Essay on The Right Stuff by Thomas Wolfe – an Anthology of Heroism
The Right Stuff by Thomas Wolfe is a lively and sincere account of lives of post war American pilots and first American astronauts. The story is touching and witty. It is written in unforgettable Wolfe’s manner which makes it original and amusing. Even people who are not interested in aviation and space flight will enjoy it because of the original manner of narration and deep and touching narration. In contrasts to his previous works, Wolfe does not turn to mocking and irony in this book. This happens most probably because he really appreciates the deeds of his characters and treats them like heroes. His attitude reflects the perception of most of the Americans of the time described and it passes the spirit of that time.
The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe is a book which describes US postwar high-speed aircraft tests. The project Mercury and seven astronauts selected by NASA for this project become the main focus of the narration. The book tells a story of the space race and space exploration. The story contains political reflections about the political motives of space exploration and the Mercury project. The author speaks about complex issues which predetermined history of the country. The book contains interviews with pilots and astronauts and their wives. As Wolfe noted himself, the main reason for writing the book was his desire to find out the reasons which made pilots to agree to take part in the project of space flights. Personal stories and feelings make the main part of the book. These stories make readers being fascinated because they are told on the background of the breakthrough in the space e flights. In reality, the book is not about pilots or astronauts, but mostly about overcoming obstacles and true and sincere service for the sake of the country and its citizens. The book speaks about pilots and aviation, but it is necessary to remember that for that time those people embodied hopes and expectations of the entire country.
The book is a realistic and detailed account of lives of such legendary men as John Glennm, Alan Shepard, Chuck Yeager, Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, and Deke Slayton. The author creates a wonderful account of heroism, patriotism and true masculinity. The name of the book gives an idea about the driving motifs of the main characters. “The right stuff” – is a combination of right reactions, necessary actions, responsibility and true judgments which help to take right decisions and accomplish the job well.
The author describes events from the bright side, despite the fact that events take place during the Cold War and in reality the development of different space flight projects had important political meaning and was the part of the Cold War. As Wolfe wrote describing people’s events and moods after the USSR sent to space the first satellite Sputnik 1: “The panic reached far beyond the relatively sane concern for tactical weaponry, however. Sputnik 1 took on a magical dimension. . . . It seemed to dredge up primordial superstitions about the influence of heavenly bodies” (Wolfe 13). It’s not a secret that the war of technologies and the war of weapons made an essential part of the Cold War between the USSR and the USA blocks. At this point first orbital satellite possessed a great meaning and caused a loud reaction in the society. Space technology during that time became the reflection of the technological development in general and a lot of people in both countries made their conclusions about the war potency of the country according to its technical innovations and space industry became one of the most important markers. That is the reason USSR’s temporary superiority in the space industry became such a big disappointment for so many people. “Nothing less than control of the heavens was at stake. It was Armageddon, the final and decisive battle of the forces of good and evil. . . . The New York Times, in an editorial, said the United States was now in a ‘Race for survival.’ The panic became more apocalyptic. Nothing short of doom awaited the loser, now that the battle had begun” (Wolfe 13). Satellite Sputnik 1 became the symbol of superiority of the USSR and the symbol of threat to peace in the world. The USA had to react and launched several programs aiming to gain superiority back. People who became the pioneers of space flights became the symbol of hope for the entire nation and The Right Stuff tells the story of these people.
The author helps his readers to feel that epoch and become the participants of these historical events. `Despite the fact it is not possible to get into those people’s thought described in the book, Wolfe’s attempt to do so is definitely valuable and interesting. Attention to the smallest details helps Wolfe to express his ideas better. The narration is a combination of documentary data and account of personal feelings and emotions of people who created the history.
The book is an account of the development of space industry which describes it starting from the first flight tests and follows to the US space programs. The book was published in 1979, not the best time for the American history. In this time Nixon had to leave the White House because of Watergate scandal, army retuned from Vietnam after unsuccessful war campaign, and the general mood in the society expressed loss of hope and depression. At this very time Wolfe decided to create an account of outstanding events of the American history and to show extraordinary people’s lives. In his book Wolfe centered on values which had not price and did not disappear with the flow of time. He decided to find out what makes people commit extraordinary deeds, overcome doubts and fear and make their job what others would call a heroic deed. Wolfe became fascinated by the characters of pilots and astronauts and as he himself wrote his book “became a story of why men were willing–willing?–delighted!–to take on such odds in this, an era literary people had long since characterized as the age of the anti-hero” (Wolfe 7). According to the research, during the 1970s one of four Navy pilots died in the accident. Giving this statistics Wolfe wonders what could make people want to choose such a dangerous profession.
Despite the fact that Wolfe chose an omniscient perspective for his narration, he manages to create personal connection between his characters and readers and passes true feelings and emotions to his readers. He gives an idea not only about the life and work of test pilots, but also describes their surrounding and their close people. The stories of astronauts’ wives are very touching and interesting. The readers get an idea what it means to be a wife or a relative of the person who has made risks and danger his profession. Before speaking about the first astronauts, the author tells a story of another heroic personality – Chuck Yeager, a test pilot who was flying in the 1940s when Americans tried to pass the sound barrier. Chuck Yeager was one of the fastest pilots and showed a perfect example of bravery and eagerness to overcome obstacles. The story of Yeager becomes an introduction to the narration about other seven strong and courageous men who had determined the future of the flight and space industry. Wolfe describes Alan Shepard’s suborbital flights, describes Gus Grissom’s fears. He depicts John Glenn as an icon of bravery and heroism.
Tom Wolfe definitely possesses his unique writing style which distinguishes him from other authors. His writings are always recognizable and unique. In this book he uses a lot of artistic details, including repetition, artistic details, and many others. Punctuation in the book also serves as an artistic mean, as well. It helps the author to pass emotions and feelings to the readers and creates a unique narration style.
The Right Stuff is original, sincere and very touching book describing American manned space program. Personal style of narration, plenty of small details and deep work with the thoughts and feelings of the characters create a wonderful combination of fiction and non-fiction prose which touches readers’ hearts deeply. The book is a very good example which illustrates how individual destinies are interconnected with the destiny of the country and how they influence each other. Test pilots have become those figures who shaped out the future not only of the space technologies, but also the entire country. Their destinies changed dramatically, as well. They have become national heroes and idols for a lot of people and come to the history of space flights.
Do you like this essay?
Our writers can write a paper like this for you!
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading...