Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "The Tailspin," Edward Field uses the metaphor of an airplane tailspin to reflect on life's challenges and the counterintuitive solutions required to overcome them. Through vivid imagery and a simple lesson in aviation, Field explores themes of panic, control, and acceptance. The poem offers a message about facing adversity and finding balance in unexpected ways.

The poem begins by describing how "going into a tailspin in those days meant curtains," meaning it almost inevitably led to a fatal crash. Pilots would struggle to regain control, pulling back on the control stick, but "the nose of the plane wouldn't come up," and they would continue to spiral downward with the "whine of death in the wing struts." Despite their best efforts, aviators would "spiral down and crash."

The instinctive reaction to a tailspin—pulling back on the stick—is actually the wrong approach. Field explains that the "solution to this dreaded aeronautical problem was so simple," but "for years aviators spiraled down and crashed" because they relied on instinct rather than knowledge.

Field presents the solution: "You move the joystick in the direction of the spin / and like a miracle the plane stops turning." Once the plane stops spinning, the pilot can "pull the nose up out of the dive," regaining control.

The poem emphasizes the counterintuitive nature of this solution: "In panic we want to push the stick away from the spin, / wrestle the plane out of it." However, the correct technique is to "go with the turning willingly, / rather than fight, give in, go with it, / and that way come out of your tailspin whole."

The metaphor extends beyond aviation to life's challenges. The instinctive reaction to adversity is often to fight against it, but sometimes acceptance and willingness to "go with it" can provide a way out.

Themes and Interpretation:

1. Panic and Instinct: The poem explores how panic and instinct can lead to ineffective solutions. In a tailspin, the instinctive reaction of pulling back on the stick only worsens the situation.

2. Control and Acceptance: The solution to the tailspin lies in a counterintuitive approach: moving the joystick in the direction of the spin. This requires acceptance of the situation and relinquishing control to regain it.

3. Overcoming Adversity: The tailspin serves as a metaphor for life's challenges. The poem suggests that going with the flow, rather than fighting it, can lead to a resolution.

4. Balance and Counterintuition: The poem highlights the importance of finding balance and adopting unconventional solutions in difficult situations.

Structure and Tone:

The poem is written in free verse, which allows Field to adopt a conversational and instructive tone. The language is straightforward, providing a clear explanation of the aviation problem and its solution. The tone is reflective, offering practical advice that extends beyond aviation.

Conclusion:

"The Tailspin" by Edward Field is a metaphorical exploration of panic, control, and overcoming adversity. By using the aviation metaphor, Field illustrates how counterintuitive solutions can help us regain balance in challenging situations. The poem invites readers to reflect on the value of acceptance, willingness, and unconventional approaches when facing life's difficulties.

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