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.
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.
