"Flight" by Doris Lessing is a short story that explores the theme of escape and the consequences of choosing to leave one's past behind. The story follows a woman named Mary, who has left her husband and children behind in order to start a new life in Africa with her lover, John.
The story begins with Mary sitting on a plane, reflecting on her decision to leave her old life behind. She is nervous and unsure about her future, but also excited at the prospect of starting over in a new place. As the plane takes off, Mary watches the landscape below her fade away, symbolizing the distance she is putting between herself and her past.
As the plane continues on its journey, Mary reflects on the events that led up to her decision to leave. She remembers the arguments with her husband and the feeling of being trapped in a loveless marriage. She also thinks about her children and the guilt she feels for leaving them behind. Despite these doubts and regrets, Mary ultimately decides that she cannot go back and must move forward with her new life.
The story takes a dramatic turn when the plane experiences technical difficulties and is forced to make an emergency landing in the desert. Mary is forced to confront the reality of her situation and the risks she has taken in leaving her old life behind. As she waits for rescue, she begins to understand the true cost of her decision to escape.
In the end, Mary is rescued and returns home, but her experience in the desert has changed her. She no longer sees her old life as the prison it once seemed and instead appreciates the love and support of her husband and children. Mary has learned that escape is not always the solution to one's problems and that sometimes it is necessary to face and overcome challenges in order to grow and move forward.
Overall, "Flight" is a thought-provoking story that highlights the complexities of escape and the importance of facing one's problems head-on. It encourages readers to consider the true cost of running away from their problems and to think about the potential consequences of their actions.