58 pages 1 hour read

Level 13

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2018

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Symbols & Motifs

Draja Dubrovnik

Beyond his contributions as a character in the novel, Draja Dubrovnik symbolizes the theme of Expectations, Perceptions, and Reality and the potential hazards of gaming.

Draja is the Awesome Threesome's hero, “the greatest gamer of all time” (28). Cam's gamertag, GameFox229, is a partial tribute to Draja, whose birthday is February 29th. Cam idolizes Draja. At eSports tournaments, the sight of Draja's 400-pound bulk lumbering onto the exhibit floor was enough to send challengers scurrying for the exits. With Draja around at tournaments, others aspired to second place rather than first. Draja's unmatched talent concerns Cam when he learns Draja never reached Level 13. This dashes Cam's expectations of beating the game quickly and easily.

Draja is also Cam's stalker, a man “in his thirties, tall and rail thin, with dark hair, dark eyes, and a black mustache and goatee accentuating pale, pale skin” (141). When Cam first sees Draja, he feels anxious. Draja's subsequent stalking behavior only exacerbates Cam's fears and highlights the dangers associated with online spaces. However, Cam's perception is wrong, as Draja only wants to talk to Cam and help him reach Level 13, illustrating the disparity between perception and reality.

Even Draja's physical appearance highlights this disparity. Draja was famous in part due to his weight. Draja explains, “There are many Doritos on the path to Level 13. Snacking eases the frustration [...] the weight fell off as soon as I gave up the quest” (211). Draja's physical appearance change illustrates the theme of Expectations, Perceptions, and Reality. Additionally, it also highlights the potential dangers of gaming. Both Cam and Draja ignored their health in their quest to reach Level 13.

The Positive Action Group (P.A.G.)

In Level 13, the Positive Action Group (P.A.G.) is a powerful symbol of The Importance of Community, Collaboration, and Friendship. Initially formed as a fake club to provide Cam with more time for gaming, the P.A.G. transforms into a cornerstone for the characters, highlighting how communal efforts can foster individual growth and collective well-being.

The P.A.G. embodies the essence of cooperation and mutual support. It brings together a diverse group of students, who each contribute unique talents and perspectives to achieve common goals. For example, Jordan and Kelly are the student council co-presidents, Xavier is an artist with a criminal record, and “The String” is the school's star football player. This inclusivity highlights how a community thrives when it embraces diversity and encourages participation from all members regardless of their backgrounds. The group's activities, such as fundraisers and community service projects, emphasize the value of working together toward a shared purpose. Through these efforts, the P.A.G. benefits the school and town, instilling a sense of belonging and purpose in its members.

Cam initially views the P.A.G. as a burden that distracts him from his gaming pursuit. However, as the story progresses, he begins to understand the deeper significance of the group. The P.A.G.'s support network becomes evident when Cam faces challenges. The group's reaction to Cam's unethical behavior—completing his assignments for him—demonstrates the community's moral standards and the consequences of betraying communal trust. When Cam becomes valedictorian through deceit, the community's anger and disappointment highlight the fragile nature of trust and respect within a community.

Moreover, the P.A.G. exemplifies how communities can adapt and rebuild. Despite the betrayal and the subsequent fallout, the group does not dissolve. Instead, it evolves, illustrating its resilience and the capacity for forgiveness and renewal. Cam's eventual remorse and reparative actions—namely, donating his gaming proceeds—underscore that redemption is possible through honest efforts to mend broken trust.

Overall, the P.A.G. in Level 13 underscores the critical role of community in shaping individuals and fostering collective strength. It illustrates the power of collaboration, the impact of ethical behavior, and the potential for growth and redemption within a supportive community.

Guardians of Geldorf

The game Guardians of Geldorf represents several key themes, including the allure and danger of obsession, Expectations, Perceptions, and Reality, and Evolving Identities, Relationships, and Responsibilities. Guardians of Geldorf symbolize the allure and potential dangers of obsession. For Cam, the game becomes an all-consuming pursuit. His dedication to mastering it and his ambition to reach the elusive Level 13 mirrors his desire for recognition and success. However, this obsession comes at a significant cost. Cam's mental and physical health deteriorates, his relationships with friends and family suffer, and he neglects his schoolwork, leading to poor moral choices. The game represents how a singular focus on a goal can lead to neglecting other vital aspects of life and ultimately to personal harm.

The game also highlights the theme of Expectations, Perceptions, and Reality. Throughout the novel, Cam's perception of Guardians of Geldorf is that it is a pathway to fame and success. He idolizes Draja Dubrovnik, “the greatest gamer of all time” (28), believing that achieving what Draja could not—beating Level 13—will cement his legacy. However, the reality is far different. Cam cannot defeat Level 12 because all his efforts involve defeating the enemies similarly. Despite Cam's expectations, he cannot beat Level 12 because it requires him to devise a different method of defeating his enemies. Guardians of Geldorf is a microcosm of a critical conflict in the story, where characters refuse to view people and events from different perspectives.

Guardians of Geldorf also represents the theme of Evolving Identities, Relationships, and Responsibilities. The game's challenging levels and the mystery surrounding Level 13 serve as a metaphor for Cam's internal challenges. His quest to conquer the game parallels his journey to understand himself better, recognize his limits, and realign his goals with his well-being. The game's complexity and the need for strategic thinking reflect the complexities of Cam's life and the necessity for thoughtful decision-making. When Cam steps back from his obsession and donates his gaming proceeds, it signifies his growth and ability to put personal well-being and ethical considerations above his previous fixation on success.

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