Gregor and the Code of Claw
Chapter 21
by Suzanne, Collins,In Chapter 21, Luxa is forcibly taken away by guards after Gregor betrays her trust, leaving him heartbroken as she hurls accusations of disloyalty. Despite her anger, Gregor clings to the memory of their bond, symbolized by a photograph he keeps. Solovet justifies his actions as necessary, but her approval offers no comfort, as Gregor despises her ruthless tactics. Vikus attempts to console him, suggesting Luxa’s hatred may fade, but Gregor remains resigned to her rejection, focusing instead on the impending mission.
Preparations for departure intensify as Gregor spends his final hour with his sisters, Lizzie and Boots, who are to accompany the group for their strategic value. Ripred assures Gregor of their safety, but the weight of the upcoming battle looms. Gregor undergoes a somber routine—eating, bathing, and dressing in armor—each act feeling like a last ritual. Howard tends to his wounds, and their emotional farewell underscores the gravity of the situation, with Gregor entrusting Luxa’s care to him.
The Underlanders conduct funeral rites for the fallen, sending bodies on torch-lit rafts down the river, a poignant contrast to the discarded rat corpses. Gregor learns of the recent battle’s brutality from Ares, including the rats’ invasion and Cartesian’s heroic death defending the nursery. The loss of Cartesian and others highlights the war’s toll, leaving Gregor to grapple with the uncertainty of his allies’ fates. The chapter’s mood grows heavier as the group assembles for departure, with the younger children blindfolded to shield them from the horrors.
As the traveling party prepares to leave, Gregor joins Vikus on Euripedes, while Ares carries Ripred. The chapter closes with a sense of foreboding, emphasizing the finality of their journey and the sacrifices already made. Gregor’s internal conflict—between duty, loss, and love—mirrors the broader themes of war and loyalty, setting the stage for the challenges ahead. The Underland’s grim reality is laid bare, leaving little room for hope but underscoring the resilience of its people.
FAQs
1. How does Gregor react to Luxa’s anger and hatred after her confinement, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Gregor is deeply pained by Luxa’s hatred and accusations of betrayal, yet he forces himself to watch her being taken away, cherishing even this painful moment because it involves her. His feelings for her intensify despite her rejection, showing his selfless love and loyalty. He keeps their photograph as a token of their connection, planning to confide in it later. This reveals Gregor’s emotional depth, his capacity for enduring pain for others’ safety, and his tendency to internalize guilt even when acting out of necessity.2. Analyze Solovet’s leadership style based on her decisions in this chapter. How does Gregor perceive her actions?
Answer:
Solovet demonstrates a pragmatic, utilitarian leadership style, prioritizing strategic gains over emotional considerations. She approves of Gregor’s betrayal of Luxa as “wise” because it serves a greater purpose, just as she previously weaponized the plague and used fire against the rats. Gregor, however, dislikes her approval, associating her methods with cruelty. His discomfort highlights the moral tension between effective leadership and ethical boundaries, as well as his own values conflicting with the harsh realities of war.3. What symbolic significance does the Underlanders’ funeral rite hold, and how does it contrast with their treatment of the dead rat?
Answer:
The Underlanders honor their dead with solemn rituals—placing bodies on torch-lit rafts and chanting as they release them to the Waterway. This reflects respect for the deceased and adaptation to their subterranean environment (lack of burial space). In stark contrast, the dead rat is dumped unceremoniously, underscoring the deep-seated animosity between species. Cartesian the mouse, however, receives honor, showing that alliances can transcend species lines. The rites emphasize the themes of dignity, memory, and the cost of war.4. How does Howard’s interaction with Gregor underscore the themes of brotherhood and farewell?
Answer:
Howard tends to Gregor’s wounds and brings him supplies, embodying steadfast care. Gregor’s unspoken gratitude—wishing Howard were his brother—reveals his admiration for Howard’s kindness and integrity. Their hug and exchanged “Fly you high” farewell carry emotional weight, as Gregor believes this is their last meeting. The moment underscores the bonds formed in crisis and the pain of impending loss, while also reinforcing Howard’s role as a protective figure who will now look after Luxa in Gregor’s stead.5. Why might the author include the detail about the children being blindfolded during their journey? What does this add to the story’s tone?
Answer:
The blindfolds protect Lizzie, Hazard, and Boots from witnessing the battle’s horrors, as Ripred notes there’s “no point in giving them nightmares.” This detail emphasizes the brutality of the war while highlighting the adults’ attempts to preserve the children’s innocence. It adds a layer of grim realism to the tone, contrasting the care for the young with the unforgiving world they inhabit. Gregor’s approval of the measure reflects his growing awareness of the psychological costs of conflict.
Quotes
1. “Even the sight of Luxa despising him was precious to him now.”
This heartbreaking line captures Gregor’s deep emotional conflict after betraying Luxa for her own safety. Despite her hatred, he cherishes every moment seeing her, showing the intensity of his unrequited love and sacrifice.
2. “She will always hate you for it, but with time, she will understand its necessity.”
Solovet’s cold pragmatism contrasts with Gregor’s emotional turmoil, highlighting the novel’s theme of difficult choices in war. Her approval brings no comfort, revealing Gregor’s moral divergence from the Underland’s wartime logic.
3. “If she still cares for Henry, who put her life in jeopardy, will she not care for you who tried to save it?”
Vikus offers wisdom about forgiveness and perspective, suggesting Luxa’s hatred may soften. This moment provides Gregor (and readers) with fragile hope amid despair, while exploring how trauma affects relationships.
4. “Everything had a feeling of finality to it. Last hot meal, last bath, last set of clothes.”
This poignant reflection underscores Gregor’s acceptance of his likely death in battle. The mundane details become profoundly symbolic, emphasizing the weight of his impending sacrifice.
5. “Sent them on a lit raft down the river to the Waterway, the giant sea, where they would be swallowed up by the waves.”
The description of Underland funeral rites blends beauty and melancholy, contrasting the respectful human/bat ceremonies with the rats’ undignified disposal. This highlights the ongoing cycle of war and cultural differences in mourning.