Castle in the Air

“A prophecy made at Abdullah’s birth had something to do with it. But Abdullah had never bothered to find out more. Instead, from a very early age, he had simply made up daydreams about it.”

Diana Wynne Jones uses the limited perspective of her third-person narration to create mystery from the start of the book, revealing that there is a prophecy but using Abdullah’s apathy as a way to withhold information. This introduces the theme of Personal Agency Versus Fate. He is not interested in finding out what the prophecy says, showing that he wants to choose his fate. However, the idea of fate still appeals to him, as he daydreams about what it could be, hoping for a fate that aligns with his desires. The word “simply” stresses that he doesn’t take action to make his dreams a reality, but instead immerses himself in a fiction, leaving him room to grow through his adventures.

“In fact, almost the only trouble in his life came from his father’s first wife’s relations, who would keep visiting him once a month to point out his failings.”

This quotation explores the familial pressure Abdullah is under, which acts as a microcosm for his sense of helplessness in the face of external forces. The fact that they are currently the “only trouble” he experiences has dramatic irony, as Abdullah will soon face powerful antagonists. Their pressure is ongoing and almost formalized: They come “once a month” without fail. Wynne Jones shows that Abdullah is not close to them—they are a source of irritation, showing that Abdullah wants independence and autonomy over his fate.