Essay Questions

How does the reader learn that politicians are after satisfying their interests in the novel Flight to Canada?

Ishmael Reed focuses on the double standards of some of the protuberant politicians. Most of the politicians give promises to their electorates which they do not fulfill. For instance, Creed depicts the character of Abraham Lincoln as a politician who does not keep his word. Many view him as the protector of the slaves but on the contrary, he is camouflaging as the slave protector to gain political mileage. He is saying that all slaves must be freed but on the other hand he is asking for financial help from Swille who one of the notorious slave owners. Therefore, as long as Lincoln is seeking financial assistance from the southerner slave owners, the war on slavery cannot be won.

What makes the South Americans richer than their northern counterparts according to the novel Flight to Canada?

The novel Flight to Canada was written by Ishmael Creed in the 18th century when the South was predominantly an agricultural territory. Most of the southerners owned large tracks of land with many slaves. Slaves provided cheap labor which gave the southerners a competitive advantage over the North. Therefore, the South American farmers emerged as the wealthiest people on earth. A good example is Swille who even financed North American politicians such as Lincoln.

Are some of the happenings in the novel Flight to Canada ironic?

The reader recognizes that this novel was written by Creed in the 18th century. However, it sounds sardonic that the author leaves South America to Canada using a flight an era when planes are not yet invented. The author also narrates his experience with yachts and watching television. These events leave the reader astonished because he does not figure out the possibility of these things happening in the 18th century.