THEORY OF FLIGHT EXAMPLE ESSAYS
@STUDYNOTESBYM
, Theory of Flight Essay Structure
INTRODUCTION
• Provide a powerful thesis statement that answers to the topic given
• Write a few sentences about your topic to elaborate
• Provide any necessary definitions relating to the topic
• Introduce the main points that you will be discussing in the body paragraphs
• Provide a short sentence that concludes the introduction
1st BODY PARAGRAPH
• Clear topic sentence- the topic sentence introduces the theme that you will be
discussing in the paragraph
• Paraphrase/ explain your topic sentence
• Give examples, explanations and quotes from the novel that support your ideas
• Clear concluding sentence- make sure it links your theme to the topic given
2ND BODY PARAGRAPH
• Clear topic sentence- the topic sentence introduces the theme that you will be
discussing in the paragraph
• Paraphrase/ explain your topic sentence
• Give examples, explanations and quotes from the novel that support your ideas
• Clear concluding sentence- make sure it links your theme to the topic given
3RD BODY PARAGRAPH
• Clear topic sentence- the topic sentence introduces the theme that you will be
discussing in the paragraph
• Paraphrase/ explain your topic sentence
• Give examples, explanations and quotes from the novel that support your ideas
• Clear concluding sentence- make sure it links your theme to the topic given
CONCLUSION
• Thesis and main points restated in a different, interesting manner
• Mirror the introduction but in different words
, TOPICS
TOPIC: Examine the different instances of power in the novel with reference to at least three
characters (St Mary’s 2022)
TOPIC: Evaluate to what extent The Theory of Flight dwells on “the daily triumphs of its
people” to “take flight” rather than “what has been lost in its war”
TOPIC: Critically discuss the extent to which The Theory of Flight examines the nature of
memory and knowledge and how it informs the narratives of individual characters
TOPIC: To what extent do you believe The Theory of Flight to be an example of literature
which conflates the stories of African people with African politics, instead of placing more
importance on the stories of individuals?
Conflate- to merge or combine two concepts I order to produce a whole
TOPIC:
"In the novel it is shown that despite wars, violence, and the struggle for power throughout
history, human beings are connected across time and space – by their stories of hope."
– Dr Miriam Wallraven
Critically discuss to what extent Ndlovu, in The Theory of Flight, presents human beings
as being connected by their stories of hope despite living through war and violence. (IEB
Final 2022)
, Essays and Ideas
TOPIC: Examine the different instances of power in the novel with reference to at least three
characters (St Mary’s 2022)
The Theory of Flight is a powerful novel that presents power in varying circumstances. As a
postcolonial African novel, the book examines the power of postcolonial African states but
furthermore the power in people to have influence and to be defiant. As a character, The Man
Himself is a depiction of the power of the state in the unnamed country. In contrast to the power
linked to mineral wealth, Golide and Genie emphasise the power in people. Golide shows the
power of influence while Genie represents the power in defiance. These characters are
monumental in examining a novel that depicts power in varying circumstances.
The Man Himself is a depiction of the corrupt power of the state and political leaders in a
postcolonial nation. In the novel, he is presented as a greedy and corrupt leader of The
Organisation who is obsessed with “mineral wealth.” The Man Himself exerts his power through
the desire to possess land and “the most precious and beautiful somethings,” “the calcified
hearts.” His obsession with possession reinforces the stereotypical leader who is obsessed with
owning others and gaining power. Furthermore, The Man Himself exerts his power through his
total disregard for people. Driven by his own personal motives, he is able to persuade Dingani to
give up Golide Gumede. The Man Himself pays Dingani monthly cheques which is the act of a
corrupt leader who uses money to make political gains. Additionally, after deciding that
Valentine’s artworks are “too postcolonial," The Man Himself uses his stature and power to
replace them with statues of himself. Vocalised truthfully by Valentine, The Man Himself is the
epitome of “mischief, malice [and] mayhem” who’s self-serving “Me! Me! Me!” attitude
emphasises the power of corrupt political leaders in postcolonial nations.
In contrast to the power linked to mineral wealth and gold, Golide Gumede presents the “golden”
power in people. As the originator of the idea of flight, Golide emphasises the power of influence
by building an aeroplane to inspire and develop his “race of angels.” Golide is inspired by the
swimming elephants crossing the Zambezi River which ignite the idea of the seemingly impossible
being possible. This knowledge inspires him to influence his “race of angels’ by empowering them
through knowledge and teaching. This knowledge and influence furthermore inspire Genie to
have self-belief which reinforces the message of the novel. As the originator of the power in self-
belief, Golide depicts the power of influence that ignites the defiance in Genie.
, As the golden character who is born from a “golden egg,” Genie represents the power in defiance,
self-belief and agency. Throughout the novel, we are flighted into Genie’s life and bear witness
to the multiple horrors she faces. Genie is a witness to a genocide, she is faced with the loss of
both of her parents at a young age, she is a victim of rape, and she also contracts HIV. Despite
the horror of her past, she is the “lady in waiting” - waiting to choose an ending of her own
choosing which she is able to do. At the end of the novel, Genie chooses to die on Beauford Farm
and Estate, with the help of Valentine, and is able to fly away with a “giant pair of silver wings.”
This is an ending similar to that of her parents and resembles a true act of defiance. Genie is not
defined by her trauma but rather changes the lives of other characters such as Marcus and Vida.
She enables Marcus to confront his own violent past and Valentine to give voice to those that
have been silenced and marginalised in society using art. Despite the obstacles she faces, the
power in self-belief and defiance allows Genie to have an ending of her own choosing where she
is not reduced to just another “statistic.”
The Theory of Flight is a powerful novel that presents power in varying circumstances. The Man
Himself represents the stature and power of political leaders and the power of the state in a
postcolonial nation. In contrast to the power associated with “mineral wealth,” Golide Gumede
emphasises the desirable power in people and the power of influence which inspires Genie. As
the golden character born from a “golden egg,” Genie presents the power in defiance, self-belief
and agency which allows her to choose an ending of her own choosing. It is through an
examination of these characters, that it is proven that The Theory of Flight is a novel that presents
power in varying circumstances.
