What is the importance of the title in Spies?

... WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TITLE IN SPIES? The title is key to the book. The word itself takes on multiple meanings each of which underpins certain key themes and ideas within the book. Our perception of what the word connotes within the books shifts as the story progresses. The main plot begins with two boys playing an innocent game of spying. Like Briony in Atonement what they see not only affects them but the people they are spying upon. Spying itself is the portal through which Stephen partially steps and is partially dragged through into the adult world. At the start of the book the word connotes the fantastical game Keith and Stephen are playing. They embark upon a seemingly innocent adventure which the reader can easily relate to their own childhood experiences. The game is instigated by Keith pivotal proclamation, "My mother is a German Spy" Stefan places a lot

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