The Declaration of Independence states that “all men are equal in America”. This statement is not entirely accurate for many American citizens. The word “equality” has always been reserved for a specific class in society. The lower social classes still aspired to a higher standard of living despite these inconveniences. Sue Monk Kidd depicted slavery in the United States before the Civil war accurately.
In The Invention of Wings, the word wings represents the freedom and liberation. According to this book, the black slaves who were held captive invented wings in order for them to feel a purpose and have hope. Before the Civil War, slavery was reaching its climax among Africans. Slaves always looked for ways to escape their life of slavery. The slave’s mental or physical state could determine the type of escape. In The Invention of Wings these wings represent freedom, which slaves long for. Handful’s mom told Handful that slaves in Africa had “wings”. Handful’s mum said “When came here, left behind that magic”(Kidd 3). This is an example of the freedom that Africans lost after they were captured slaves. Handful’s Mother wants Handful to believe the old fables because it will give Handful a sense that they are free, even though they are not. “Those thin bones jutted out like nubs from my spine. She patted her wings and said: “This is what’s left.” One day, you’ll get them back. Handful’s mum, as well as several other slaves believed that one day freedom would be attained. For a short time, “wings” liberated the slaves from their difficult lives.
Wings were a symbol for freedom, as Kidd’s story suggests. This freedom wasn’t limited to one class, such as slaves. Freedom is something that every human wants. Sarah Grimke, the protagonist of the novel, was also subjected to similar oppression. This oppression wasn’t something physical like a belt or whip. Sarah was oppressed by her mother, other family members and a majority in the south. Sarah felt like she was a victim to social ridicule during the period prior to the Civil War. Sarah received a severe backlash after she rejected Handful’s ownership. Sarah said, “I was put in solitary confinement and told to write an apology letter to every guest.” Mother placed me in front of the desk with a piece of paper, an inkwell, a handwritten letter, and instructions to copy. Sarah’s father was also oppressed, as was Sarah. Sarah’s Dad was expected to be a good judge by the social code for upper class southerners. Sarah wrote down a letter of manumissions to be placed on the backgammon board of father Grimke when she was trying to free Handful. Sarah was later told that the manumissions paper she had written was on the floor. It was ripped in half” (Kidd, 21). This feeling is not limited by race, social status or class.
In Greek mythology there was an original inventor who invented wings. The Invention of Wings says that the invention of wings was done by slaves. The slaves were reminded of the freedom they had enjoyed in Africa. The philosophical point of view is that anyone who desires freedom can develop their own wings. Freedom can be achieved as long individuals are striving to reinvent or create wings for themselves. It doesn’t matter who you are, there will always be someone being oppressed. The only way they can be contained is if they are using their wings. Birds are among the most free-spirited creatures on Earth. They can fly wherever they want, unless they’re caged. Slaves realized this and desired freedom above all else. Americans have created the “American Dream” as a way to express their freedom. Without wings, it is impossible to realize dreams. Slavery does not just refer to physical slavery, but also mental confinement. True inventors of wings are those who want to be free from their captors. To achieve freedom is the “American Dream”.