Gregor and the Code of Claw
Chapter 18
by Suzanne, Collins,The chapter opens with Gregor and Howard hearing the eerie sound of rats scratching on stone surfaces, a tactic reminiscent of Ripred’s earlier ploy to intimidate Gregor’s family. Gregor admits the noise unsettles him, and Howard confesses his own fear, though they rationalize it as psychological warfare since the rats cannot breach the palace. Gregor, recovering from a rib injury, insists on returning to the code room despite the chaos in the High Hall, where wounded Underlanders are strewn about. As he navigates the crowded corridors, he notices the Underlanders’ relief at his survival, realizing rumors of his death have spread.
Upon arriving at the code room, Gregor finds Lizzie distraught and weeping, convinced of her failure to decipher the rats’ code. Ripred reassures her of her value, emphasizing her unique skills as a code-breaker. Boots and the rest of the team are visibly distressed, creating a somber atmosphere. Gregor downplays his injuries to avoid adding to the tension, but Lizzie’s emotional outburst highlights the group’s desperation and the pressure to crack the code. Ripred commits to staying with Lizzie to work on the cipher, prioritizing the mission over the ongoing war.
Luxa joins Gregor, expressing concern for his well-being, and they share a moment of camaraderie, joking about their frequent injuries. Ripred interrupts, urging them to make themselves useful by testing Boots’s ability to interpret the code. Luxa explains how the rats transmit messages through taps, clicks, and scratches, which Temp demonstrates with astonishing speed. Gregor reflects on the complexity of the code, comparing it to Morse code, while Luxa details the Underlanders’ methods of intercepting and recording these messages.
The chapter underscores the psychological toll of the war, with fear and uncertainty permeating the characters’ interactions. Gregor’s resilience and Lizzie’s self-doubt contrast with Ripred’s pragmatic leadership, as the group grapples with the urgency of decoding the rats’ communications. The scratching sounds serve as a constant reminder of the looming threat, heightening the tension as the characters race against time to uncover the code’s flaw and turn the tide in their favor.
FAQs
1. How does the scratching sound of the rats affect Gregor and Howard psychologically, and what parallel does Gregor draw to his past experience?
Answer:
The incessant scratching of rat claws on stone surfaces creates a deeply unsettling psychological effect on both Gregor and Howard. Gregor explicitly states, “Well, it works,” acknowledging how the sound preys on their nerves even though they know the rats cannot physically breach the palace walls. This mirrors Gregor’s earlier experience in his Overland apartment, where Ripred sent small rats to scratch on the walls to intimidate his family into attending the plague meeting. The chapter highlights how sound can be weaponized to induce fear, demonstrating the rats’ psychological warfare tactics in both scenarios.2. Analyze Lizzie’s emotional breakdown in the code room. What does this reveal about the pressures placed on her and Ripred’s role in motivating her?
Answer:
Lizzie’s tearful outburst reveals the immense pressure she faces as the presumed code-breaker, compounded by her fear for Gregor’s safety. Her self-doubt (“I’m no good at all”) contrasts sharply with Ripred’s insistence that she is uniquely capable (“code-breakers are as rare as trees”). Ripred adopts a dual role: chastising her for lost time (“It has cost us precious hours”) while also bolstering her confidence (“I’m still betting on you”). His pragmatic yet supportive approach—staying to work alongside her—highlights the high-stakes nature of their mission and the emotional toll on Lizzie, who feels responsible for the survival of Regalia.3. How does the chapter illustrate the theme of resilience through Gregor’s physical injuries and his interactions with Luxa?
Answer:
Gregor’s resilience is evident in his efforts to downplay his pain (avoiding winces while changing shirts) and his insistence on returning to work despite bruised ribs and a hip wound. His exchange with Luxa—”Only way we get to see each other”—frames their injuries as bittersweet opportunities for connection, underscoring their shared endurance amid war. Luxa’s care (guiding him to rest) and their mutual humor about Ripred’s criticism further demonstrate emotional resilience. The chapter juxtaposes physical vulnerability with steadfast determination, as both characters prioritize duty and camaraderie over their wounds.4. What strategic purpose does the rats’ coded communication serve, and how does the Underlanders’ method of decoding it reflect their adaptability?
Answer:
The rats use coded taps, clicks, and scratches transmitted through rock seams to coordinate attacks, leveraging the Underland’s geology for stealth. The Underlanders counter this by deploying spies to record and transcribe the messages into strips of cloth. Temp’s ability to rapidly replicate the sounds showcases the species-specific adaptability of the Underlanders (cockroaches excel at parsing rapid vibrations). This system underscores the technological asymmetry between species: the rats exploit natural sound channels, while the humans rely on interdisciplinary collaboration (Lizzie’s code-breaking, Temp’s auditory skills) to decode threats.5. Evaluate Ripred’s leadership style in this chapter. How does he balance urgency with empathy?
Answer:
Ripred exemplifies a results-driven yet nuanced leadership style. He bluntly prioritizes the mission (“Some of us are trying to work”), chastising distractions, but also recognizes emotional needs: he comforts Lizzie physically (letting her lean on him) and verbally (praising her potential). His threat to Gregor (“I don’t really have to explain how imperative breaking this code is”) masks concern for collective survival. By assigning Gregor and Luxa a practical task (testing Boots with code strips), he redirects their energy productively. Ripred’s approach balances harsh realism with psychological insight, ensuring progress without breaking morale.
Quotes
1. “‘You bet.’ ‘Then I am less ashamed to admit it scares me as well,’ said Howard. ‘It is only to affect our minds. The rats cannot possibly scratch their way into the palace.’ ‘Well, it works,’ said Gregor.”
This exchange highlights the psychological warfare tactics of the rats, whose scratching claws terrify both Gregor and Howard despite knowing it’s merely intimidation. It underscores the theme of fear as a weapon in war.
2. “‘You live!’ cried out one old man. ‘We heard the Bane had killed you!’ Gregor began to worry what rumors may have gotten back to his sisters and tried to move faster.”
This moment reveals Gregor’s growing legend among the Underlanders and his personal concern for his family’s wellbeing. It shows the disconnect between battlefield rumors and reality.
3. “‘Don’t be ridiculous. You can’t throw a rock without hitting thirty warriors down here, but code-breakers are as rare as trees,’ said Ripred.”
Ripred’s blunt encouragement to Lizzie emphasizes the unique value of intellectual skills in warfare, contrasting physical fighters with rare mental talents needed to decipher the rats’ code.
4. “‘One or the other of us always seems to be recuperating.’ ‘Only way we get to see each other,’ said Gregor.”
This bittersweet exchange between Gregor and Luxa captures the toll of constant warfare on their relationship, finding dark humor in their cycle of injuries and recoveries.
5. “‘Whatever that means,’ Gregor mumbled to Luxa after Ripred had left.”
Gregor’s muttered comment about the prophecy (“WHAT SHE SAW, IT IS THE FLAW OF THE CODE OF CLAW”) reflects the ongoing mystery and frustration surrounding Boots’ potential role in breaking the code, maintaining suspense about her significance.