Themes and message

The short story “The Right Time to Fly” by Shirley Golden deals with several themes: freedom, regret and resignation, perspective and starting over. However, the most important is that of overcoming the past and looking at life through a fresh perspective, the author’s messages being summarised by a line in the text: “Not too old to start over” (l. 162).

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Freedom

The theme of freedom and independence is developed in the short story through the character of Suzy and several symbols related to birds, flying and wings.

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Regret and resignation

The theme of regret and resignation is illustrated through Marcus’s character. Marcus’ boy, Ben, had died accidentally seven years prior while on his watch and the fact that his wife probably blamed and left him has left deeps scars in the man, feelings of guilt and regret.

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Changing perspective and starting over

The underlying most important theme in the short story is that of changing perspective and starting over. As you have seen, the main characters are very different.

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