This is a summary of the some of the symbols used in The Theory of Flight by Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu. It is a part of the IEB Grade 12 ENglish syllabus. This summary includes symbols that can be used as evidence for arguments in essays. Short explanations of the symbols are well as evidence is includ...
Theory of Flight – Symbols
Flight
o Flight is represented in the concept of Golide Gumede building a plane.
o It symbolizes the lack of progression in post-colonial societies due to fear and
hopelessness.
o Golide’s dreams are needed to inspire people and allow them to believe it is
possible for them to achieve, despite the colonial narrative placed on them.
o “A lot of people. Many people don't believe we that we can fly. Many people need to
believe that we can fly.”
o “People would need to know that they are capable of flight.”
The Sunflowers
o The sunflowers represent the regeneration after death or tragedy. Genie’s
connection to them links to the idea that she can make something of her life despite
her trauma and difficulties.
o “That after there is life again, that things that perish will rise again, that after every
ending there is another beginning.”
o Furthermore, they link to her need to develop roots. She finds a places she belongs
and it is her home.
o “Rooting her in place.”
The Beauford Farm & Estate
o The Beauford Farm & Estate represents the society in which they live. It is first a
prime example of colonization, then under Beatrice is becomes a commune of unity
and happiness but it is later destroyed by the government and left only as a fragile
skeleton of what it once was.
o This mirrors the state of country before war, directly after and a decades
later.
o However, in the end it is left to the survivors, perhaps to represent a hope for
a brighter future.
Genie’s Suitcase
o Genie carries her suitcase containing the clothes and toys made by her parents
throughout her life.
o It represents her link to them, and the belonging she felt when she was with
them.
o It is all she takes when she leaves the Masukus’ house, indicating she felt there is
nothing there that is hers as she never truly belonged.
o It is almost buried in her coffin instead of her body, as Vida sees it as an extension of
Genie, however he changes his mind last minute and keeps it.
o “There is courage and letting Genie go … There is courage, too, in not letting
Genie go entirely.”
The Golden Egg
o Genie is told she was born from a shiny golden egg, that she came from something
beautiful and precious.
o This results in Genie being a self-assured and confident person who does not
require the approval of anyone.
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