"With All Flags Flying?" 3-17-92

   The Expression "With All Flags Flying" means to come out of battle victorious. However, it does not mean victorious alone. It also means to come out with honor and your pride intact.
   In my opinion, Mr. Carpenter came out with his "flags flying." To start with, he is an independent man.  He is a survivor and because of that he could be described as uncompassionate in that he is a self contained individual.  He is not a stereotypical old man who sits around thinking of the past.  Instead, he tries to think of the present and even the future. He had the idea of moving to the retirement home when he could no longer care for himself. His philosophy of life is that you are born, you marry, you have kids, you watch your kids grow, and finally you die.  If you live long and don't suffer and your kids are successful, you can consider your life to be a good one.
   Mr. Carpenter's reasons for not living with his family, in my opinion, is not that he is afraid he will be a burden, but rather he does not want to be treated like he is special.  He doesn't want to be humored by his children asking him questions when he knows they really don't care about the answers.  He especially doesn't want to be treated like a child by his own children. He has made up his mind and he is going to live by his convictions.
    The family's intentions are noble.  I think they feel he is angry with them or he doesn't feel welcome in their home.  The daughter feels especially bitter because he would rather be cared for by strangers than by family.
    Mr. Carpenter does win his battle by withstanding his family's attacks with plans and supplications.  He finally moves into the home.  However, the victory is not recognized by others. His roommate doesn't exactly believe that Mr. Carpenter wanted to move into the home. At the end Mr. Carpenter, in full victory, is able to effectively end his life, although he is still physically alive, and complete his pattern of life.  He is set on leaving this world with as few possessions and responsibilities as possible."