Structure

“Flight” by Doris Lessing has a circular plot structure, starting with the description of the pigeons and the importance they have in the grandfather’s life, and ending with the description of the doves being released from their cages. 

The events happen in chronological order. First, readers are given a description of the pigeons and the joy that they bring to the grandfather, then we are informed of his need to keep his youngest granddaughter in his life. Then we notice the grandfather’s inner conflict about Alice’s relationship with Steven. 

The initial description of the pigeons and their living conditions, caged in the dovecote, show the importance of these animals in the life of the grandfather, foreshadowing how he shows his affection to bot...