# XV explained — The Stainless Steel Rat

> Chapter companion for The Stainless Steel Rat by Harry Harrison.

## What happens

Jim diGriz, imprisoned for lèse-majesté in Freibur, deliberately provokes his jailers and refuses an offer of release in exchange for an apology, all to attract Angelina's attention. After a week of waiting, a masked rescue team—led by a small figure he suspects is Angelina—attacks the prison and forcibly extracts him.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Hunt and the Hunted

Jim sets a trap for Angelina, becoming both hunter (by orchestrating his imprisonment) and hunted (waiting for her to spring him).

### Transformation and Reinvention

Jim adopts the persona of Grav Diebstall, a rebellious noble, to manipulate his circumstances and attract Angelina.

## Character check-ins

### Slippery Jim diGriz

Imprisoned and playing the role of a rebellious noble to bait Angelina; he refuses the King's leniency and waits for her move.

### Angelina

Implied to be the small masked figure directing the prison break; Jim suspects her identity.

### King Villelm

Referenced as 'King Villy' who wishes to end the affair quietly and offers Jim an apology deal.

### Grav Bent Diebstall

Jim's alias in Freibur; the prison governor addresses him as 'Grav Diebstall'.

## Key lines

> Uncivilized as my behavior had been, the jailers persisted in treating me in a most civilized fashion.

Despite my rude conduct, the guards remained polite.

_Jim's ironic observation of the contrast between his actions and the jailers' response._

> The trap was open, all she had to do was step into it.

I had set the bait; now I just needed Angelina to take it.

_Jim reflects on his plan to lure Angelina through his public defiance._

> I tore it to pieces. 'Apologize? Never!' I shouted at them.

I ripped up the apology paper and refused to say sorry.

_Jim's dramatic refusal of the King's offer to maintain his rebellious image._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_stainless_steel_rat_se/chapters/xv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_stainless_steel_rat_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_stainless_steel_rat_se/chapters