The line “The fish are like a huge flag waved first one way and then the other in a figure of eight” symbolizes the pilot's internal conflict. The fish represent life—what he stands to lose by committing suicide—but the flag evokes patriotism and the expected sacrifice for his country. The figure of eight enriches the symbolism: as the infinity sign, it signifies eternal death, juxtaposed with the potential immortality of heroism. This shape also mirrors his journey, physically and emotionally, as he flies out to complete his mission, changes his mind, and returns.
