The Mysterious Benedict Society

by

Trenton Lee Stewart

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The Mysterious Benedict Society: Chapter 14 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
At lunch, Reynie and Sticky tell Constance and Kate about their encounters with S.Q. and Martina. Kate is furious about how Martina is treating them, but Reynie is distracted by Constance’s horrible table manners. Her rudeness makes him sad, as he realizes that she has never had someone to teach her courtesy. Reynie and Sticky order their lunches from a Helper, and they both reflect on the deference that Mr. Curtain demands from the Helpers. They are not allowed to speak to or make eye contact with the students, and any time Reynie tries to greet the Helpers, they seem uncomfortable.
As Reynie gets to know Constance, he is able to see past her rudeness to the little girl underneath. In yet another example of his emotional intelligence, he perceives that her lack of courtesy reflects a lack of guidance and care. Kate’s characterization is also strengthened here. Her anger at Martina’s behavior highlights Kate’s loyalty and her affection for her friends.
Themes
Confidence and Growing Up Theme Icon
Loneliness vs. Friendship Theme Icon
Control vs. Freedom Theme Icon
The rest of the day follows a similar pattern: Reynie is pleased by his and Sticky’s academic success, then he is dismayed by the glares that their success inspires from Martina and other students. Kate and Constance continue to fail the Institute’s constant quizzes. After classes, the Mysterious Benedict Society meets in the plaza. Instead of talking, they watch Mr. Curtain, who is also in the plaza. He sits in his wheelchair going through a stack of papers and making occasional notes in a large book. Eventually, Mr. Curtain turns and leaves.
The Mysterious Benedict Society continues to try to balance academic success with the accrual of information. The contrast between these two goals speaks to the contrast between the children’s youth and the magnitude of their mission. Struggling with quizzes is the problem of a normal child, but the Mysterious Benedict Society are not only children––they are spies.
Themes
Confidence and Growing Up Theme Icon
Students are not allowed in each other’s rooms, since that would encourage private meetings, and secrets at the Institute are reserved for Messengers and Executives. In the evening, the children linger together outside Reynie and Sticky’s room to eavesdrop on other students. During this time, Jackson marches down the hall and commands a Messenger to go to the Waiting Room, by order of Mr. Curtain. The Messenger is horrified, but Jackson coerces him into obedience. Another girl in the hall bursts into tears at the mere mention of the Waiting Room. The children of the Mysterious Benedict Society exchange nervous glances, and Constance says that they should probably avoid being sent to the Waiting Room.
Mr. Curtain asserts his control over the Institute by establishing secrets themselves as a privilege reserved only for himself and those under him. He also threatens children with the prospect of being sent to the mysterious Waiting Room. The students at the Institute follow the rules because Mr. Curtain has given them a harsh incentive to behave and has laid out specific goals to achieve.
Themes
Control vs. Freedom Theme Icon