The Theory of Flight study note covers the entire novel in depth, gives insight on all the motifs and themes in the novel as well as provides quotes and practice questions for essays.
How to write a 'Theory of Flight' essay for the IEB English Paper II exam
The Theory of Flight - Quotes Page
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English Home Language
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The Theory of Flight
[Study Notes]
, 2
Table of Contents
Setting…………………………………………………………………………… 3
Synopsis…………………………………………………………………………..4
Structure………………………………………………………………………….7
Timeline………………………………………………………………………….9
Characters………………………………………………………………………18
Themes…………………………………………………………………………..23
Symbols…………………………………………………………………………..34
Quotes…..…………………………………………………………………………49
Lily Ngulube
, 3
Setting
The Theory of Flight is a story set in an unnamed country in the southern regions of
Africa. While the location is not mentioned, it can be assumed that the story is set in
Zimbabwe (formerly known as Rhodesia). The events such as Victoria Falls, Bob
Marley’s performance at the independence celebration, the shooting of the Viscount by
rebels, operation gukurahundi (the annihilation of Matabele people in rural areas of
Zimbabwe), links the story’s setting to Zimbabwe/Rhodesia.
Lily Ngulube
, 4
Synopsis
The Theory of Flight tells the story of Imogen Zula Nyoni or Genie. Her story is told
against the backdrop of the tumultuous transition from colonialism to independence of
an unnamed African country.
Prologue
The story begins with Genie’s death. Upon her death, Genie is seen to “fly away on a
giant pair of silver wings”, leaving behind her heart that had “calcified into the most
precious and beautiful something onlookers had ever seen.
The miraculous manner in which Genie dies is said to be the result of a culmination of
“genealogies”, knowing and dying. The prologue introduces us to a story with multiple
themes, each of which circulating around two subjects. A country transitioning from
colonialism to independence and the story of Imogen Zula Nyoni.
Golide Gumede’s fascination with flight
The story begins with a description of Bains Tikiti and how he passed on his
fascination for aeroplanes to his son (Livingstone Stanley Tikiti later known as Golide
Gumede). Golide Gumede had a fascination with flight from a very young age. This
Lily Ngulube
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