Gregor and the Code of Claw
Chapter 9
by Suzanne, Collins,Gregor rushes to the code-breakers’ room after receiving an emergency alert, fearing Boots has been harmed. His mind races through possibilities—whether she was injured, threatened by Ripred, or trapped by the green spider. Upon arriving, he slips on a trail of blood, heightening his panic. Boots appears unharmed but distressed, leading him to discover Lizzie, his other sister, in the midst of a severe panic attack. Gregor quickly shifts focus to calming her, recognizing the signs from past experiences. Lizzie’s presence in the Underland is shocking, as even the thought of it usually triggers her anxiety.
Lizzie’s panic attack is intense, leaving her trembling and struggling to breathe. Gregor learns she was brought to the Underland by the bat Hermes, who was injured in a gnawer ambush. The other creatures, sensing her distress, keep their distance while Nerissa attempts to help. Lizzie reveals their family crisis: their grandmother is hospitalized, and their father has fallen ill again, leaving her overwhelmed. Gregor realizes his father’s letters may have hidden the truth to protect him. The urgency in Lizzie’s plea for him to return home underscores the gravity of the situation.
Gregor comforts Lizzie, using a paper bag to regulate her breathing and rubbing her back to ease tension. Boots, though usually carefree, is visibly concerned and assists by fetching Lizzie’s backpack. The Underlanders discreetly clean up after Lizzie vomits, maintaining a quiet presence to avoid worsening her anxiety. Ripred unexpectedly enters and adopts an uncharacteristically gentle demeanor, engaging Lizzie in math problems to distract her. His kindness surprises Gregor, who notes the rat’s unusual tenderness toward Lizzie, contrasting with his usual brusqueness.
The chapter highlights Gregor’s dual burdens—his responsibilities in the Underland and the crisis at home—while emphasizing Lizzie’s vulnerability and resilience. Ripred’s unexpected support adds a layer of complexity to his character, suggesting a deeper connection to Lizzie. The scene underscores themes of family loyalty and the toll of stress, as Gregor grapples with how to address both his sister’s immediate needs and the looming threats in the Underland. The chapter ends on a tense yet hopeful note, with Lizzie slowly calming down through the combined efforts of her siblings and Ripred.
FAQs
1. What emergency situation prompts Gregor to rush to the code-breakers’ room, and how does his initial assumption about the emergency contrast with the actual situation?
Answer:
Gregor rushes to the code-breakers’ room upon hearing there’s an emergency, immediately fearing that his younger sister Boots has been harmed—perhaps by falling, choking, or even being threatened by Ripred or the green spider. However, the actual emergency involves his other sister, Lizzie, who has unexpectedly arrived in the Underland and is suffering from a severe panic attack. The contrast highlights Gregor’s protective instinct toward Boots and his surprise at Lizzie’s presence, which poses a different kind of crisis—one rooted in psychological distress rather than physical danger. The blood trail he initially assumes is Boots’ turns out to belong to Hermes, the bat who transported Lizzie.2. How does Gregor manage Lizzie’s panic attack, and what does this reveal about his understanding of her condition?
Answer:
Gregor employs several strategies to calm Lizzie: he holds her securely, uses a paper bag to regulate her breathing (counteracting hyperventilation by increasing carbon dioxide intake), and rubs her tense muscles. He also encourages her to focus on math problems, a technique their father uses. This demonstrates Gregor’s familiarity with her condition and his ability to provide practical and emotional support. His actions reveal a deep understanding of panic attacks as physiological responses (like his father explained) rather than mere emotional outbursts, showing his compassion and adaptability in crisis situations.3. Analyze Ripred’s unexpected behavior toward Lizzie. Why might he treat her differently than he treats Boots or others?
Answer:
Ripred displays uncharacteristic tenderness toward Lizzie, speaking gently and engaging her in math problems to distract her from her panic. This contrasts sharply with his usual abrasive demeanor, especially toward Boots. His behavior suggests recognition of Lizzie’s unique value—possibly her intellect (as a “math whiz”) or her vulnerability, which mirrors his own hidden complexities. The mention of her sending him “lovely snacks” hints at a preexisting, off-page connection, implying Ripred may see her as a kindred spirit or strategic asset. His empathy could also stem from understanding trauma, given his own scarred past.4. What critical family crisis does Lizzie reveal, and how does this complicate Gregor’s role in the Underland?
Answer:
Lizzie discloses that their grandmother is hospitalized and their father has fallen seriously ill again, contradicting the reassuring letters he’d sent Gregor. This crisis forces Gregor to confront his divided responsibilities: staying in the Underland to fulfill his role in the prophecy (and protect Boots) versus returning home to care for his family. The revelation underscores the theme of familial duty and the emotional toll of secrecy, as Gregor realizes his father may have concealed the truth to shield him. It also heightens the stakes, as Gregor must now weigh personal obligations against larger destinies.5. How does the chapter use the reactions of the Underland creatures to emphasize Lizzie’s distress?
Answer:
The creatures’ behavior amplifies Lizzie’s panic by highlighting how overwhelming the Underland is for her. The mouse, bat, and spider retreat to their alcoves; the cockroach hides behind a curtain; and Temp cowers under a table—all avoiding direct contact to prevent escalating her fear. Only Nerissa tries to help, though she’s nearly overwhelmed herself. Their collective stillness and caution underscore Lizzie’s perceived vulnerability and the Underlanders’ respect for her distress. This reaction also contrasts with Ripred’s later intervention, showing a spectrum of responses to human psychological trauma in a world typically focused on physical threats.
Quotes
1. “Gregor didn’t even wait to change, he just took off at a run. Underlanders did not use the word ‘emergency’ lightly.”
This opening quote establishes the urgency of the situation and highlights the gravity with which Underlanders treat emergencies, setting the tone for the chapter’s tense events.
2. “In people like Lizzie, it didn’t take much to set off the response. Sometimes she would have an attack for no apparent reason at all. She would be in a state of extreme terror, but there would be no one to fight and nothing to run from.”
This passage provides crucial insight into Lizzie’s character and panic disorder, explaining the physiological basis of her attacks while showing Gregor’s understanding and compassion.
3. “‘Grandma — in the hospital. Dad — very sick again. I can’t take — care of him!’ said Lizzie.”
This emotionally charged revelation serves as the chapter’s turning point, explaining why Lizzie braved her fears to come to the Underland and introducing new family crises that complicate Gregor’s situation.
4. “An expression came over his face that Gregor had never seen before. If he had to put a name to it, Gregor would have called it tenderness. The rat’s voice became positively gentle.”
This unexpected moment shows Ripred’s surprising capacity for kindness, particularly toward Lizzie, hinting at deeper connections and adding complexity to his character.
5. “‘Math is good,’ said Ripred. ‘What’s eight plus seven, Lizzie?’”
This simple exchange begins a touching scene where Ripred helps calm Lizzie through math problems, demonstrating an unusual but effective coping mechanism and showing unexpected rapport between characters.