Verified Document

Right Stuff The Meaning Of Essay

A bold undercurrent presumably aligns with a dedication to procedure, diligence and professionalism to create the perfect specimen of an astronaut. Indeed, the American space program would be deeply implicated by its role in the Cold War. America's military security and psychological pride hinged very much on the success with which the program was executed and reflected in the media. The role of astronaut, which placed those selected in the public eye and with a significant weight resting on their shoulders, also suggested that the 'right stuff' earning this role was something more intangible akin to terms such as the 'American Dream' and 'democracy.' As Wolfe portrays the men in question, we find that these are the antecedent to the Soviet archetype so bitterly opposed. Stellar athletes and model citizens, yet imbued with a human element allowing them to resonate as heroes with the adoring American population. The individuals selected for this rarified and adored service were to carry not just this crucial series of missions but the very image of their nation and people into the stratosphere. Thus, the characteristics defining these men are shown to be lofty and simultaneously unassuming.

Ultimately, however, the 'right stuff' earns a definition which, for all of its metaphorical haziness, comes closest to capturing the author's intent, and perhaps...

Cutting to the core of the calculated risk inherent in space travel, Wolfe contends that "that unmentionable stuff, after all, involved a man hanging his hide out over the bridge in a hurtling piece of machinery." (Wolfe, 195) Though perhaps the least institutionalized or refined of understandings, this is nonetheless the most genuine of passages related to the explicit definition of the 'right stuff.' Reinforced by the unfathomable perils and the stolid dedication faced and invoked respectively in the protagonists of Wolfe's faithful account, the ever-elusive set of qualities is that rare intercession of fearlessness and brilliance which drives every great man forward.
Certainly, a characteristic which America has often sought to project of itself, the space program and the men chosen to execute its dangerous endeavors would be intended to demonstrate the best of the nation's creativity, ingenuity and sheer determination to reach its projected ambitions. Thus, perhaps it is conclusive to resolve that the 'right stuff' is in fact a homegrown American quality of personality and steadfastness that, by the belief of the program's administrators and participants, made the nation and its people the best and most able in the world.

Works Cited

Wolfe, T. (1979). The Right Stuff. Farrar, Straus & Giroux.

Sources used in this document:
Works Cited

Wolfe, T. (1979). The Right Stuff. Farrar, Straus & Giroux.
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

School System Places the Right
Words: 3575 Length: 12 Document Type: Essay

Here, the information processing theory applies to the manner in which the board induces a multilayered engagement of the subject matter. The correlation of conceptual and practical application with a visual presentation conforms to the information processing idea that "information is stored in multiple locations throughout the brain in the form of networks of connections. It is consistent with the levels-of-processing approach in that the more connections to a

Digital Rights
Words: 2611 Length: 8 Document Type: Term Paper

Digital Copyright problem of the Digital Age is that while information is easy and economical to publish and disseminate, exploitation of digital copyright and intellectual property rights remains a contentious issue. The question of who owns the right to digital information is one of the most hotly contested issues on the Web today. The subject of intellectual and digital copyright is fast becoming a topic that is expected to have

Gun Control Right to Bear Arms
Words: 2811 Length: 9 Document Type: Essay

Embedded into the express rights and freedoms of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights is the right to bear arms. The Second Amendment states explicitly the purpose for its existence: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." The Second Amendment is not, as may be commonly believed, uniquely

Memoirist's Commitment to the Truth
Words: 702 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

It is about impression and feeling, about individual recollection. This memoir is a combination of facts about my life and certain embellishments. It is a subjective truth, altered by the mind of a recovering drug addict and alcoholic" (Frey 2006). Defenders of Frey were even more explicit in noting that telling a good story and creating a vivid image in the mind of a reader often demands the use of

Zinsser, William. Writing About Your
Words: 580 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

Source C Roberts, Rev. Dr. Mark D. "Oprah, James Frey, and the Question of Truth" markdroberts.com. 30 January 2006. Tone: Moralistic Claim: James Frey's book is fraudulent and should never have been published. Purpose: To explain his outrage at Frey's misrepresentation and the publisher's lack of fact-checking. Important information in the title: Frey's supposedly inspirational and gut-wrenching story was prominently featured on Oprah's book club and became a best seller. Important info in the background material: The

Newfoundlandese, if You Please by Diane Mooney
Words: 2617 Length: 10 Document Type: Essay

Newfoundlandese, if You Please" by Diane Mooney brings into attention the existence of diversity in Newfoundland, in the form of linguistic differences and variation. This unique variation of linguistic diversity in Newfoundland is reflected on the fact that it carries with it its history of Irish, English, British, and French influence in its speech. Inevitably, of course, Mooney points out how these foreign European influences through language have helped

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now