Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment Theme of Lies and Deceit

The flock members in Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment get caught up in a web of lies when they fly to the School in order to save Angel after she's taken by the Erasers. It turns out that a lot of what they've been told is completely untrue—including the fact that Jeb died (he's still alive and working at the School), and that they don't have "real" biological parents. The School has kept a great deal of information from the flock about their personal backgrounds, as well as what will happen to them when they grow older. Luckily for these kids, they can sleuth almost as well as they can fly.

Questions About Lies and Deceit

  • How do the different members of the flock react to learning that Jeb is still alive?
  • Do you think that Jeb is an antagonist because he lied to them? Why or why not?
  • What's the deal with hiding the fact that the avian kids have real parents?
  • Do you think that the voice in Max's head is lying to her? Why or why not? Give evidence to support your claim.

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

All of the scientists and Erasers at the School have betrayed the flock members in various ways, but the person who's wronged them the most is Jeb—because he actually gained their trust and love before betraying them.

Even though Max has always been private (especially regarding her hybrid status) she can't lie to Dr. Martinez and Ella. She recognizes them as good people, and not a threat to her flock, so it would be wrong to deceive them.