EN 102, Effectiveness in Writing
by James Landrith
In his 1973 novel, celebrated author Tom Wolfe painted a vivid picture of the American military pilots who helped pioneer the United States space program. These seven men risked their health and sometimes their lives in pursuit of glory, speed and endurance. They gave all they had to give and then gave more. Their exciting journeys from experimental flight pilots to finally breaking free of Earth’s gravity inspired Wolfe to illustrate the concept of “the right stuff” through their struggles, triumphs and defeats.
The Right Stuff, as described by author Tom Wolfe, is clearly meant to be considered a virtue of the highest order. It is presented as that almost indefinable something that separates the men from the boys.
Early in the book, Wolfe uses the backdrop of military flight training to demonstrate an example of “the right stuff.” According to Wolfe, those fortunate to possess “the right stuff” shared an “ineffable quality.” This quality, according to the author, was bravery. However, it wasn’t simply “being willing to risk your life” that Wolfe considered “the right stuff” (17). As he pointed out, “any fool could do that.” Rather, it was the willingness to risk life and limb consistently and almost humbly, day after day in pursuit of glory that he associated with those possessing “the right stuff.”
In another example, Wolfe discusses the patriotism of military pilots as an element of “the right stuff” (92). For instance, the author goes into detail about the combat experiences and distinguished flying crosses received by some of the seven men selected for the Mercury Project. Further, Wolfe illustrates the self-sacrifice of these men through their willingness to spend extended periods of time away from their families in the service of their country. The author’s assertion that “military flying was hard on home life” is an understatement at best. These men spent years in the military, with some of that time in combat. They missed anniversaries, birthdays, births and other special events in the lives of their families. For the military pilot, this sacrifice was a voluntary one, an example of “the right stuff.”
Military pilots, according Wolfe, weren’t just recklessly brave (148). Bravery alone is not a component of “the right stuff.” As the author points out, “a man should have the ability to go up in a hurtling piece of machinery and put his hide on the line and have the moxie, the reflexes, the experience, the coolness, to pull it back at the last yawning moment.” Clearly, this means more than bravery. Again, Wolfe’s point is that “the right stuff” is about intellect, courage and grace under pressure, not simple willingness to risk one’s life.
Late in his book, Wolfe goes on to describe “the right stuff” as having a “presence” and an “aura” (277). In particular, the author is talking about Senator John Glenn being “the sort of mortal who brought tears to other men’s eyes” (279.) Wolfe mentions that such hardened men as those who wore the uniform of a New York City policeman were moved to tears after seeing Glenn and the other astronauts paraded through Manhattan. In 1992, I met Senator Glenn, while I served as in the Office of the Legislative Assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. I can still remember the feeling of being in the presence of greatness. It was, as Wolfe, described an “aura.” During my tenure at Headquarters Marine Corps, I met many dignitaries and VIPs from all walks of life and several nations, but none stood out as strongly as Senator John Glenn. Wolfe nailed it when he described this “aura” of the “right stuff.”
In conclusion, Wolfe’s presentation of “the right stuff” is about more than a simple trait or an expression of endurance. It is about more than self-sacrifice or patriotism. The “right stuff” is a combination of all those things and more. It’s a certain indefinable “aura” or “presence.” I’ve experienced it firsthand in the presence of Senator Glenn. It is there, even though it lacks a simple, easy to state definition. The men of the Mercury Project had it. They were courageous, patriotic and willing to go that extra mile over and over again. They had “the right stuff” and it was obvious, even if a clean, easy definition is not.
Wolfe’s book chronicles the early years of the American space program, as seen through the struggles and victories of the men who lived it.
[goodreviews isbn=”9780553381351″]