Soaring Through Stories: A Deep Dive into The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton

Introduction: A Tapestry of Tales That Defy Gravity

Have you ever read a book that lingers in your soul long after you’ve turned the last page? The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales by Virginia Hamilton is one such masterpiece. This collection of Black American folktales isn’t just a book—it’s a living, breathing testament to resilience, imagination, and the unbreakable spirit of a people. Whether you’re a folklore enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a lover of powerful storytelling, this book will leave you spellbound.

Hamilton, a celebrated author and folklorist, weaves together stories of magic, survival, and liberation, each one carrying the weight of history and the lightness of dreams. But what makes this collection truly extraordinary? Let’s take flight into its pages and find out.

Plot Summary: A Journey Through Myth and Memory

The People Could Fly is a collection of 24 folktales, each one a gem polished by generations of oral tradition. The stories range from trickster tales (featuring the infamous Brer Rabbit) to haunting ghost stories and soaring legends of enslaved Africans who reclaim their freedom through flight.

The titular story, The People Could Fly, is the crown jewel of the collection. It tells of enslaved people who remember their ancestral ability to fly—a metaphor for spiritual and physical liberation. When the weight of oppression becomes unbearable, an elder whispers the secret words, and one by one, they rise into the sky, leaving their chains behind.

Other standout tales include:

  • “Bruh Alligator and Bruh Deer” – A cunning alligator outsmarts a boastful deer.
  • “Wiley, His Mama, and the Hairy Man” – A boy and his mother face a terrifying supernatural foe.
  • “John and the Devil’s Daughter” – A clever man outwits the devil himself.

Each story is a window into a world where wit triumphs over brute force, where magic exists just beneath the surface of reality, and where the oppressed find ways—literal and symbolic—to escape their bonds.

Characters: Heroes, Tricksters, and Spirits

Hamilton’s characters are vibrant, larger-than-life figures who embody the struggles and triumphs of Black American history.

  • The Enslaved Who Fly – These characters represent the unbreakable human spirit. Their flight is both a literal escape and a metaphor for spiritual resistance.
  • Brer Rabbit – The quintessential trickster, always using his wits to outsmart stronger foes. His stories are humorous yet carry deep lessons about survival under oppression.
  • Wiley and His Mama – A mother-son duo whose cleverness protects them from the monstrous Hairy Man, symbolizing the dangers lurking in a hostile world.

What makes these characters unforgettable is their depth—they’re not just archetypes but fully realized beings who laugh, struggle, and dream.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: A Masterful Blend of Oral and Literary Tradition

Hamilton’s prose is lyrical yet accessible, capturing the rhythm and cadence of oral storytelling. She doesn’t just tell these tales—she performs them on the page.

  • Dialect & Authenticity – Some stories use African American Vernacular English (AAVE), grounding them in cultural authenticity. This might challenge some readers initially, but it adds richness to the experience.
  • Illustrations by Leo & Diane Dillon – The stunning artwork enhances the magical realism of the tales, making this a feast for both the eyes and the imagination.

Hamilton’s genius lies in making folklore feel immediate and alive, as if you’re sitting by a fire listening to a gifted storyteller.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: Freedom, Resistance, and the Power of Story

At its core, The People Could Fly is about:

  • Liberation – The flying motif recurs as a symbol of escaping oppression, whether through literal flight, cunning, or sheer will.
  • Resilience – These stories were born in the crucible of slavery and Jim Crow, yet they’re filled with humor, hope, and defiance.
  • The Importance of Oral Tradition – Folktales were a way for enslaved people to preserve their culture, pass down wisdom, and imagine a better world.

Hamilton doesn’t shy away from the brutality of history, but she balances it with the enduring power of imagination.

Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Stays With You

Reading The People Could Fly was an emotional journey. Some stories made me laugh out loud (Brer Rabbit’s antics are timeless), while others left me in quiet awe (the image of people soaring into the sky is hauntingly beautiful).

The most striking thing? These tales don’t feel like relics of the past—they feel urgent, relevant, and deeply human.

Comparisons to Other Works

If you enjoyed:

  • Uncle Remus Tales (but wanted a more authentic, less problematic version)
  • The Annotated African American Folktales (edited by Henry Louis Gates Jr.)
  • Roots by Alex Haley (for its historical depth)

…then The People Could Fly will resonate with you.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

✅ Strengths:

  • Exquisite storytelling that honors African American oral tradition.
  • Stunning illustrations that elevate the reading experience.
  • A perfect blend of fantasy, history, and cultural preservation.

❌ Minor Weaknesses:

  • Some readers may struggle with the dialect in certain stories.
  • A few tales feel brief—you’ll wish they were longer!

Who Should Read This Book?

  • Folklore lovers – A must-read for anyone interested in myth and oral tradition.
  • Educators & Parents – A powerful way to teach history through storytelling.
  • Fans of Magical Realism – If you love Toni Morrison or Gabriel García Márquez, you’ll appreciate these tales.

Memorable Quotes

“They say the people could fly. Say that long ago in Africa, some of the people knew magic.”

“Wiley knew the Hairy Man couldn’t stand to be tricked. He’d get so mad he’d shake the trees.”

Cultural & Historical Context

These stories were born from the trauma of slavery but transformed into acts of resistance. They provided comfort, coded messages for escape, and a way to keep African traditions alive in a hostile land. Hamilton’s retellings ensure these voices are never forgotten.

Final Verdict: A Timeless Treasure

The People Could Fly is more than a book—it’s a living piece of history, a celebration of Black resilience, and a testament to the power of stories to set us free. Whether you read it for the folklore, the history, or the sheer beauty of its prose, this is a book that will stay with you forever.

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Discussion Question: Which folktale from history or your own culture has stayed with you the most? Share in the comments!

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