"The People Could Fly" is all about the dream of freedom. For the Africans who were captured into slavery and brought to America, there was little reason for hope, but through folk tales like this one, they were able to at least imagine a day when they could become free. That's powerful. No matter how physically confined we might be, no one can ever truly trample the human drive for freedom. If that doesn't inspire you to get off your butt today and do something awesome, then we don't know what will.
Questions About Freedom and Confinement
- In what ways does the Master try to confine the spirits of the people?
- How is the people's imprisonment reflected physically?
- In what ways is flying used as a metaphor for freedom? Swing by the "Symbols" section to jump start your response.
- Why does this story become important to the people who can't fly?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
"The People Could Fly" uses the magical ability of flight to represent true freedom.
Although the Master is able to imprison the people physically, he is unable to confine them spiritually or mentally.