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Summary
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Theory of Flight, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Individual Aspiration vs. Group Belonging
Colonialism and Postcolonialism
Love, Family, and Selfishness
Gender and Sexuality
Beauty
Summary
Analysis
Genie (full name is Imogen Zula Nyoni) has recently died on September 3 on the Beauford Farm and Estate. Upon her death, witnesses saw her grow silver wings and fly away—and her heart transform into “the most precious and beautiful something.” Due to the disbelief and curiosity that surround Genie’s death, a full account must be given of what happened to her. For Genie’s story to be told, the stories of others must be included: Baines Tikiti, Prudence Ngoma, Golide Gumede, Elizabeth Nyoni, Dingani Masuku, Thandi Habede, Krystle Masuku, Marcus Masuku, Valentine Tanaka, and Jesus.
Genie’s transformation into a winged creature at her death activates cultural ideas about angels and heaven: her wings seem to symbolize the ultimate fulfillment of her life and aspirations. Yet she leaves behind her heart, “the most precious and beautiful something,” for a group of witnesses, implying that she has left a legacy for her community as well. The novel then lists all the people important to her life to further underscore the importance of relationships to individuals.
Themes
