His First Flight, A Review by Poornima Sony
Self-confidence and courage are the
lanterns leading to discoveries. Liam O’Flaherty’s ‘His First Flight' is an
account of a young seagull's discovery of his wing's potential. Through this
story the author unleashes the importance of self-reliance in life. This story
stands among the widely accepted short stories dealing with
self-confidence.
The story begins with the young seagull's thoughts of despair. He is confused with the problems destiny had brought in front of him. Underestimating himself, he stood alone on the ledge, watching his family fly and savour their food. The seagull, tired and hungry, watched his parents and siblings with hope. He was happy when his mother came close to him. Undreamed of her prank, he dived at the fish .He was startled to find himself flying! The story concludes with the seagull’s joyful realization of his powerful wings.
The story begins with the young seagull's thoughts of despair. He is confused with the problems destiny had brought in front of him. Underestimating himself, he stood alone on the ledge, watching his family fly and savour their food. The seagull, tired and hungry, watched his parents and siblings with hope. He was happy when his mother came close to him. Undreamed of her prank, he dived at the fish .He was startled to find himself flying! The story concludes with the seagull’s joyful realization of his powerful wings.
The plot deals with the fears of a bird taking its first flight. Through
the seagull, the writer reflects a person's worries and desires in life.' It is
evident that everyone wants to fly to their heart's content in life...but only
a few who realise the potential of their wings can do it'.
The characters in the story
represent different shades of human life. The protagonist- the young seagull is
dependent and lacks confidence, willpower and courage. But the realization of
his powers transforms him into a different individual. He has a supportive
family. Every action they do is for his well-being. Finally, the seagull's
mother, through her quick-witted plan, made him fly. The family stands as a
supportive pillar in the young seagull's life.
Every
seagull's life depends on the sea. The story revolves around marine life and
the culture of seagulls. The language used in the story is simple and readers
can interpret the meanings very quickly. The real suspense of the story is
hidden and is revealed through the mother bird's plan .The ultimate discovery
of the young seagull's wings is the climax.
The theme of the
story is self-reliance and family life. Success and failure are part and parcel
of life. The story invokes the realization that neither failure nor success is
sustainable. The imagery used in the story are mostly visual and organic.
His first
flight is a wonderful story of a seagull's discovery of his wing's virtue.
Through the story, the author highlights the need to muster up courage in order
to spread one's wings and soar into the sky. This story still remains as a
shining jewel in the casket of modern literature.
Prepared by Poornima Sony, XI B