The Theory of Flight Literary Elements

Magical Realism

The Theory of Flight takes place in Zimbabwe during its colonial period, civil war, and postcolonial independence.

The story is told in third-person narration from the point of view of an omniscient narrator.

Nostalgic, Introspective, Exciting, and Contemplative.

The protagonist is Genie while the antagonist is referred to as "The Man Himself" who is the corrupt leader of the postcolonial nation.

The major conflict revolves around the intertwined struggles of its characters in Zimbabwe's postcolonial landscape. Genie, the protagonist, struggles with personal issues like albinism, HIV, and a desire for independence while simultaneously dealing with the history of colonization and the tyrannical regime led by "The Man Himself." The protagonists' issues are exacerbated by societal challenges such as racial tensions and the aftermath of civil war. Furthermore, family dynamics become strained as prior tragedies and betrayals put Genie, Marcus, Krystle, and their parents' ties to the test.

The novel's climax happens when Genie's body is discovered on the Beauford Farm and Estate and the truth about her unexplained absence and death is revealed. The discovery of her body is the culmination of the tension and turmoil that has been building throughout the novel. It is a critical moment that connects multiple plot threads, character arcs, and unresolved concerns. The climax forces the characters to face the reality of Genie's fate, her HIV status, and the consequences of prior events that have impacted their lives.

The description of the bloodstain on the white sheets as resembling the "map of a country" with "fluid borders" foreshadows the impending conflict and violence that will be introduced later in the story. The use of phrases like "fluid borders" and "sense of permanence" suggests a situation of unrest and upheaval.

The understatement can be found in the following sentence: "Rosemary was considerate enough to die soon after giving birth to a baby girl” The phrase "considerate enough to die" adds a darkly humorous tone to the sentence as if Rosemary's death was a thoughtful act on her part which is not the case. By using understatement in this way, the author creates a subtle contrast between the gravity of the event (Rosemary's death) and the lighthearted language used to describe it.

The book contains an allusion to historical figures and events. Specifically, the mention of David Livingstone, Thomas Baines, and Henry Morton Stanley serves as an allusion to the great explorers and adventurers of the 19th century who traveled to distant and uncharted territories, documenting their discoveries and experiences. These explorers were well-known for their journeys across Africa and other parts of the world, providing valuable insights into different cultures, landscapes, and natural wonders.

The sculptures in the novel are vividly described. Mick, for instance, is depicted as "laughing in the sunshine" evoking a sense of joy and happiness. Shadrack is shown "strumming his guitar," suggesting his musical talent and free spirit. Joseph Pereira stands "tall and proud" symbolizing strength and resilience. The imagery of David and Goliath "frozen in their life-or-death struggle" captures the intensity and dramatic nature of this biblical scene. The Painted Ladies are described as "strutting their stuff" conjuring an image of confidence and elegance. Lastly, The Survivors are portrayed "in all their undignified glory" creating a poignant and powerful image of individuals who have overcome hardships. Through these descriptive phrases, the sculptures come to life each telling a unique story that resonates with viewers and adds depth to Vida's artistic creations.

The paradox in the novel lies in the character of Genie. Genie is described as a young woman who hatches from a golden egg which symbolizes a magical and extraordinary origin. However, despite this mythical beginning, Genie's life is marked by profound struggles and hardships. She faces personal challenges such as albinism, HIV status, and a desire for independence which are very much grounded in real-world issues and realities. The paradox is that while Genie possesses a unique and almost mythical origin, her life is filled with the same complexities, pain, and challenges as any ordinary person.

"Because of him she had discovered" / "Because of him she had realized" / "Because of him she had learned." This parallelism is used to show the impact of Marcus on Genie's understanding of absence and its significance. The repeated phrase "Because of him she had" draws attention to the series of lessons she had thanks to Marcus, creating a sense of progression in her thoughts.

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"The embers of a long-unstoked fire slowly die." In this sentence, the author personifies the embers by giving them the human-like quality of dying. Embers are the glowing, hot remains of a fire and they do not have the ability to "die" in the same way living beings do.