Genre

Historical fiction

Point of View

The novel is written only from Karana's point of view (first person)

Tone

Very frank and matter of fact. Narrative voice is flowing and very metaphorically expressive.

Tense

Past

Setting

Ghalas-at, an island off the coast of California, also known as San Nicolas, between 1835 and 1853

Foreshadowing

Island of the Blue Dolphins does not rely heavily on foreshadowing. The most prominent case occurs at the beginning of the novel, where Chowig's attitude suggests past difficulties with the Aleuts. A disastrous battle between Karana's people and the Aleuts follows.

Climax

The white men rescue Karana from the island.

Falling Action

The arrival of the white men on Ghalas-at