Gregor and the Code of Claw
Chapter 6
by Suzanne, Collins,In Chapter 6 of *Code of Claw*, Luxa collapses from severe injuries and illness, prompting Gregor to rush to her aid. Desperate, he cradles her as she coughs up blood, while an Underlander doctor administers medicine. York, Howard’s father and governor of the Fount, arrives, berating the group for allowing Luxa and Howard to remain in their weakened states. He orders them to return to Regalia immediately, and Ares, Gregor’s bat ally, volunteers to transport them. Despite their dire conditions, Luxa insists on ensuring the safety of the nibblers and Aurora, her bat, before departing.
Gregor, Luxa, and Howard embark on a harrowing flight to Regalia, with Gregor holding Luxa upright to ease her breathing. Terrified by her worsening condition, he talks incessantly to keep her conscious, recounting stories from his life in New York. Howard, though frail, occasionally instructs Gregor to administer more medicine. The journey feels endless, and Gregor’s fear peaks when Luxa grows still, only to revive with another coughing fit. The river below appears altered, a sign of the earthquake’s widespread impact, as they near Regalia.
Upon arrival, Luxa and Howard are rushed into emergency care, while Gregor, despite his own injuries, refuses treatment until he learns Luxa’s fate. Mareth eventually convinces him to tend to his wounds, though Gregor remains restless, pacing the halls for updates. The hospital is overwhelmed with casualties, including nibbler pups from the Firelands, highlighting the war’s toll. Gregor’s mother shows improvement, but his focus remains on Luxa’s uncertain survival.
Mareth redirects Gregor’s energy by enlisting his help in the chaotic nursery, where displaced mouse pups are being cared for. The space is overcrowded, with pups undergoing herbal baths and makeshift nests being prepared. Gregor’s earlier discovery of Sandwich’s secret passage proves crucial as more pups arrive. Though distracted by worry for Luxa, he channels his urgency into aiding the overwhelmed staff, demonstrating resilience amid the crisis. The chapter underscores the characters’ physical and emotional struggles as they navigate the aftermath of battle.
FAQs
1. What are the key signs that Luxa is in critical condition, and how do the characters respond to her state?
Answer:
Luxa exhibits several alarming symptoms: persistent coughing with blood, difficulty breathing, multiple wounds, and a high fever. She is barely conscious and unable to sit up without assistance. Gregor reacts with desperation, cradling her and pleading for her to stay alive, while York (Howard’s father) insists on immediate evacuation to Regalia. The doctor provides medicine to ease her breathing, and Ripred offers emotional support by joking that Luxa is “too mean to die.” The urgency of their responses—rushing her onto Ares’s back and prioritizing her transport—underscores the gravity of her condition.2. How does Gregor attempt to keep Luxa conscious during their flight to Regalia, and what does this reveal about their relationship?
Answer:
Gregor talks incessantly to Luxa, recounting stories about New York City, his sister Boots, and even mundane topics like spaghetti sauce recipes. This mirrors how he once calmed Ares during a perilous flight by distracting him. His effort shows deep care and fear of losing her, as he believes keeping her engaged might stave off death. Their bond is highlighted by his physical closeness (holding her upright) and emotional vulnerability—his terror when she grows still reveals how much she means to him, transcending their usual warrior-comrade dynamic.3. Analyze York’s role in this chapter. How does his authority and decisions impact the events?
Answer:
York, as Howard’s father and governor of the Fount, acts decisively to manage the crisis. He overrides objections by ordering Luxa and Howard’s evacuation, recognizing their incapacitation. His command—”To Regalia! Now!“—sets the plot in motion, and his choice of Ares as transport ensures speed. York’s pragmatic yet caring nature is evident when he reassures Luxa about Aurora and delegates Howard’s care to Gregor. His leadership bridges military urgency and compassion, emphasizing his responsibility for both the war effort and his family.4. What broader consequences of the earthquake are hinted at during Gregor’s flight back to Regalia?
Answer:
Gregor notices the river’s altered state: its water level is lower, and the usual frothing current has calmed. This subtle detail implies the earthquake’s widespread environmental impact, likely disrupting ecosystems and Underland’s geography beyond the immediate battle zone. The change may foreshadow future challenges, such as water scarcity or navigational hazards for fliers and boats, adding logistical complications to the war and survival efforts in later chapters.5. How does the chapter portray the theme of duty versus personal limits through Howard and Luxa’s actions?
Answer:
Both Howard and Luxa push themselves beyond physical limits—Howard works despite being severely wounded, and Luxa refuses to leave the battlefield. York chastises them, arguing their conditions render them ineffective. This tension highlights the conflict between self-sacrifice (driven by loyalty to the wounded and nibblers) and practical necessity. The chapter critiques reckless heroism; their collapse forces others to divert resources to save them, suggesting that ignoring personal limits can jeopardize broader missions.
Quotes
1. “‘Look at her! She should have been sent home days ago!’ bellowed a man. Gregor looked up and saw York striding toward them. ‘We could not make her go,’ another voice rasped out.”
This exchange highlights Luxa’s stubborn dedication to the war effort despite her deteriorating health, while also introducing York’s authoritative presence and concern for the wounded. It underscores the tension between duty and survival in the midst of battle.
2. “‘You? Die? You’re too mean to die.’ Luxa actually managed a smile. ‘But don’t worry, Your Highness, I’ll look after them.’”
Ripred’s darkly humorous reassurance to Luxa reveals their bond and his grudging respect for her strength. This moment of levity amidst crisis also shows Luxa’s concern for others even when facing death.
3. “Gregor began to talk to Luxa about anything and everything he could think of… anything - anything to keep her from drifting away.”
This demonstrates Gregor’s desperate attempt to maintain Luxa’s consciousness and connection to life through storytelling, revealing both his deep concern for her and his resourcefulness in crisis situations.
4. “‘Is she going to live?’ asked Gregor. ‘I cannot say. But she is getting the best treatment we are able to give.’”
This tense exchange at the hospital captures Gregor’s anguish and the uncertainty surrounding Luxa’s survival, representing a pivotal emotional moment where the characters face potential loss.
5. “The nursery could hold only a fraction of them, so the entire wing was swarming with sick, frightened pups.”
This description of the overwhelmed nursery illustrates the widespread impact of the war on even the youngest and most vulnerable creatures, showing the scale of the crisis beyond just the main characters.