Multiethnic Literatures in the U.S.

A “Plane” Personality

            The first half of the novel “Aloft”, by Chang-rae Lee, starts off fairly slow, and most of the text seems to extensively describe suburban family life observed through the eyes of a middle aged man named Jerry. Many of the details discussed towards the beginning of the novel seem to be extremely unnecessary, that is, until we realize that this extensively descriptive and superficial narration is a key insight into Jerry Battles personality (which I believe is the focal point throughout the novel). Although most of Jerry’s long-winded narration seems unnecessary, we begin to realize that Lee uses Jerry Battle’s narration to represent the superficial personality and the behavior of most American’s today. We also notice that Lee might portray Jerry this way to show the consequences of a culture that only relies on observing what is shown on the surface without addressing the underlying factors; some of these consequences that arise include racism, sexism, and other shallow narrow-mindedness throughout society. Any person who has the same superficial viewpoints as Jerry will find it extremely hard not to judge others by their skin color, or gender.

              The biggest symbol Lee uses to highlight Jerry’s superficial observations is his recently bought, and frequently used, airplane in which he always chooses to fly alone. To me, this symbol presents the idea that in Jerry’s personal life, he prefers to be in control, or in the “cockpit”. This symbol is also present to emphasize Jerry’s “Plane Personality” which shows just how much he loves to observe others by only what he sees on the surface; Jerry’s “plane personality” resembles how Jerry uses his plane to skim the surface of the earth, while always observing sights from afar. It is no question that Jerry is a simple man with simple pleasures, and obviously would rather base his descriptions—and viewpoints of others—on the first idea that comes to mind. Jerry proves this when he states “like most people in this country I’m hopelessly obsessed with race and difference and can’t help but privilege the normative and fetishize what is not.”  By stating this, Jerry illustrates that his superficiality comes naturally, and he finds it impossible to act differently.  

            Throughout the novel, Jerry seems completely consumed with other people’s race, gender, and physical features. We first notice this when Jerry goes to visit the man in which he plans to purchase the used plane. During this meeting he makes it clear that the man is black, and mentions this even though he says “I should probably not so parenthetically mention right now that Hal was black.” By stating this, Jerry obviously realizes that he cannot help but obsess in anything other than what his acquaintances show on the surface. Jerry also shows this part of his personality as he describes his children, as well as his female companions. In all of these descriptions, Jerry uses physical qualities in his narration.

            Jerry also shows his shallow personality when he finds out his daughter has cancer. When Paul reveals that the available treatment may hurt the baby, the first thing Jerry says is “she can have another baby”. Although this type of dreadful news can make anyone speak irrationally, this extreme circumstance still proves Jerry’s superficial thought process. When Jerry makes this statement, he fails to realize that this baby might mean the world to his daughter; even more so than her own life. Nevertheless, Jerry’s instinctive response illustrates his selfish opinion which doesn’t factor in the feelings of his daughter. This confrontation with Paul definitely supports Jerry’s shallow, and sometimes selfish, personality.  

Trackback URI | Comments RSS