Goliath Character Analysis in The Theory of Flight

Goliath is a scrawny, scrappy street orphan, leader of an orphan gang called The Survivors, who at one point stabs Vida de Villiers in the shoulder with a broken bottle when Vida tries to break up a fight between him and David. Later, Goliath and The Survivors buy the Beauford Farm and Estate from Beatrice Beit-Beauford for one dollar and move there to escape the increasingly unlivable city streets.

Goliath Character Timeline in The Theory of Flight

The timeline below shows where the character Goliath appears in The Theory of Flight. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Colonialism and Postcolonialism Theme Icon

Then, he intervenes in a fight between David and Goliath. David is a hyperintelligent person who took to the streets after he was denied a... (full context)

Individual Aspiration vs. Group Belonging Theme Icon

Love, Family, and Selfishness Theme Icon

...his visit to Stockholm. When she tells him he’s her “home” and kisses the scar Goliath left on his shoulder, he wonders whether that’s her way of responding to his love... (full context)

...explain that Vida’s not white when the man recognizes “Jesus.” Vida recognizes the man as Goliath. (full context)

Goliath is happy to see Vida. He explains that he and The Survivors had decided they... (full context)

The other visitors exit their cars. Goliath says Beatrice will testify to the legitimacy of the Survivors’ ownership—though everyone sees that she... (full context)

Goliath asks Vida: “Speaking of wives, where is Genie?” Vida explains that they had heard Genie’s... (full context)

Goliath leads the visitors toward the huts the veterans have erected. They pass empty, derelict houses,... (full context)