The novel begins in Casiopea’s grandfather’s house. Compare and contrast Casiopea’s life at the house with the new life she lives after her escape. What, if anything, in her previous life prepared her for her adventure?

Gods of Jade and Shadow contains many references to fairy tales and myths. Choose a fairy tale or myth and do a close comparative reading of it that explores the story’s significance in the novel.

Casiopea’s name references the Greek myth of queen Cassiopeia. In the myth, Cassiopeia boasts about her beauty, and the sea god Poseidon chains her to a chair in the heavens as punishment. What connection, if any, does the character Casiopea have to the myth? Support your response with evidence from the text.