Chapter 1

The opening line of the story reveals King’s search for his brother’s spirit, which continues throughout the novel. The dragonfly fantasy stems from King’s vivid imagination after he sees one of the insects land on his brother’s casket. The symbol of the dragonfly bookends the story as a marker of King’s character growth. He realizes at the end of the novel that his brother isn’t a dragonfly, but that he’s still “with” King, nonetheless.

In the early part of the novel, grief over Khalid’s death paralyzes King’s mother. She also feels a need to mask her true emotions. Here, the author reveals details about the family that characterize them on an individual level but that also set the foundation for the story. King’s whole family is grieving, and it’s through this lens that the reader can better understand their interactions.

Chapter 2

King is trying to make sense of his feelings for Jasmine in this scene. His thoughts here illustrate the identity crisis he is experiencing and his search for his true self.

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19 Life & Time

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Magical Realism

Mortality & Death

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Explore King and the Dragonflies reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About King and the Dragonflies

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King and the Dragonflies Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

King and the Dragonflies Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

King and the Dragonflies Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

King and the Dragonflies Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16

King and the Dragonflies Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-19

King and the Dragonflies Chapters 17-19 Summary & Analysis

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King and the Dragonflies Character Analysis

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King and the Dragonflies Themes

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King and the Dragonflies Symbols & Motifs

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King and the Dragonflies Important Quotes with Page Numbers

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King and the Dragonflies

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