48 pages 1 hour read

Matthew Cody

Powerless

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2011

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Symbols & Motifs

Superpowers

Superpowers symbolize identity, individuality, and teamwork. Each kid in the supers group has a different ability that corresponds to their personality and helps them grow, both as a hero and as a person. Eric’s abilities are the strongest, which makes him the leader and protector of the group. The others look up to him because he’s proven himself as a trustworthy person who’s willing to do whatever it takes to help someone in need. They also fear what will happen to Noble’s Green and their group when Eric turns 13. Both Eric and Clay have super-strength, and the many clashes between the two boys represent how the powers create rivalries. Under most circumstances, the kids use their superpowers for good, but when faced with someone who abuses their power, the abilities become a defense mechanism or, in Eric’s case, an offensive strike. Rohan, Louisa, and the other kids, excluding Mollie, have support powers—abilities that let them help the stronger kids but that are not flashy on their own. Together, the range of powers represents the importance of teamwork.

While the loss of powers at age 13 turns out to be a falsehood perpetrated by Plunkett, the timing speaks to the blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text