Gregor and the Code of Claw
Chapter 14
by Suzanne, Collins,In Chapter 14, Gregor encounters a sudden and terrifying threat when massive claws erupt from the ground, nearly striking him. Initially fearing the Bane, he quickly realizes the claws belong to enormous, unfamiliar creatures. These animals, with their dark fur, powerful tails, and rose-colored, tentacle-rimmed blossoms where their noses should be, resemble star-nosed moles but are far larger and more formidable. Gregor recalls a childhood memory of rescuing a small star-nosed mole, which fills him with curiosity rather than fear toward these strange beings.
As the moles continue to emerge, Gregor attempts to communicate with them, but they respond only with wheezing sounds. He realizes they may be unaware of the ongoing war and the danger they’re in by tunneling behind human defenses. Concerned for their safety, he tries to shoo them away, warning them of the humans’ likely hostile reaction. However, his efforts to protect them backfire when the moles suddenly become enraged, particularly after he mentions the land belongs to the humans.
The situation escalates as the moles attack Gregor with their razor-sharp claws, forcing him into a defensive spin to fend them off. Despite his reluctance to harm them, he struggles to block their relentless assaults, noting the surprising hardness of their claws. A brief moment of hesitation—after he injures one mole’s tentacles—nearly costs him dearly as a claw rips into his side. The chapter highlights Gregor’s internal conflict between self-preservation and his desire to avoid unnecessary violence.
Throughout the confrontation, Gregor reflects on Vikus’s advice about restraint in war, but the moles’ aggression leaves him little choice. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Gregor wounded and the battle far from resolved. The encounter underscores themes of misunderstanding, the brutality of war, and the challenges of diplomacy in the face of instinctual hostility.
FAQs
1. How does Gregor initially react to the appearance of the mysterious creatures, and how does his perspective change once he identifies them?
Answer:
Gregor’s initial reaction is one of alarm and defensive instinct—he jerks away from the claws and prepares to flee, fearing an attack from a dangerous creature like the Bane. However, once he gets a clear look at the animals and recognizes them as massive, mutated moles reminiscent of the star-nosed mole he encountered as a child, his attitude shifts to curiosity and warmth. He recalls a fond memory of rescuing a mole with his father, which colors his perception of these Underland moles as harmless and even endearing. This contrast highlights Gregor’s capacity for empathy and his tendency to connect unfamiliar threats to familiar experiences.2. What critical mistake does Gregor make when trying to communicate with the moles, and why does it provoke their aggression?
Answer:
Gregor’s mistake is declaring, “This land belongs to the humans!”—a statement that inadvertently triggers the moles’ hostility. While his intent is to warn them away for their own safety, the moles likely interpret this as a territorial challenge or a denial of their right to the land. The chapter implies that the moles understand some English, as they react to his words rather than just his actions. This misunderstanding escalates the situation from tentative curiosity to violent confrontation, illustrating how language barriers and cultural assumptions can lead to conflict even with good intentions.3. Analyze the significance of Vikus’s prophecy quote (“Remember that even in war there is a time for restraint…”) in this context. How does Gregor apply this lesson during the fight?
Answer:
Vikus’s quote underscores the theme of moral restraint in warfare. Gregor applies this by deliberately avoiding lethal force against the moles, despite their aggression. He focuses on defense (blocking claws) and minimal harm (clipping tentacles instead of striking vital areas), recognizing that the moles’ attack stems from misunderstanding rather than malice. This reflects his growth as a warrior who values life and seeks peaceful resolutions, even mid-battle. However, the scene also shows the limits of restraint—Gregor is still wounded, suggesting that balance between mercy and survival remains fraught.4. What practical challenges does Gregor face in battling the moles, and what do these reveal about their biology?
Answer:
Gregor struggles with the moles’ speed, numbers (40 claws attacking simultaneously), and the surprising hardness of their claws, which resist his swords “like metal.” These details reveal the moles’ adaptations to their environment: their claws are likely reinforced by minerals from tunneling through rock, making them natural weapons. Their agility contrasts with Gregor’s expectation of slow, burrowing creatures, hinting at their evolutionary specialization for underground combat. The encounter forces Gregor to adapt his tactics, relying on echolocation (though imperfectly) and spinning maneuvers to survive.5. Why might the moles’ sudden appearance in the Underland be significant to the broader story? Consider ecological and political implications.
Answer:
Their emergence suggests unexplored depths of the Underland’s ecosystem and potential shifts in its balance of power. As mammals, they should have been affected by the plague, yet their absence from prior records implies they inhabit regions beyond human or rat knowledge. Politically, their intrusion into the battlefield could symbolize unforeseen variables in the war—new factions or ancient claims to territory. Gregor’s speculation that they’ve “only just surfaced” hints at deeper geological or mythological layers to the Underland, possibly foreshadowing future alliances or threats tied to the land itself.
Quotes
1. “For the first time he got a good look at the creatures coming out of the ground. They definitely weren’t plants. Or rats, either, although he was pretty sure they came from the rodent family.”
This quote marks Gregor’s first real observation of the mysterious creatures, highlighting his analytical thinking even in danger. It introduces the chapter’s central conflict with these unknown beings.
2. “He had loved the mole, so they had watched it for a while. His dad had explained how it usually stayed underground, how those front feet were amazing at digging and, even though it couldn’t see well, that bizarre nose was so sensitive to touch it could basically feel what something was.”
This nostalgic memory provides crucial context about Gregor’s connection to moles, explaining his initial empathy toward the creatures. It contrasts sharply with their later violent behavior.
3. “Gregor didn’t know what had caused the moles to attack, but he was sure there was some kind of misunderstanding. He didn’t want to kill them. He just wanted them to leave.”
This quote captures Gregor’s moral dilemma and his attempt to apply Vikus’s lesson about restraint in warfare. It shows his compassionate nature even when facing danger.
4. “Vikus’s words from the prophecy room ran through his head. ‘Remember that even in war there is a time for restraint. A time to hold back your sword.’”
This recalled wisdom represents a key thematic element of the chapter - the conflict between necessary violence and moral restraint in warfare. Gregor actively tries to apply this lesson to the mole attack.
5. “Four moles times ten front claws equaled the equivalent of forty blades coming at him. ‘These things need their nails trimmed,’ he thought.”
This quote combines Gregor’s characteristic dark humor with the intense danger of his situation. The mathematical calculation shows his strategic thinking even in combat.