The Flying Girl by L. Frank Baum tells the story of Orissa Kane, a young woman who champions her brother's dream of creating a flying machine. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
Main Characters:
- Orissa Kane: A resourceful and determined young woman who supports her family financially and emotionally.
- Stephen Kane: Orissa's brother, an inventor obsessed with building a flying machine.
Plot:
- Stephen dedicates himself to constructing a revolutionary aircraft, while Orissa works to financially support him and their blind mother.
- A competitor tries to sabotage Stephen's invention, further complicating their plans.
- When Stephen suffers a broken leg and can't fly his creation, Orissa takes the daring step to pilot the machine herself.
- Orissa's courage and skill are put to the test as she enters an aerial exhibition to prove the flying machine's capabilities.
Themes:
- Breaking Barriers: The story highlights the potential of women in a field typically dominated by men.
- Sibling Bond: Orissa's unwavering support for her brother's dream showcases the power of family.
- Perseverance: The Kanes face numerous obstacles, but their determination ultimately leads to success.
Additional Points:
- The novel was written in 1911, a time of early aviation advancements.
- Baum, the author of the Oz series, explores a more realistic setting here, but still injects his signature sense of adventure.
- The story has a feminist undercurrent, with Orissa defying societal expectations and proving her competence.
- She achieves her goals while maintaining her "humble and unassuming manner," reflecting the social norms of the era.
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