Spy School

One of the most important themes in this novel focuses on appearances versus reality. This theme recurs with several characters throughout the novel, each of whom have their own facades and reasons for upholding them. Ben was forced into his deception; Alexander seeks regard and respect through dishonesty; Professor Crandall wants people to underestimate him; and Murray wants to appear harmless to conceal his devious works. In contrast, Ben and other characters discuss the possibility of Chip putting up a façade of incompetence to hide his skill and threat level, but he turns out to be a straightforward character.

This theme is discussed explicitly at several points in the novel. An early example of appearances versus reality being highlighted is through Zoe’s coining of the nickname “Smokescreen” for Ben. Ben explains: “After witnessing my quick defeat by the ninjas, she’d proclaimed to anyone who’d listen that I’d merely faked the loss. It was a smoke screen: a ruse to convince my enemies that I had no skills, when, in reality, I was a lean, mean killing machine. […] No one could have really lost a fight that quickly, she insisted. It was such an awful display of self-defense, it had to be fake” (115). While this is not true, Ben goes along with the story to support the CIA’s fake narrative about him.

The theme of appearances versus reality is emphasized as Ben attempts to discover the mole in their midst. Ben and Alexander discuss potential moles, and Ben suggests Chip based on Chip’s lack of intelligence. Alexander suggests, “that could all be a ruse. He could be so clever, he’s extremely good at appearing not clever at all. After all, he was smart enough to get into the academy, wasn’t he?” (106). Later, in Professor Crandall’s apartment, Ben once again suggests Chip as a suspect. Crandall dismisses Chip as a “moron,” but Ben tells him, “Or maybe he just wants us to think he is,” leaving Crandall speechless (236). Both Crandall and Alexander are familiar with this technique, which they call “disinformation.” Alexander Hale used it his entire career to take credit for things he has not done. Erica explains, “He has one talent: making himself look good. Sometimes he makes up stories, but he usually just takes credit for other people’s work,” which he can do because many times the accomplished agents are dead (219). Crandall, too, uses disinformation and deception to conceal his true nature, albeit for less self-serving reasons. Crandall’s advice highlights the root of the theme’s influence throughout the narrative: "The best way to stay in the loop is to let everyone believe you are totally out of it. You have no idea how much information people spill right in front of you when they think you’re a drooling idiot” (227).

Murray’s revelation as the mole and villain cements the theme in the novel. Though the faculty and student body all see Murray as a lazy, unmotivated student who intends to barely scrape by and earn himself a cushy desk job, he is an active double agent for SPYDER. By befriending Ben early in the novel, Murray avoids the suspicion that Ben and the Hales direct at Chip. Murray appears to be harmless and friendly, while Chip appears to be a dangerous bully. Because of these impressions, Ben suspects Chip and discounts Murray. The theme of appearances versus reality demonstrates that there is often more to a person than can be seen on the surface. The characters lie about or conceal several things about themselves, both positive and negative, for a variety of complex reasons.