Gregor and the Code of Claw
Chapter 25
by Suzanne, Collins,Gregor awakens in a hospital, disoriented and in pain, after believing he had died in the cave. He is greeted by his younger sister, Boots, who accidentally showers him with cookie crumbs, and his father, whose presence surprises him. Confused and weak, Gregor struggles to move and comprehends that he was rescued from the Dead Land. Howard, a friend, explains that the fireflies Photos Glow-Glow and Zap saved him, motivated by their love of cake. Gregor laughs at the absurdity, though it pains him, and learns he has been unconscious for two weeks.
Howard reveals that Gregor’s hand is still clenched around Ares’s claw, a grim reminder of his bat’s sacrifice. Overwhelmed by grief, Gregor replays Ares’s final moments in his mind, unable to respond to Howard’s questions. His father comforts him, assuring him that things will eventually be okay. As Gregor drifts back into sleep, he is haunted by memories of the battle and Ares’s death, but his father’s voice offers a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.
When Gregor wakes again, Mareth updates him on recent events. The Bane’s death and the cracked Code of Claw led to the collapse of the rat forces, ensuring victory for the humans and their allies. Vikus is recovering, though impaired, and Luxa is stepping into leadership. Gregor’s mother is also improving and will soon join them. Mareth lists the survivors, including Luxa, Hazard, and others, but the news takes a dark turn when he reveals Ripred’s fate.
Mareth explains that Ripred died defending the group, overpowered by flesh-eating mites in a tunnel. Despite Gregor’s disbelief, Mareth describes the evidence of Ripred’s final struggle. Gregor recalls Ripred’s earlier words about ragers being outnumbered, realizing the inevitability of his death. The chapter ends with Gregor grappling with the loss of Ripred, a mentor and ally, as he faces the long road to physical and emotional recovery.
FAQs
1. What was Gregor’s initial confusion upon waking up, and how does the chapter use sensory details to convey his disorientation?
Answer:
Gregor initially believes he might be at the beach due to the sensation of sand sprinkling on his forehead, which is later revealed to be cookie crumbs from Boots. The chapter effectively uses sensory details like the “brightly lit” hospital ceiling, the taste of medicine, and the pain in his chest to convey his gradual return to awareness. His confusion is compounded by his disbelief at being alive, as he vividly recalls dying in the cave. The contrast between his hazy perceptions and the reality of his survival creates a powerful sense of disorientation.2. How does Howard explain Gregor’s rescue, and what does this reveal about the fireflies’ motivations?
Answer:
Howard humorously attributes Gregor’s rescue to Photos Glow-Glow and Zap, the fireflies, suggesting their actions were motivated more by a “love of cake” than altruism. The fireflies had been gorging themselves in the kitchen and were incentivized to stay until Gregor recovered. This explanation underscores the absurdity Gregor feels upon realizing the “blue light” he associated with death was actually the fireflies’ glow. The detail adds levity while also highlighting how seemingly minor characters played a crucial role in his survival.3. Analyze the significance of Ares’s claw in Gregor’s hand. What emotional and physical challenges does it represent?
Answer:
Ares’s claw, still locked in Gregor’s blood-crusted hand, symbolizes both his physical trauma and unresolved grief. Physically, his inability to release it reflects the severity of his injuries and the doctors’ fear of breaking his bones. Emotionally, the claw represents his guilt and trauma over Ares’s death, as the memory of his bat’s sacrifice overwhelms him. The chapter emphasizes that Gregor must “let him go himself,” suggesting his healing will require confronting this loss directly, both physically and emotionally.4. How does Mareth’s report about the war’s outcome illustrate the domino effect of Gregor’s actions?
Answer:
Mareth explains that the Bane’s death—coupled with the cracked Code of Claw and Lapblood’s defection—caused the rat army’s collapse. This demonstrates how Gregor’s actions created a cascading effect: his defeat of the Bane shattered the rats’ morale, while the code-breaking undermined their strategic advantage. The political fallout (Luxa’s rising leadership, York’s arrival) further shows how Gregor’s personal sacrifice altered the Underland’s future. The report frames Gregor as a pivotal figure whose actions extended far beyond the battlefield.5. Why is Ripred’s death particularly significant, and how does Gregor react to the news?
Answer:
Ripred’s death is shocking because he embodied resilience; Gregor initially refuses to believe it, insisting “everybody got out.” Mareth’s description of the rat’s final stand—dragging himself 20 yards before being overcome by mites—mirrors Ripred’s indomitable spirit. Gregor’s reaction underscores their bond: he recalls Ripred’s warning about being outnumbered, realizing even a “rager” had limits. The loss is compounded by Gregor’s unmet need to “tell him” something, leaving their relationship unresolved and emphasizing war’s cruel unpredictability.
Quotes
1. “Something must have gone terribly wrong. He was still alive.”
This quote captures Gregor’s initial shock and confusion upon waking after believing he had died in the cave. It sets the tone for his disorientation and the emotional weight of survival after trauma.
2. “The beautiful, blue light wasn’t from another world; it was from Photos Glow-Glow’s butt. Gregor couldn’t help laughing, even though it hurt like crazy. The whole thing was so absurd.”
This moment of dark humor contrasts with the gravity of Gregor’s injuries, highlighting the absurdity of life-and-death situations and the unexpected sources of hope (the fireflies’ light).
3. “‘We have not wanted to force your hand open, for fear of breaking bones. We can soak it … but you will have to let him go yourself.’”
Howard’s words about Ares’s claw symbolize Gregor’s need to process grief and release his bond with his fallen friend. The physical act mirrors the emotional challenge of letting go.
4. “‘It’s going to be okay, Gregor. You don’t think so now. You don’t see how it ever could be. But one day, I promise, it’s going to be okay.’”
Gregor’s father offers a universal message of hope amid despair. This quote represents the chapter’s theme of healing and the long road to recovery after loss.
5. “‘Ask yourself, who but Ripred could have managed such a feat?’ ‘No one,’ said Gregor softly.”
This exchange underscores Ripred’s legendary resilience even in death, while also marking Gregor’s acceptance of another devastating loss in the war. It reflects the cost of victory.