“When you’ve lived in a cage, you can’t bear not to run, even if what you’re running towards is an illusion.”
As one of the lab rats captured by scientists for experiments, Nicodemus understands the persistence of seeking freedom. The narrative highlights the struggles he faced attempting to free himself from the cage to get to the outside world. As a leader now, his perseverance in always seeking liberation makes him always on the pursuit of something greater. Henceforth, the determination the rats have towards building a complex civilization to enhance their survival chances. The statement refers to how Nicodemus and his fellow rats are running towards a better future that is greater but full of uncertainty too.
“Still, it seemed to us that the main reason we were hated must be that we always lived by stealing.
The narrative also handles the theme of stereotyping by showcasing this society inhabited by both rats and mice. Rats have always been considered as moochers and savages by both humans and the animal kingdom too. They survive by stealing sustenance from other animals without regard for others. On the other hand, mice are considered cultured and also less harmful than rats. The assertion illustrates why rats are always stereotyped even if they lead much more honest and cultured lives. Nicodemus has created a farming colony that aims to subvert the notion that all rats are dependent on others for sustenance.
