionally, Todd worries that, because of his error, white people will continue to view Black people as inferior, thus preventing any of them from flying. Metaphorically, Todd is the “pilot” not only for himself but also for his entire race. After his plane crashes, Todd must figure out how to pilot his own identity without the freedom and protection the plane offers.

The straitjacket symbolizes enslavement and humiliation. Straitjackets, invented in the 18th century, were used for centuries to restrain patients with mental illness. Their purpose was to restrict arm movement in case patients were violent or dangerous. In this way, the straitjacket is punitive rather than therapeutic.