The Stainless Steel Rat · Chapter
XIII explained
James diGriz deliberately induces a psychotic state using a custom drug and autohypnotic suggestions to adopt Angelina's ruthless mindset.
What happens
James diGriz deliberately induces a psychotic state using a custom drug and autohypnotic suggestions to adopt Angelina's ruthless mindset. Under the influence, he becomes violent and paranoid, breaks a bartender's arm, and nearly succumbs to the drug's grip before realizing he must maintain his supply. The chapter explores his internal conflict between his own morality and the allure of Angelina's amorality.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Reinvention
diGriz deliberately alters his mental state to adopt a new identity, mirroring his earlier physical transformation via plastic surgery.
Morality and Amorality
The chapter contrasts diGriz's inherent value for human life with Angelina's ruthless disregard, as he experiments with amorality.
Loneliness and Ego
diGriz's obsession with Angelina stems from a desire for a partner who matches his intelligence, revealing his isolation and inflated self-regard.
Characters to notice
- Slippery Jim diGriz
Undergoes self-induced psychosis to understand Angelina; experiences violent impulses and paranoia under the drug's influence.
- Angelina
Subject of diGriz's obsession; he analyzes her psychotic patterns and later fantasizes about both killing and partnering with her.
- Dr. Vulff
Mentioned as the surgeon who gave diGriz a new face; diGriz briefly considers killing him to eliminate a loose end.
Key passages
“I placed a value on human life, the one unchanging value in existence. Angelina valued herself and her desires, and nothing else.”
diGriz reflects that he cherishes human life as an absolute, while Angelina only cares for her own wants and needs.
Highlights the core moral divide between the two characters.
“This new face fitted me a lot better than the old one. A fault of birth or the ugliness of my parents—whom I hated deeply, the only right thing they ever did was to produce me—had given me a face that didn’t fit my personality.”
Under the drug's influence, diGriz feels his surgically altered face finally matches his inner self, and he expresses hatred for his parents.
Shows the drug amplifying his ego and resentment.
“Angelina, how I would love to get that tender white throat between my hands and squeeze until your eyeballs popped.”
diGriz fantasizes violently about strangling Angelina, mixing desire with murderous rage.
Illustrates the drug-induced shift toward Angelina's own violent mindset.