# XVII explained — The Stainless Steel Rat

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

## What happens

Jim diGriz witnesses Angelina knock out Count Cassitor after he assaults her, then she proposes a partnership to take over the revolution. Jim attempts to kiss her, but she recoils and reveals a locket with a photo of her former ugly self, explaining her transformation and the psychological scars that remain.

## Themes in this chapter

### Transformation and Reinvention

Angelina's physical transformation from ugliness to beauty through surgery, and the psychological deformation that accompanied it.

### Loneliness and Ego

Angelina's isolation and the warped ego born from her past ugliness, driving her ruthless ambition.

### Crime and Identity

Jim's internal conflict about his criminal past and his role in the revolution, as well as Angelina's criminal climb to beauty.

## Character check-ins

### Slippery Jim diGriz

Acts as bodyguard, considers reenlisting in the Special Corps, and learns about Angelina's past.

### Angelina

Knocks out Count Cassitor, proposes partnership to Jim, and reveals her traumatic past through a locket photo.

### Count Cassitor

Assaults Angelina, is knocked out, and is deemed a cowardly figurehead for the revolution.

### Grav Bent Diebstall

Jim's alias as bodyguard; mentioned in Angelina's command to put away the gun.

## Key lines

> I want you to come in with me on this thing... A partnership. We'll keep the Count of Rdenrundt out in front until the plan succeeds. Then eliminate him and go the rest of the way ourselves.

Angelina proposes a partnership to Jim, planning to use the Count as a figurehead and then take over the revolution themselves.

_Key moment where Angelina recruits Jim into her conspiracy._

> A pretty face—is that all you think of?... Would you want to kiss her ?

Angelina rejects Jim's kiss and reveals a locket with a photo of her former ugly self, questioning his motives.

_Revelation of Angelina's past and the psychological trauma behind her beauty._

> The girl in the picture was Angelina herself. With this realization so many other things became clear.

Jim realizes the photo shows Angelina before her transformation, explaining her ruthless drive.

_Jim's insight into Angelina's motivations and the cost of her reinvention._

## Links

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