Gregor and the Code of Claw
Chapter 26
by Suzanne, Collins,The chapter opens with Ripred’s dramatic return, shocking the crowd who believed him dead. Lizzie’s joyful reaction contrasts with Luxa’s icy skepticism as Ripred declares his intent to represent the gnawers in post-war negotiations. The rats, initially hesitant, rally behind him after Lapblood’s endorsement, signaling a shift in alliances. Ripred’s cunning and strategic positioning suggest he has long planned this moment, challenging Luxa’s authority and setting the stage for a tense confrontation over the future of the Underland.
Nerissa’s revelation that Ripred bears the “X” scar described in the prophecy adds a layer of mythic significance, framing him as the prophesied peacemaker. The crowd erupts in debate, but Luxa remains unmoved, dismissing the idea. Ripred, ever the opportunist, plays along with the prophecy while subtly mocking its inevitability. Gregor, observing Ripred’s smirk, suspects the rat may have engineered the scar himself to manipulate the narrative, highlighting the tension between destiny and calculated action.
The conflict escalates when Luxa demands the gnawers relocate to the Uncharted Lands, a proposal Ripred vehemently rejects. Their exchange grows hostile, with threats of renewed war and Ripred questioning Luxa’s reliance on Gregor. The tension peaks as both turn to Gregor, forcing him to choose sides. Overwhelmed by their disregard for the sacrifices made during the war, Gregor’s rage erupts. He breaks Sandwich’s sword, symbolically rejecting his role as the warrior and condemning their willingness to return to violence.
Gregor’s act of defiance stuns the crowd, and Nerissa declares the prophecy fulfilled. Ripred, ever pragmatic, acknowledges Gregor’s point and shifts the focus to the looming threat of the cutters. The chapter ends with an unresolved tension, leaving the future of the Underland hanging in the balance as characters grapple with the consequences of their choices and the weight of prophecy.
FAQs
1. How does Ripred explain his survival and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Ripred reveals that he survived by hiding under Cleaver’s body when they landed, allowing the mites to consume Cleaver first and buying him time to escape. This demonstrates Ripred’s quick thinking and survival instincts, as well as his pragmatic nature—he acknowledges a begrudging gratitude toward Cleaver, whom he previously despised. The explanation also highlights Ripred’s resilience and ability to manipulate circumstances to his advantage, traits that make him a formidable leader and negotiator.2. What is the significance of the “X” mark on Ripred’s face, and how does Nerissa interpret it?
Answer:
Nerissa interprets the X-shaped scar on Ripred’s face as the mark of the peacemaker from the prophecy. She connects it to the lines of the poem, emphasizing how Ripred fits the description: undetected, deadly, rejected, resurrected, and now marked by intersecting lines. The X symbolizes the union of human and gnawer lines, represented by Luxa and Ripred. This interpretation lends Ripred legitimacy as a peacemaker, though his smirk at Gregor suggests he may have engineered the mark to manipulate perceptions.3. How does Gregor react to Luxa and Ripred’s confrontation, and what does his action symbolize?
Answer:
Gregor is horrified by Luxa and Ripred’s willingness to return to war after so much loss. In a dramatic outburst, he breaks Sandwich’s sword, declaring the “warrior” dead. This act symbolizes his rejection of violence and his refusal to take sides in their conflict. It also represents his disillusionment with their failure to honor the sacrifices made during the war. By destroying the sword, Gregor severs his role as the warrior and demands accountability from both leaders.4. Why is Lapblood’s support crucial for Ripred’s legitimacy as the gnawers’ representative?
Answer:
Lapblood’s endorsement is pivotal because, unlike Ripred, she is widely trusted among the rats. Her leadership during the plague cure mission and her opposition to the Bane give her credibility. When she publicly backs Ripred, the other rats follow suit, uniting behind him. This shows that Ripred, despite his cunning, needs the support of respected figures like Lapblood to gain collective approval. Her support bridges the gap between Ripred’s divisive reputation and the gnawers’ need for a leader.5. How does Luxa’s proposal to banish the gnawers to the Uncharted Lands reflect her growth—or lack thereof—as a leader?
Answer:
Luxa’s proposal reveals her lingering rigidity and unresolved anger. Despite the war’s horrors, she reverts to her earlier stance of forcing the gnawers into exile, showing she hasn’t fully embraced reconciliation. This contrasts with moments of growth during the war, suggesting she still views conflict in binary terms. However, her willingness to negotiate under pressure (albeit reluctantly) hints at potential for change. The chapter leaves her leadership at a crossroads, torn between old prejudices and the need for peace.
Quotes
1. “I told you. To speak for the gnawers. Or did you think I spent years risking life and limb so that you could dictate our future?”
This quote marks Ripred’s pivotal declaration of his true allegiance and purpose, challenging Luxa’s assumption of human dominance. It represents the central conflict of the chapter—the struggle for power and representation between humans and gnawers in the postwar Underland.
2. “FINALLY, THEY INTERSECTED, TWO LINES MET, ONE UNEXPECTED.”
Nerissa’s prophetic recitation highlights the symbolic convergence of human and gnawer fates in Luxa and Ripred. This moment elevates the political confrontation into a mythic framework, suggesting their conflict was foretold and carries deeper significance.
3. “You’re really going to do it, aren’t you? You’re really going to go back to war?”
Gregor’s outburst captures the chapter’s emotional climax, condemning the cyclical nature of violence. His rage underscores the tragedy of characters forgetting their shared sacrifices, making this the moral centerpiece of the chapter.
4. “There. The warrior’s dead. I killed him.”
Gregor’s dramatic breaking of the sword symbolizes his rejection of forced allegiances and the warrior role. This act of defiance serves as both a personal liberation and a catalyst forcing Luxa and Ripred to reconsider their positions.
5. “Although the boy does make a point about the perversity of starting a new war while the blood is still drying from the last one.”
Ripred’s concession shows the impact of Gregor’s intervention, reframing the conflict through the lens of shared trauma. This pragmatic acknowledgment sets the stage for potential reconciliation between the factions.