The dragon is a classic symbol of Chinese mythology and its presence throughout the story emphasizes the ongoing importance of Chinese cultural elements in Moon Shadow Lee’s American life. The dragon evokes the Chinese worldview, beliefs, and values whenever it appears in the novel, creating a unique sense of traditional imagery that contrasts sharply with the backdrop of San Francisco. Dragon stories in the text also help the characters connect in a variety of ways. As a symbol, the dragon is also associated with Windrider Lee and his dream of flying, as well as with the larger idea of freedom inherent in the novel’s title.

In the narrative, dragons have both good and evil powers, depending on which culture is telling the story, but ultimately, they represent resilience and courage. The Dragon King story explains Windrider’s complex personality, describing him as a dragon in a former life and creating a sense of his innate boldness in his current life. In the story, the Dragon King advises Windrider to “behave as a true dragon” (40) in his quest to fly and define his life’s journey. Windrider therefore associates flying itself with the state of being a dragon and embracing the freedom and power that the image implies.