Code Name Verity

Literary references—particularly in Julie’s section of the narrative—form a secret, and at times subversive, motif throughout the novel. What are some works of literature referenced throughout, and how do they function as a kind of code? Discuss the characters, plots, and general nature of the literature mentioned in Code Name Verity and relate them back to overarching themes and motifs in the novel.

Teaching Suggestion: In general, the secret code formed by literary references in Code Name Verity echoes Maddie and Julie’s roles in secret operations, Jamie’s role as a secret pilot, and even Julie’s refusal to be defeated and betray her country to the Nazis, as Captain von Linden believes she has. Some literary references are positive and uplifting, while others are portents of death. To ground and focus the conversation, you may elect to have students focus on Peter Pan, the primary literary reference that is woven throughout the novel.