“We” · Chapter
X: New York to Paris explained
Lindbergh describes the final preparations and takeoff from Roosevelt Field on May 20, 1927, the flight across the Atlantic, and his overwhelming reception in Paris, Belgium, and England.
What happens
Lindbergh describes the final preparations and takeoff from Roosevelt Field on May 20, 1927, the flight across the Atlantic, and his overwhelming reception in Paris, Belgium, and England. He recounts the chaos at Le Bourget, the kindness of Ambassador Herrick, and his gratitude for the warm welcomes. The chapter concludes with his return to America aboard the cruiser Memphis and his emotional homecoming in Washington, New York, and St. Louis.
Themes in this chapter
Pioneering Spirit and Aviation
Lindbergh's solo flight across the Atlantic embodies the pioneering spirit of aviation, pushing the boundaries of human flight.
International Friendship and Diplomacy
The warm receptions in France, Belgium, and England highlight the diplomatic goodwill and international friendship generated by the flight.
Risk, Sacrifice, and Perseverance
Lindbergh's careful planning, sleepless night, and hazardous weather conditions underscore the risks and perseverance required for the flight.
Characters to notice
- Charles Lindbergh
Narrator and protagonist; describes his takeoff, flight, and receptions in Europe and America.
- Myron T. Herrick
U.S. Ambassador to France; invites Lindbergh to stay at the Embassy and provides guidance during the Paris visit.
- Ambassador Houghton
U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom; informs Lindbergh of President Coolidge's decision to send the cruiser Memphis for his return.
- Admiral Burrage
Vice Admiral who meets Lindbergh at Cherbourg and welcomes him aboard the Memphis.
- Madame Nungesser
Mentioned as the mother of French aviator Nungesser, whose loss is recalled in the context of the French welcome.
Key passages
“For nearly half an hour I was unable to touch the ground, during which time I was ardently carried around in what seemed to be a very small area, and in every position it is possible to be in.”
The crowd lifted and passed me around for about thirty minutes, holding me aloft in all sorts of positions.
Describes the chaotic but enthusiastic welcome at Le Bourget.
“If the French people had been acclaiming their own gallant airmen, Nungesser and Coli, who were lost only after fearlessly departing in the face of conditions insurmountably greater than those that confronted me, their enthusiastic welcome and graciousness could not have been greater.”
The French welcomed me as warmly as if I were their own lost heroes Nungesser and Coli, who had faced far greater dangers.
Lindbergh humbly compares his reception to that which would have been given to the missing French aviators.
“I am not an author by profession, and my pen could never express the gratitude which I feel towards the American people.”
I lack the writing skill to fully convey my thankfulness to the American public.
Lindbergh expresses humility about his ability to describe his gratitude.