“Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser

“Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser first appeared in print in 1998, in his collection titled The Knife Thrower: And Other Stories. The story itself is of a masterclass in capturing the essence of childhood imagination and the irresistible allure of the forbidden. It centers around a young boy who discovers the exhilarating freedom of flight aboard a magical carpet, but also confronts the boundaries and potential perils that accompany such power. Millhauser’s masterful use of language evokes a vivid sense of both thrilling adventure and introspective contemplation, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Main Events in “Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser

Literary Devices in “Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser

Literary Device	Definition	Example
Anaphora	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences for emphasis or rhetorical effect.	I was vanishing into blue. I had passed out of sight, I longed for the hardness under green grass.
Anthropomorphism	Assigning human characteristics or behavior to non-human entities, such as animals or objects.	The wooden bottom of the raised window scraped along my back, the sides of the frame pressed against me.
Imagery	Use of descriptive language to create vivid mental images, often appealing to the senses.	The night sky was the color of a dark blue marble I liked to hold up to a bulb in the table lamp.
Irony	Expression of meaning through language that signifies the opposite, often for humorous or dramatic effect.	Beside such stories, my forbidden night journey over the rooftops seemed tame as a stroll.
Metaphor	Comparison between two unlike things to illustrate a shared quality or characteristic without using “like” or “as”.	Maybe it was the fear of never coming back, maybe it was the blue passing into me and soaking me through and through, but a dizziness came over me.
Onomatopoeia	Use of words that imitate the sound they represent.	The chik-chik-chik of crickets through the window screen.
Oxymoron	Pairing of contradictory terms within a phrase or sentence.	Exhilaration and weariness—a weariness like sadness.
Personification	Attribution of human characteristics or emotions to inanimate objects or abstract concepts.	The thought of riding up one escalator and down the next, up one and down the next, while the stairs flattened out or lifted up, filled me with irritation and boredom.
Repetition	Repeating words, phrases, or sentences to emphasize their significance or create a rhythmic effect.	For a long time I looked at that sky before unlocking the window, pushing up the glass and screen.
Simile	Comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as” to illustrate a shared quality or characteristic.	The empty sky was so blue, so richly and thickly blue, that it seemed a thing I ought to be able to feel, like lake water or snow.
Symbolism	Use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts beyond their literal meaning.	The shadow of the swing frame showed sharp and black against the grass.
Allusion	Brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.	The thought of riding up one escalator and down the next, up one and down the next, while the stairs flattened out or lifted up, filled me with irritation and boredom.
Hyperbole	Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, often used for emphasis or effect.	Summers filled with games that intensify and vanish, marking the passage of time.
Foreshadowing	Hinting at events to come later in a narrative.	Because our summers were always ending, and because they lasted forever, we grew impatient with our games, we sought new and more intense ones.
Pathetic Fallacy	Attribution of human emotions or traits to nature, often reflecting or emphasizing characters’ emotions or the mood of a scene.	The night sky was the color of a dark blue marble I liked to hold up to a bulb in the table lamp.
Paradox	Statement that appears self-contradictory or absurd but may contain a latent truth or tension.	Summers were so long that they gradually grew longer than the whole year, they stretched out slowly beyond the edges of our lives, but at every moment of their vastness they were drawing to an end.
Assonance	Repetition of vowel sounds in closely positioned words for poetic effect.	Long spiderwebs like delicate rigging had grown in the dark space, stretching from the rims of barrels to the undersides of the steps.
Euphemism	Substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague term for one considered harsh, blunt, or offensive.	There were no fits of coughing, no itchy eyes, or raw red lines under runny nostrils—only a steady burning, a heavy weariness, lasting three days.
Juxtaposition	Placing two or more elements close together or side by side for comparison or contrast.	The colors were duller than I had expected, less magical—only maroon and green: dark green curlings and loopings against a maroon that was nearly brown.

Characterization in “Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser

Major Character

• The Boy (Unnamed): The protagonist of the story. The narrative focuses on his experiences with the flying carpet, capturing his curiosity, adventurous spirit, initial caution, growing recklessness, fear, and eventual maturity. We learn about him through his thoughts, actions, and interactions with the environment.

Minor Characters

• The Boy’s Mother: A caring figure who worries about her son’s safety. She supervises his initial use of the carpet and expresses concern when he goes on his nighttime flight.
• Joey: The boy’s friend who also has a flying carpet. They enjoy racing each other around the neighborhood. His presence highlights the social aspect of the flying carpet experience and provides a point of comparison for the protagonist’s journey.
• Other Children: Briefly mentioned as using flying carpets in the neighborhood. They contribute to the sense of wonder and establish the flying carpets as a somewhat common element in the boy’s world.

