“We” · Chapter
List of Illustrations explained
A catalog of photographs and illustrations documenting Charles Lindbergh's early life, the construction and flight of the Spirit of St.
What happens
A catalog of photographs and illustrations documenting Charles Lindbergh's early life, the construction and flight of the Spirit of St. Louis, and the subsequent celebrations and honors in Paris, London, Brussels, Washington D.C., New York, and St. Louis.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Resolution.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when Lindbergh, having just survived the transatlantic flight and the chaotic Paris…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Pioneering Spirit and Aviation
The illustrations emphasize the aircraft, navigation charts, and the historic flight itself.
- International Friendship and Diplomacy
Depictions of Lindbergh with French, Belgian, and British dignitaries highlight the diplomatic goodwill generated by the flight.
- The American Dream and Immigrant Heritage
Lindbergh's rise from a midwestern military school to international acclaim reflects the American Dream.
Characters to notice
- Charles Lindbergh
Central figure in all illustrations, depicted from childhood through the transatlantic flight and subsequent honors.
- Mrs. Evangeline Lindbergh
Appears in illustrations with her son, including at the gangplank in Washington D.C.
- Myron T. Herrick
Ambassador Herrick appears in multiple Paris illustrations, welcoming Lindbergh.
- Raymond Orteig
Presented the $25,000 check and medal to Lindbergh in New York.
- Charles Evans Hughes
Conferred the Cross of Honor from the United States Flag Association in Washington D.C.
- M. Bleriot
Hosted a luncheon in Paris and is shown in a salutation illustration.
Key passages
““We” Father and son Madison, WI —Instructor and classmates in a mid-western military school”
An early photograph shows Lindbergh as a boy with his father and later as a student at a military school in the Midwest.
Illustration caption highlighting Lindbergh's youth and education.
“Curtiss Field, L. I. —Captain René Fonck wishes Lindbergh the best of luck”
At Curtiss Field, French aviator René Fonck bids Lindbergh good luck before the flight.
Shows camaraderie among aviators before the historic takeoff.
“Paris, France—A salutation from M. Bleriot”
In Paris, Lindbergh receives a greeting from Louis Blériot, the first person to fly across the English Channel.
Symbolic passing of the torch between aviation pioneers.
“London, England—With H.R.H. the Prince of Wales and Lord Lonsdale (left) in the royal box at the Derby Ball”
Lindbergh attends the Derby Ball in London, seated in the royal box with the Prince of Wales and Lord Lonsdale.
Illustrates Lindbergh's social reception by British royalty.
“Washington DC —Charles Evans Hughes confers the Cross of Honor from the United States Flag Association”
In Washington, former Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes awards Lindbergh the Cross of Honor.
Official recognition of Lindbergh's achievement by a patriotic organization.
