Full Tilt

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2003

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

Chapters 3-4

Chapters 5-6

Chapters 7-8

Chapters 9-10

Chapter 11

Chapters 12-13

Chapters 14-15

Chapter 16

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Pick one of the park’s seven rides. In what way does it address Blake’s fears in regards to his past trauma, his future, and one of his important relationships?

Why is it significant that Blake allows his father to leave the tomb but doesn’t say any parting words to him?

How does Cassandra symbolize the strained relationship between Blake and Quinn?

Why must Blake remember the entirety of the bus accident before he can defeat Cassandra?

How is Blake’s journey mirrored by Quinn’s?

Contrast Russ’s strength in the real world with Blake’s willpower in the park. How do they work as foils? Why do you think Shusterman left their friendship problems unresolved?

How does Quinn’s fashion, including his rude hat and abundance of jewelry, complement his character? How does his fashion work as a strength, and how does it work as a weakness?

Blake forgives several other characters throughout the novel, including Quinn, Russ, and his seven-year-old self. Which of these is the most important in Blake’s journey? What role does forgiveness play in the novel?

What do the travel posters in Blake’s room represent? Why do the landmarks on the travel posters appear as obstacles in the final ride?

10.

Why is the imagery of The Works so terrifying to Blake? What does it represent in the real world? Consider why the machines meld to the bodies of their operators.