Major Themes in “Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser

1. The Allure and Peril of Exploration: The flying carpets represent the irresistible call of exploration and adventure. The boy is initially cautious but increasingly drawn to pushing boundaries and venturing into the unknown. However, his nighttime flight demonstrates the potential dangers and overwhelming nature of venturing too far beyond his comfort zone.
2. The Power of Imagination: The story emphasizes the power of imagination in shaping the boy’s experience. He dreams of fantastical places based on stories he’s heard, blurring the lines between reality and possibility. This fuels his desire to explore and adds an element of wonder to his adventures.
3. The Transition from Childhood to Maturity: The flying carpets symbolize a stage in the boy’s life where he’s grappling with independence and newfound freedom. However, his experiences highlight the importance of responsibility and the limitations of recklessness. His initial enthusiasm wanes after his scary flight, suggesting a step towards a more mature understanding of the world.
4. The Boundaries of Safety and Comfort: The story explores the tension between the desire for new experiences and the need for safety and security. The boy’s mother represents this tension, initially allowing him to use the carpet but expressing concern about his safety. Ultimately, the boy chooses the familiar comforts of home over the vast emptiness of the unknown sky.

Writing Style in “Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser

• Descriptive Language: Millhauser employs rich and vivid descriptive language to paint detailed mental images for the reader.
• Imagery: He utilizes imagery extensively, appealing to the senses and creating a sensory experience for the reader.
• Metaphorical Language: The author employs metaphorical language to convey deeper meanings and emotions, often comparing abstract concepts to tangible objects or experiences.
• Symbolism: Millhauser makes ample use of symbolism throughout the text, using symbols to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
• Narrative Voice: The narrative voice is nostalgic and reflective, evoking a sense of longing and reminiscence.
• Allusion: The author makes indirect references to various cultural, literary, and historical elements, enriching the text with layers of meaning.
• Repetition: Repetition is used strategically to emphasize key themes and ideas, creating a rhythmic effect within the prose.
• Personification: Objects and elements of nature are often personified, imbuing them with human-like qualities and emotions.
• Irony: There are instances of irony woven throughout the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the storytelling.
• Foreshadowing: Millhauser employs foreshadowing to hint at events to come later in the narrative, building anticipation and suspense.
• Pathetic Fallacy: The author employs pathetic fallacy, attributing human emotions to elements of nature, to reflect or emphasize the characters’ emotions.
• Paradox: Paradoxical statements are used to highlight contradictions or tensions within the narrative, inviting readers to ponder deeper meanings.
• Assonance: Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, is employed to create a musical or rhythmic quality in the prose.
• Euphemism: Euphemistic language is used to soften or mitigate the impact of harsh or unpleasant realities described in the text.
• Juxtaposition: Millhauser juxtaposes different elements or ideas, placing them side by side for comparison or contrast, to highlight thematic contrasts or similarities.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser

Literary Theory	Interpretation
Formalism	Focuses on the text’s formal elements such as structure, style, and language. Analyzes how Millhauser’s use of descriptive language and vivid imagery contributes to the overall meaning and atmosphere of the story.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Explores the characters’ subconscious desires, fears, and motivations. Interprets the protagonist’s attraction to the flying carpets as a manifestation of his desire for escapism and freedom from the constraints of reality.
Feminist Theory	Examines gender roles, power dynamics, and representations of women in the text. Analyzes how female characters, such as the protagonist’s mother, are portrayed and whether they challenge or reinforce traditional gender norms.
Marxist Criticism	Investigates social class, economic inequality, and power structures depicted in the narrative. Explores how the possession and use of flying carpets might symbolize social mobility or the desire for liberation from oppressive societal forces.
Reader-Response Theory	Focuses on the reader’s interpretation and subjective response to the text. Analyzes how individual readers engage with the themes of nostalgia, longing, and escapism presented in the story and how their personal experiences shape their understanding.
Postcolonial Theory	Considers issues of colonialism, imperialism, and cultural identity. Interprets the flying carpets as symbols of exoticism or Orientalism, reflecting Western fantasies of the “Other” and highlighting power imbalances between different cultures and societies.
Structuralism	Examines the underlying structures and patterns within the narrative. Analyzes recurring motifs, symbols, and narrative devices employed by Millhauser to convey themes of childhood innocence, the passage of time, and the longing for transcendence.
Deconstruction	Challenges binary oppositions and explores the text’s inherent contradictions and ambiguities. Interprets the flying carpets as both symbols of liberation and sources of danger or confinement, highlighting the fluidity of meaning and the complexity of human experience.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser

Topics:

• Loss of Innocence
• The Power of Imagination
• Coming of Age
• The Dangers of Curiosity
• The Allure of the Unknown

Questions:

• How does the flying carpet contribute to the boy’s loss of innocence?
• In what ways does the boy’s imagination shape his experiences with the flying carpet?
• How does the story depict the transition from childhood to maturity for the boy?
• How does the story explore the potential dangers associated with curiosity?
• What is the significance of the vast emptiness the boy encounters during his nighttime flight?

