The Mysterious Benedict Society: Chapter 18 Summary & Analysis

During class the next day, Jackson posts the list of new Messengers. None of the Mysterious Benedict Society has made the list, and as they walk out of class, Reynie sees the two children he suspects were kidnapped. Despite their apparent happiness, he feels sympathetic. He imagines that they must have lived terrible lives to find the Institute so wonderful, and that students must turn their backs on the outside world to become Executives because they are so grateful to be part of something important. Reynie finds himself jealous of that feeling.

Reynie runs into Mr. Curtain, who assumes Reynie is disappointed at not being a Messenger. With condescension, he claims that even the minds of gifted children are easily read. He tells Reynie that Reynie is not yet ready to be a Messenger, but the time will come. Mr. Curtain mentions that he dislikes and distrusts Constance. Reynie suggests that Mr. Curtain should keep people he distrusts close, and Mr. Curtain laughs in approval. Reynie gets the sense that he has passed a test he didn’t know he was taking. Mr. Curtain remarks that keeping his enemies close is the best way to control the problem, and “control is always the key.” He makes up his mind about something, and orders Reynie to accompany him to his office.

Mr. Curtain speeds down the corridors in his wheelchair, and Reynie has to run to keep up. They reach Mr. Curtain’s office, which requires a number code to enter. The office is white and sparsely decorated. On the wall is a map of Holland, where Mr. Benedict was born, and below that is a row of bookshelves locked to prevent access to their books. Reynie marvels at how Mr. Curtain and Mr. Benedict can be so similar and yet so different.

Mr. Curtain moves to his desk and marks something in a journal. He tells Reynie that he spent his childhood as an orphan in Holland, where he was constantly bullied by other children. He tells Reynie that they have both been mistreated for being different, and Mr. Curtain claims that in spite of this, his only goal is to make people happy. He remarks that he sees himself in Reynie, who is a natural leader with a superior mind. Mr. Curtain explains that children despise superior minds, and that leaders are always alone even among their friends. Reynie sees some truth in this, but he tries to reassure himself that his friends do not despise him.

Mr. Curtain tells Reynie that he is on track to become an Executive. Reynie is surprised, and Mr. Curtain points out that an orphan like Reynie would not be leaving much behind to come work for Mr. Curtain. He reveals to Reynie that he is planning for what he calls the Improvement, which will eliminate the need for Messengers. He promises that he will explain further once Reynie has proven himself. With a laugh, Mr. Curtain remarks that he prizes “open minds.” Reynie thanks him, but Mr. Curtain says not to thank him––instead, Reynie should impress him.

That night, Reynie describes the meeting to the other members of the Mysterious Benedict Society. They pass on the information to the mainland. The response tells the children not to worry, but reminds them that time is of the essence.