Night Flight: Analysis of Major Characters
"Night Flight" is a narrative that revolves around the complex dynamics of aviation, particularly focusing on the characters involved in an air-mail service. The central figure, Rivière, is the director of this service, whose unwavering commitment to establishing night flying as a regular practice often comes across as harsh and callous due to his strict discipline. This rigidity is challenged when pilot Fabien, along with his wireless operator, finds themselves lost in a storm, leading to their tragic demise. Through this event, Rivière's deep concern for his men is revealed, illustrating that his stern exterior masks a profound dedication to their safety and mission.
Other notable characters include Robineau, an inspector who initially struggles with Rivière’s impersonal approach but gains insight into Rivière’s true intentions after the loss of Fabien. Pellerin is another pilot who survives the storm, contrasting the fate of Fabien. Furthermore, Fabien's bride, Mme Fabien, embodies the personal sacrifices associated with the perilous nature of aviation, ultimately understanding the heavy toll that such a profession demands. The narrative explores themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the emotional burdens carried by those involved in high-risk professions.
Night Flight: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
First published: Vol de nuit, 1931 (English translation, 1932)
Genre: Novel
Locale: South America
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: Early 1930's
Rivière (ree-VYAY), the director of an air-mail service. Completely dedicated to making night flying regular in spite of all its attendant dangers, he imposes on his men a rigid discipline that is taken for callousness. When Fabien and his wireless operator are lost in a storm, Rivière's deep concern reveals that his unbending severity springs not from any lack of feeling for his pilots but from a complete sense of consecration to his mission.
Fabien (fah-BYAHN), a pilot. On a night flight carrying the mail from Patagonia to Buenos Aires, he and his wireless operator enter a violent storm and are lost. Their deaths prompt the revelation of Rivière's real concern for his pilots in spite of his severe demands on them.
Robineau (roh-bee-NOH), the inspector. Inclined to make friends with the pilots, he resents Rivière's undeviating discipline and insistence that the supervisors maintain complete impersonality toward those whom they may have to send to their deaths. Only after Fabien is lost does he realize Rivière's real concern for his men and experience a sense of communion with him.
Pellerin (peh-leh-RAN), a pilot who comes safely through the great storm in which Fabien is lost.
Mme Fabien, Fabien's bride of six weeks, who hears from Rivière of the enormous price men must pay to conquer the skies. She understands.
Roblet (roh-BLAY), an old former pilot.