A Kestrel for a Knave tells the story of a day in the life of Billy Casper. The story is written in the third person, but there is no doubt that we are encouraged to look through Billy's eyes. The setting is South Yorkshire in the 1960s – probably Barnsley – although Hines never names any locations. In the novel Kestrel for a valet, he shows the lack of opportunities, lifestyle and how the education system is failing him. Throughout the essay, I will describe and explain each character as they appear and how they affect Billy. The novel is about a boy named Billy Casper and shows how he lives, his passions, and how schools fail him and his class academically. The novel also highlights and condemns bullying and acknowledges the social issues that affect the character of Billy Casper. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of Mr Farthing, he gives life skills and supports children. Almost the entire novel takes a critical look at the education system. Mr. Farthing Mr. Farthing is the only character who shows natural sympathy for Billy. He sees Billy as...