# XVIII explained — Metropolis

> Chapter companion for Metropolis by Thea von Harbou.

## What happens

Freder desperately works to rescue Maria and the children trapped in the underground city as floodwaters rise. He encounters Grot, who initially rages over his destroyed machine but ultimately helps pull the children to safety. After the rescue, Grot turns on Maria, blaming her for the machine's destruction, but the children physically restrain him. Freder carries Maria away from the ruins as the children follow.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Freder risks his life to save Maria and the children, and Maria insists on being the last to be saved, prioritizing the children's safety.

### Class Division and Exploitation

Grot's rage over his destroyed machine reflects the dehumanization and exploitation of workers, while the children's suffering highlights the cost of industrial oppression.

### Religious and Mythological Symbolism

Maria comforts the children with imagery of heaven and Saint Peter, and Freder prays, invoking divine deliverance amid the catastrophe.

## Character check-ins

### Freder

Desperately works to rescue Maria and the children from the flooded underground city; confronts Grot and carries Maria to safety.

### Maria

Trapped with the children in the rising water, tells them a comforting story, and is rescued by Freder.

### Grot

Initially enraged over his destroyed machine, he helps pull children from the pit but later tries to trap Maria, blaming her for the machine's destruction.

## Key lines

> I want to be the last whom you save, Freder! I am carrying the tiniest ones on my shoulders and arms

Maria insists that Freder save the smallest children first, even if it means she is rescued last.

_Highlights Maria's self-sacrifice and maternal care for the children._

> That woman murdered my machine—That damn woman led the rabble—!! That woman alone turned the lever to ‘12’—! I saw it when they were trampling on me—! The woman can drown down there—! I’m going to kill that woman—!

Grot blames Maria for the destruction of his machine and the chaos, vowing to let her drown.

_Illustrates Grot's misplaced anger and the workers' resentment toward Maria._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metropolis_se/chapters/xviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metropolis_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metropolis_se/chapters