Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's "Theory of Flight: Theory of Flight" serves as an evocative conclusion to her meditative series on flight, seamlessly blending themes of human resilience, progress, and the dialectical nature of existence. The poem encapsulates the tension and synthesis between opposites, ultimately celebrating the act of flight as both a literal and metaphorical journey towards unity and transcendence.

The poem opens with a dramatic invocation of transformation: "You dynamiting the structure of our loves / embrace your lovers solving antithesis." Here, Rukeyser presents flight as a revolutionary force capable of dismantling old structures and reconciling opposites. This process of integration—where "sky, include earth now"—signals a merging of realms, breaking down the barriers between heaven and earth, love and conflict, past and future.

"Flying, a long vole of descent / renders us land again" captures the paradox of flight, where ascension and descent are intertwined. This duality underscores the "intolerable contradiction" inherent in flight, a state where the seeds of our return are ever-present. The lines "Stretch us onward include in us the past / sow in us history, make us remember triumph" suggest that flight is not an escape from history but an incorporation of it, turning past victories and struggles into the foundation for future progress.

Rukeyser's invocation of "O golden fructifying, O the sonorous calls / to arms and embattled mottoes in one war / brain versus brain for absolutes, ring harsh!" highlights the ongoing conflict between ideals and realities. This call to arms is both literal and metaphorical, emphasizing the intellectual and emotional battles that define human progress. The imagery of miners and reapers—figures tied to the earth—juxtaposes the idea of flight, suggesting that both labor and transcendence are essential parts of the human experience.

The poem then shifts to a more reflective tone, contemplating the collective journey and the sacrifices made: "The birds of flight return, crucified shapes / old deaths restoring vigor through the sky." This image of crucifixion and resurrection speaks to the cyclical nature of suffering and renewal, where even death becomes a source of strength and vitality.

In the final section, Rukeyser calls for unity and action: "Answer together the birds’ flying / reconcile rest to rest / motion to motion’s poise." This call to reconcile and harmonize suggests a vision of collective progress where past and present, motion and rest, are balanced. The mention of "the guns are dying the past is born again / into these future minds the incarnate past / gleaming upon the present" envisions a future where the lessons of history illuminate the path forward.

The exhortation to "respond respond / you workers poets men of science and love" highlights the diverse contributions necessary for progress, blending the intellectual, artistic, and practical realms. The imagery of tools assembled, maps unrolled, and propellers spun signifies readiness and anticipation for the journey ahead.

The climactic exchange—"Master in the plane shouts 'Contact': / master on the ground: 'Contact!' / he looks up: 'Now?' whispering: 'Now.' / 'Yes,' she says. 'Do.'"—captures the moment of initiation, a decisive commitment to action. The repeated affirmation—"Say yes, people. / Say yes. / YES"—serves as a powerful, unifying call to embrace the potential and challenges of flight, both literal and metaphorical.

In "Theory of Flight: Theory of Flight," Rukeyser masterfully intertwines themes of love, struggle, progress, and unity. Through her evocative imagery and lyrical prose, she invites readers to reflect on the dialectical nature of human existence and to embrace the transformative power of flight. The poem stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the relentless pursuit of transcendence and connection.

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