Thesis Statements:

• Loss of Innocence: While the flying carpet initially grants the boy a sense of wonder and freedom, it ultimately leads to a loss of innocence as he confronts the dangers and limitations of the unknown.
• Power of Imagination: The boy’s imagination fuels his fascination with the flying carpet and shapes his experiences, blurring the lines between reality and possibility. However, it also contributes to his fear and disorientation during his uncharted flight.
• Coming of Age: Through his adventures with the flying carpet, the boy grapples with newfound independence and the boundaries of safety. His initial enthusiasm gives way to a more mature understanding of responsibility and the importance of familiar comforts.
• Dangers of Curiosity: The boy’s curiosity about the flying carpets leads to exciting adventures, but it also pushes him towards recklessness. His nighttime flight serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of venturing beyond safe limits.
• Allure of the Unknown: The flying carpet embodies the irresistible allure of the unknown for the boy. He is captivated by the possibility of exploration and discovery, but the vast emptiness he encounters during his flight highlights the fear and uncertainty that can accompany venturing beyond the familiar.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser

1. What is the central theme of “Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser? The central theme of “Flying Carpets” revolves around the allure of escapism and the longing for transcendence. The protagonist’s fascination with the magical carpets symbolizes a desire to break free from the monotony of everyday life. For example, when the protagonist describes the sensation of flying over rooftops and streets, it represents a metaphorical journey of liberation from mundane existence.
2. How does the narrative style contribute to the story’s impact? Millhauser’s narrative style in “Flying Carpets” is characterized by vivid imagery and lyrical prose, which immerse readers in the protagonist’s world of childhood wonder. The detailed descriptions of flying experiences evoke a sense of enchantment and evoke nostalgic feelings. For instance, the passage describing the protagonist’s nighttime flight over moonlit rooftops creates a dreamlike atmosphere that enhances the story’s emotional resonance.
3. What role do the flying carpets play in the protagonist’s development? The flying carpets serve as catalysts for the protagonist’s exploration of imagination and self-discovery. Initially, the protagonist views the carpets with curiosity but without fully embracing their potential. However, as he becomes more adventurous, his experiences with the carpets lead to moments of introspection and growth. For example, his nighttime flight symbolizes a metaphorical journey of self-realization and the transcendence of earthly limitations.
4. How does “Flying Carpets” explore the theme of nostalgia? “Flying Carpets” evokes a strong sense of nostalgia through its depiction of childhood memories and the passage of time. The protagonist’s reminiscences of summers past and his longing for the innocence of youth evoke feelings of nostalgia for a bygone era. Additionally, the recurring motif of the protagonist’s return to the carpets in adulthood reflects a nostalgic yearning for the freedom and wonder of childhood. For instance, the protagonist’s reluctance to let go of his childhood fascination with the carpets highlights the enduring power of nostalgia in shaping one’s identity.

Literary Works Similar to “Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser

1. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern Like “Flying Carpets,” “The Night Circus” explores themes of magic, wonder, and escapism. Set in a fantastical circus that appears without warning, the novel follows the lives of two young illusionists who engage in a mysterious competition. Both works captivate readers with their enchanting atmospheres and imaginative storytelling.
2. “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman Neil Gaiman’s novel shares a similar sense of nostalgia and childhood wonder as “Flying Carpets.” Set in rural England, the story follows a middle-aged man who returns to his hometown and recalls his extraordinary childhood encounters with magical beings. Both narratives blend fantasy elements with poignant reflections on memory and identity.
3. “Haroun and the Sea of Stories” by Salman Rushdie Salman Rushdie’s novel offers a whimsical and allegorical tale reminiscent of “Flying Carpets.” Set in a fantastical world threatened by darkness, the story follows a young boy named Haroun on a quest to restore storytelling and save his father’s imagination. Both works celebrate the power of storytelling and imagination to overcome adversity.
4. “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón “The Shadow of the Wind” shares thematic similarities with “Flying Carpets,” particularly in its exploration of mystery, nostalgia, and the power of literature. Set in postwar Barcelona, the novel follows a young boy who discovers a mysterious book that leads him on a journey to uncover dark family secrets. Both works transport readers to richly detailed worlds filled with intrigue and magic.
5. Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi Helen Oyeyemi’s novel offers a blend of fairy tale elements and literary exploration, similar to “Flying Carpets.” Set in 1950s Massachusetts, the story reimagines the Snow White fairy tale through the lens of race, identity, and family secrets. Like “Flying Carpets,” it combines fantastical elements with deeper thematic exploration.

