"His First Flight" Notes

His First Flight

Liam O’ Flaherty

What is the theme of the story?

“The Young seagull was afraid to make his first flight. Though his parents encouraged him, threatened to starve him, he would not fly. He thought his wing would not support him and the fall from the ledge would kill him. Though he had the inborn ability and skill to fly and swim, he would not dare to do it. He lacked self-confidence. At the end it took a bit of deception from his mother who coaxed him with a piece of fish, to make him leap into the air. Though we are born with wing, and born to fly, we often lack the will, courage, self-confidence and motivation to fly. Often, it is necessity that makes us achieve our potential.

What is your impression of the reaction of the parents in the story?

Parents have a major role in the growth of their children. They are the ones who foster, nurture and train their children grow up and become independent. They provide for physical and financial protection as well as mental and moral growth. Parents are the reason why children grow up safely in this world. It is the motivation and inspiration they give to children which make them rise up the ladder of life.

To a bird, whose life purpose is to fly high and find food for survival a parent must make sure that the young bird must learn the art of flying at the earliest. A young bird cannot depend forever, on the support of parents, to provide it with food and security.

The family in this story is the perfect example of the characteristics mentioned above. They inspire, motivate and promote him. They give the first ‘push’. They love the young seagull, and when he backs out, they show him anger. The mother is wonderful; she doesn’t give up until her son makes his first flight. The father and siblings too take part in every need of his. The family enjoys together when he flies and catches food.

What do you think is the real crisis faced by the young bird?

The young seagull’s real problem was ‘Fear’. ‘Fear’ in many forms. Firstly, he has no self-confidence. He thinks more of his negatives and disabilities, than his qualities and abilities. He also compares himself with his siblings. Secondly, he fears that he will fail. “FAILURE” is something he can’t accept. His ego doesn’t allow it. So, he cannot make the big leap which will enable him to fly. He is not able to see the bright side of making the initial step to success. Thirdly, he is judgmental. He has formed a vision that his wings will not support him to fly. He is not willing to try and do so. So, we can infer that his crisis is actually a mental crisis.

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