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Chapter 21
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Mysterious Benedict Society, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Confidence and Growing Up
Deception vs. Truth
Loneliness vs. Friendship
Control vs. Freedom
Hope
Summary
Analysis
The next day, Jillson catches Sticky cheating. She drags him to the Waiting Room while the other children boo and jeer, including a smug Martina. Constance looks terrified, and Reynie shares her fear. If Sticky reveals their secrets to Mr. Curtain, it will be the end of their mission and the start of real mortal danger.
The Mysterious Benedict Society is confronted with the dangers that previously seemed abstract. Sticky has been forcibly separated from the group, ripping him from his support system. If he confesses, Mr. Curtain will likely brainsweep the children––or worse. With Sticky gone, the reality of the situation sets in: the Society members are children, they are alone, and they are in danger.
Themes
The three remaining members of the Mysterious Benedict Society meet and somberly search the campus for clues. Constance wonders why the gym is frequently closed for Executive use, and Reynie realizes the Executives might use the gym for something important. With Constance as lookout, Kate and Reynie hurry off to peek into the gym. Reynie stands on Kate’s shoulders to look through the window, and he sees rows of smiling Recruiters, prompted by Executives, practicing greeting paper figurines with hugs and handshakes. Reynie realizes this must be preparation for the Improvement. The practice is coming to an end when S.Q. Pedalian looks out the window and sees Reynie.
Though they have temporarily lost a member, the Mysterious Benedict Society continues its mission, which highlights the children’s perseverance and commitment to their cause. Once again, Kate boosts one of her friends up to a higher vantage point. This reinforces her characterization as sturdy and reliable, but it is also a reminder that Kate intentionally curates that image to avoid seeming vulnerable. The scene in the gym indicates that the Improvement is rapidly approaching, and the potential consequences become all the more intense when S.Q. sees Reynie through the window, placing him in imminent danger.
Themes
Reynie and Kate run away and plan to split up. Reynie worries that he will never see Kate again, after Mr. Curtain catches and brainsweeps him. Reynie thanks Kate for her help. She makes a joke, and when Reynie tells her the situation isn’t funny, her cheerful demeanor falters. She tells Reynie that she knows this isn’t funny, but asks, “What do you want me to do? Cry?” She promises to see him at supper and runs off.
Kate is almost always smiling and joking, even in inappropriate moments. Her reaction to Reynie shows that she understands her cheerfulness is out of place. If she does not constantly appear happy, she fears she will reveal her deep insecurities and loneliness. Like the other children, Kate prizes truth and honesty, but much of the personality she projects is a deception.
Themes
Reynie slowly makes his way to the far side of the Institute. He hesitates before going inside, then tells himself he must at least pretend to be brave. He joins Kate and Constance in the cafeteria, and the Executive on duty doesn’t pay Reynie any attention. Kate informs Reynie that S.Q. was unable to identify Reynie as anything other than an “especially average-looking boy,” much to the frustration of the other Executives. Reynie is relieved, but his fear for himself is quickly replaced by fear for Sticky, who is still in danger.
Reynie continues to struggle with bravery. He has undertaken a dangerous mission and often leads his friends through risks, but he still does not consider himself brave. In an unusual stroke of luck for the Mysterious Benedict Society, S.Q. Pedalian fails to identify Reynie due to the boy’s “average-looking” appearance. This reminder of Reynie’s looks highlights the disparity between a person’s interior and exterior, as Reynie’s unassuming appearance hides an impressive mind.
Themes
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