Theory of Flight

• In which region is the story "The Theory of Flight" set?

  In the southern regions of Africa
• What is the setting of the novel The Theory of Flight?

  The novel is set in an unnamed country in the southern regions of Africa, which can be assumed to be Zimbabwe (formerly known as Rhodesia).
• In which region is the story "The Theory of Flight" set?

  In the southern regions of Africa
• Who is Imogen 'Genie' Zulu Nyoni?

  She is a determined, independent, brave, private, and complex character.
• What events shape Genie's character?

  She loses her home, is hit by a car, is HIV positive, and lives on the streets.
• How do other characters influence the perception of Genie's motivations and desires?

  Her motivations and desires are recounted by other characters, which might result in misleading information.
• What qualities does Genie maintain despite her hardships?

  She remains kind, fearless, optimistic, and generous.
• Who is Vida de Villiers?

  He is a talented artist and Genie's lover.
• How is Vida de Villiers described in terms of his personality?

  He is a loner, secretive, and known as 'Jesus' on the streets.
• What impact did bullying have on Vida de Villiers during his teenage years?

  He was bullied and ostracized for his sexual orientation.
• How does Vida's relationship with Genie help him?

  It helps him come to terms with his grief.
• Who is Marcus Masuku?

  He is Genie's best friend and adoptive brother.
• What happens to Marcus Masuku's feelings for Genie?

  He falls in love with her but never seems to recover from their separation.
• How does Marcus Masuku's childhood affect his adult life?

  He was cautious and hesitant as a child, which contributes to his adult feelings of being adrift.
• Who is Krystle Masuku?

  She is Genie's adoptive sister who is compassionate and struggling to finish her PhD.
• How does Krystle view herself within her family?

  She sees herself as the black sheep of the family.
• What guilt does Krystle carry regarding Genie?

  She believes her actions caused Genie to develop HIV, which alienates her from her family.
• Who is Golide Gumede?

  He was initially named Livingstone Stanley Tikiti and is a tall, self-confident, and charismatic character.
• What significant action is Golide known for?

  He is recognized as the freedom fighter who shot down flight 825.
• What realization does Golide come to while watching elephants?

  He realizes that people need direct inspiration if they are to succeed in flight.
• What happens to Golide and Elizabeth after the farm attack?

  They are never seen again, although Genie insists she saw them fly away.
• Who is Bhekitembi Nyati?

  He is a cynical and jaded journalist who writes propaganda and sensationalism.
• What internal conflict does Bhekitembi face regarding his career?

  He feels disappointed in himself for compromising choices and being manipulated.
• How does Bhekitembi's perspective change over time?

  He initially supports colonialism but later becomes a supporter of liberation.
• What guilt does Bhekitembi carry regarding Golide?

  He feels constant guilt for what he wrote about Golide, believing it caused the attack on the farm.
• Who is Valentine Tanaka?

  He is a bureaucrat who is proud of his job and success.
• How do Valentine Tanaka's physical deformities affect him?

  They result in frequent underestimation and disregard from others.
• What is Valentine Tanaka's view on the morality of his job?

  He believes that doing a job properly is more important than the morality of the instruction.
• How does Valentine Tanaka treat those he feels deserve kindness?

  He is kind to those he feels deserve it, including Genie.
• Who died in 1948 and left his fortune to his daughter Beatrice?


  Bennington Beauford
• In what year did Beatrice leave the country to study at Oxford?

  1955
• Who died in 1948 and left his fortune to his daughter Beatrice?


  Bennington Beauford
• In what year did Bennington Beauford die and leave his fortune to his daughter Beatrice Beit-Beauford?

  1948
• In what year did Beatrice Beit-Beauford leave the country to study at Oxford?

  1955
• In what year did Bennington Beauford die and leave his fortune to his daughter Beatrice Beit-Beauford?

  1948
• In what year did Beatrice Beit-Beauford leave the country to study at Oxford?

  1955
• In what year was Kuki Sedgewick born?

  1955
• In what year was Dingani Masuku born?

  1956