Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s poem "History of the Airplane" traces the trajectory of aviation from its hopeful beginnings with the Wright brothers to its tragic culmination in the 21st century. Through vivid imagery and historical references, Ferlinghetti captures both the aspirations and the horrors of human innovation, emphasizing how the noble dream of flight became a vehicle for destruction.

The poem begins with the Wright brothers, who "thought they had invented / something that could make peace on earth." The hopeful idea of the airplane as a tool for peace contrasts with the cautionary note in parentheses, "(if the wrong brothers didn’t get hold of it)," foreshadowing the tragic misuse of their invention. When their "wonderful flying machine took off at Kitty Hawk," it ascends "into the kingdom of birds," disrupting the natural order. The "parliament of birds," startled by this "man-made bird," flees, indicating how this technological marvel caused unease even among nature.

Ferlinghetti then references Charles Lindbergh’s historic solo flight across the Atlantic in the "Spirit of Saint Louis," noting that Lindbergh was "hoping to sight the doves of peace but he did not / Even though he circled Versailles." This observation suggests that despite technological advances and grand gestures, humanity's search for peace remained elusive.

The poem continues with the "Yankee Clipper," a symbol of America's expansion across the Pacific. However, "the pacific doves / were frighted by this strange amphibious bird and hid in the orient sky," indicating how the introduction of aviation technology was not always welcomed, particularly by the cultures affected.

Ferlinghetti then shifts to World War II with the "Flying Fortress," a heavily armed bomber that "bristl[ed] with guns and testosterone." Despite its aim to "make the world safe for peace and capitalism," peace remained distant, as "the birds of peace were nowhere to be found before or after Hiroshima." The reference to Hiroshima underscores the devastating impact of aerial warfare and highlights how aviation had become a tool of destruction.

In the latter half of the poem, Ferlinghetti describes the evolution of flight technology, where "clever men built bigger and faster flying machines." These "great man-made birds with jet plumage" fly higher than natural birds, reaching almost mythical heights before risking the fate of Icarus by "seem[ing] about to fly into the sun." The reference to Icarus emphasizes the hubris of humanity in pushing technological limits without considering the consequences.

The Wright brothers’ original vision is now "long forgotten" in the high-flying bombers that "visit their blessings on various Third Worlds." Here, Ferlinghetti critiques how aviation has been co-opted for imperialistic purposes, with airplanes now "searching for doves of peace" while delivering violence instead.

The poem reaches its climax with the "Third World struck back" on September 11, 2001, when terrorists "stormed the great planes and flew them straight into the beating heart of Skyscraper America." Ferlinghetti describes how "in a blinding flash America became a part / of the scorched earth of the world." The image of a "blinding flash" evokes the moment of impact, while "scorched earth" reflects the widespread destruction and chaos that followed.

The poem concludes with a stark image of aftermath: "And a wind of ashes blows across the land." In the wake of devastation, "For one long moment in eternity / There is chaos and despair." Ferlinghetti captures the sense of universal grief and loss, where "buried loves and voices / Cries and whispers / Fill the air / Everywhere."

In "History of the Airplane," Ferlinghetti critiques how a symbol of human achievement became a vehicle for violence and tragedy. The poem moves from the Wright brothers’ optimistic beginnings to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, illustrating how the dream of flight was corrupted by the ambitions of war and imperialism. Ferlinghetti masterfully juxtaposes the beauty and potential of aviation with its darker history, ultimately offering a sobering reflection on the human propensity to transform hope into destruction.

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