Genre
Children's fiction
Setting and Context
China, in the 13th century
Narrator and Point of View
3rd person, unnamed omniscient narrator
Tone and Mood
The tone is one of adventure and excitement, the mood is emotional and full of danger.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Haoyou is the protagonist, the Jade Circus is the antagonist.
Major Conflict
The major conflict occurs when Haoyou's mother, Qing'an is forced to marry an alcoholic, Di Chou, which Haoyou doesn't want, so he sets out on a journey to help save his mother.
Climax
The climax of the story is the offer of escape from the Jade Circus, as Haoyou thinks that this is his greatest hope and yet it could also be the biggest danger so far.
Foreshadowing
The abandonment of Bo is foreshadowed through the death of Gou Pei, as he is left alone to float away and die, just like Bo is when Haoyou runs away to the Jade Circus.
Understatement
The impact that Qing'an has had on Haoyou, is understated as he is driven to protect her, in spite of his extremely young age.
Allusions
The novel alludes to the challenges we face in our everyday lives, of wanting to seek a better life but also being faced with the problems and dangers that come with it.
Imagery
The image of a floating kite is portrayed throughout the story, and shows the creativity of expression and freedom experienced by those at the Jade Circus.
Paradox
There is a large paradox between the freedom of the sky, where the kites fly, and the freedom that Haoyou wants but never truly achieves.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
The Jade Circus is personified through the image of a kite rider, as there are many ups and downs, as well as a risk of tumbling and falling, just like a kite.
