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Chapter 23
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
Reynie and Sticky wake up before dawn. Sticky is still afraid. He mentions that the Executives blindfolded him before bringing him to the Waiting Room, and Reynie wonders why. S.Q. comes to pick Sticky up to meet with Mr. Curtain. He tries to give Sticky advice, but he stumbles over his words and ends up giving nonsensical advice that only makes Sticky more nervous. He brings Sticky to the office, and as Sticky walks in, he declares that he is sorry he cheated. He has memorized a speech explaining that he was pressured to cheat by Martina Crowe, and he obeyed because she is a Messenger. Mr. Curtain is outraged, but he tells Sticky that he doesn’t mind cheating so much, as long as Mr. Curtain knows the situation. Mr. Curtain always wants to know the circumstances so that he can control them.
Sticky demonstrates his trust in Reynie here. He follows Reynie’s plan, even though it involves admitting to the crime that sent him to the Waiting Room. The details of Reynie’s plan highlight his problem-solving abilities. Turning the blame to Martina provides Sticky a plausible reason for cheating and potentially rids the Mysterious Benedict Society of an enemy. The plan seems to be effective, especially since it appeals to Mr. Curtain’s compulsion for control.
Themes
Sticky’s friends congratulate him on the way to lunch. In the corridor, they overhear Jackson and Jillson discussing a Messenger who has been blamed for spying in the gym. The Executives are supposed to keep an eye out for the boy’s partner in crime, and the situation has led to new codes for the door locks. Kate is thrilled that both Sticky and Reynie are no longer in trouble, but Reynie feels too guilty to be happy. By supper, no one has seen Martina all day, and Reynie feels that everything he does gets someone hurt. Sticky also feels guilty, since Martina has likely gone to the Waiting Room, and he knows how horrible that is.
Reynie struggles to balance his natural morality with the demands of spying. Martina and an innocent Messenger have now taken the blame for the Society’s behavior, which breaches Reynie’s inclination for honesty. This dilemma once again highlights the toll that this mission takes on the children. In addition to putting them in physical danger, it forces them to betray their core values.
Themes
A hidden message starts, and Constance grumbles at the Messenger that only she can hear. Reynie wonders what will happen to her when Mr. Curtain boosts the signal power all the way. S.Q. comes over, surprised that Sticky and Reynie look upset. He hints that they are close to becoming Messengers, and then it is revealed why a new spot has opened up: Martina comes in with Jackson and Jillson, dressed as an Executive.
Instead of punishing Martina for allegedly pressuring Sticky to cheat, Mr. Curtain rewards her, which speaks to the twisted values of the Institute. Mr. Curtain values control through fear, and in Sticky’s story, Martina abused her power as a Messenger to frighten Sticky into obedience. Her promotion opens an opportunity for Sticky and Reynie to become Messengers, but it also grants their enemy more power.
Themes
