Erica Jong and daughter Molly Jong-Fast reflect on 'Fear of Flying'
Dec 15, 2023
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Author Erica Jong and daughter Molly Jong-Fast reflect on the controversial novel Fear of Flying. They discuss the constraints women faced, the impacts of marriage on creative expression, and the enduring relevance of the book 50 years later. They also touch on second-wave feminism and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Fear of Flying challenged societal expectations of women and sparked discussions about marriage, independence, and women's creativity.
Fear of Flying played a crucial role in empowering women by addressing choice, bodily autonomy, and equality.
Deep dives
The Controversy and Impact of Fear of Flying
Fear of Flying, written by Erica Jong, caused controversy upon its release due to its portrayal of a woman who pursued sex freely. The novel captured the sexual revolution and the changing roles of women during that time. Despite being fictional, the book was transparently autobiographical, which had a significant impact on Erica Jong's life. The main character's liberation challenged societal expectations of women, and the book sparked discussions about marriage, independence, and the limitations placed on women's creativity.
Reflecting on Second Wave Feminism and Fear of Flying's Legacy
The release of Fear of Flying in 1973 coincided with the feminist movement's prominent second wave. As Erica Jong's daughter, Molly Jong-Fast, points out, second wave feminism had its successes and failures. However, Fear of Flying played a crucial role in empowering women by addressing the importance of choice, bodily autonomy, and equality. Molly Jong-Fast discusses how the book reflects the tremendous progress made since its publication, including legalized abortion and increased independence for women. The re-release of the book prompts a reflection on the gains and potential setbacks for women's rights in today's society.
Personal Reflections and the Timeless Relevance of Fear of Flying
As Erica Jong's daughter, Molly Jong-Fast has a unique perspective on Fear of Flying but admits feeling uncomfortable reading the book because of its autobiographical elements. Molly highlights the book's impact on readers who sought relationship advice or guidance on navigating their roles as women. While acknowledging the book's limitations in terms of intersectionality, she emphasizes its lasting impact on the way society thinks about sex, liberation, and the importance of gender equality. Molly urges readers to view Fear of Flying as a time capsule that captures the trajectory of feminism and reminds us of the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead.
This year, the novel Fear of Flying — which broke all sorts of unwritten rules around marriage, sex, and women's bodily autonomy when first published — turned 50 years old. So for today's episode, we dug up a 1973 interview with author Erica Jong and NPR's Steven Banker where Jong speaks frankly about the constraints women felt at the time about making art, and how their husbands would be perceived as a result. Then, NPR's Sarah McCammon speaks with Jong's daughter, Molly Jong-Fast, about the legacy of Fear of Flying, second-wave feminism and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.