Suggested Readings about/on “Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser

Books:

• Millhauser, Steven. “Flying Carpets.” PARIS REVIEW (1997): 216-224.
• Millhauser, Steven. Martin Dressler: the tale of an American dreamer. Vintage, 2010.
• Ingersoll, Earl G. Understanding Steven Millhauser. Univ of South Carolina Press, 2014.
• Millhauser, Steven. The Knife Thrower: and Other Stories. Vintage, 2010.
• Millhauser, Steven. “The ambition of the short story.” New York Times Book Review 5 (2008).

Articles:

• Fowler, Douglas. “Steven Millhauser, Miniaturist.” Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction 37.2 (1996): 139-148.
• Alexander, Danielle, Pedro Ponce, and Alicita Rodríguez. “Steven Millhauser.” The Review of Contemporary Fiction 26.1 (2006): 7-77.
• Kinzie, Mary. “Succeeding Borges, Escaping Kafka: On the Fiction of Steven Millhauser.” Salmagundi 92 (1991): 115-144.

Websites:

1. Airship Daily: Airship Daily is a blog featuring various literary pieces, essays, and interviews. This particular link leads to an introduction to Steven Millhauser, likely providing insights into his work and possibly his literary style. http://airshipdaily.com/blog/07162014-steven-millhauser-introduction
2. Getty.edu: This website is the online platform for the J. Paul Getty Trust, an organization dedicated to the arts and cultural heritage. The provided link likely presents information about the “Selected Shorts” event of 2013, possibly featuring readings or discussions related to literature or storytelling. https://www.getty.edu/news/getty-presents-selected-shorts-2013/
3. NEH.gov: The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) website hosts various articles and features related to the humanities. The provided link leads to a feature titled “The Otherworldly Malamud,” which likely explores the life and work of author Bernard Malamud, known for his distinctive literary style and themes. https://www.neh.gov/humanities/2014/marchapril/feature/the-otherworldly-malamud

Representative Quotations from “Flying Carpets” by Steven Millhauser

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“In the long summers of my childhood, games flared up suddenly, burned to a brightness, and vanished forever.”	The narrator reflects on the fleeting nature of childhood experiences and the nostalgia associated with them.	Captures the ephemeral essence of childhood, evoking a sense of longing for innocence and spontaneity.
“I first saw the carpets in the back yards of other neighborhoods.”	The narrator recalls first noticing the flying carpets in neighboring yards, initially regarding them with casual interest.	Introduces the concept of the flying carpets, marking the beginning of the narrator’s fascination and curiosity.
“At night I kept it rolled up in the narrow space at the foot of my bed…”	Describes the routine of storing the carpet at night, highlighting its presence in the narrator’s everyday life.	Emphasizes the intimacy between the narrator and the carpet, portraying it as a cherished possession and a source of comfort.
“I rose high above Joey as he passed over the top of the swing…”	The narrator experiences the thrill of flying on the carpet alongside their friend Joey, exploring the neighborhood from above.	Captures the exhilaration and freedom of flying, contrasting with the mundanity of everyday life on the ground.
“I had heard tales of other voyages, out beyond the ends of the town, high up into the clouds.”	The narrator recalls rumors of fantastical journeys taken on flying carpets, fueling their imagination with visions of distant lands and mythical creatures.	Reflects the allure of the unknown and the limitless possibilities of the imagination, suggesting a longing for adventure and escapism.
“In the blue night I sailed over the back yard…”	The narrator embarks on a nighttime flight on the carpet, exploring the town from above under the cover of darkness.	Evokes a sense of magic and wonder, depicting the transformative experience of flying through the night sky.
“Below my carpet I saw only blue…”	The narrator loses themselves in the vast expanse of the sky during their flight, feeling engulfed by the endless blue around them.	Conveys a sense of disorientation and awe in the face of the infinite, reflecting existential contemplation.
“At dinner I could scarcely keep my eyes open…”	After their exhilarating flight, the narrator experiences fatigue and illness, struggling to stay awake during dinner.	Highlights the physical and emotional toll of the narrator’s adventures, suggesting a longing for the return to normalcy.
“One rainy day when I was in my room looking for a slipper, I found my rolled-up carpet under the bed.”	The narrator rediscovers the carpet amidst the clutter of their room, symbolizing a return to the mundane realities of everyday life.	Represents a moment of disillusionment as the narrator confronts the limitations of their imagination.
“Through a high window I could see the snow slanting down…”	The narrator reflects on finding the carpet in the cellar during a snowy afternoon, juxtaposing the magic of the carpet with the starkness of winter.	Suggests a sense of closure as the narrator reconciles childhood fantasies with the realities of adulthood, symbolized by the changing seasons and the passage of time.