Gregor and the Code of Claw
Chapter 1
by Suzanne, Collins,Gregor, the protagonist known as “the warrior” in Underland prophecies, lies exhausted on the stone floor of a prophecy-covered chamber, still reeling from the volcanic ash and recent battles. Clutching a newly acquired sword, he reflects on how the Underland—a war-torn world beneath New York City—has consumed his life. The prophecies, carved centuries ago by Bartholomew of Sandwich, foretell his role in the conflict. Gregor insists on reading the latest prophecy alone, anticipating its grim contents, but finds himself numb to its revelations despite their dire implications.
The prophecy, titled “The Prophecy of Time,” warns of an impending war and a trapped ally, emphasizing urgency with its ticking rhythm. It declares that Gregor must “break the code or die forever,” hinting at his inevitable death with the line, “WHEN THE WARRIOR HAS BEEN KILLED.” The cryptic verses also reference a “Code of Claw,” tied to the rats’ treachery, and implicate Gregor’s young sister, Boots, as the key to uncovering their plot. The prophecy’s relentless repetition of “TIME IS RUNNING OUT” underscores the dire stakes.
Gregor grapples with the prophecy’s weight, recalling how even his closest allies, like the rat Ripred and Queen Luxa, hesitated to share its contents. He considers fleeing to the Overland but dismisses the idea, knowing it would abandon his friends to destruction. His bond with Ares, the bat who has sacrificed much for him, reinforces his resolve. Despite his exhaustion and trauma—including witnessing the massacre of mice and the death of the bat Thalia—Gregor feels detached, as if the prophecy’s horror hasn’t fully sunk in.
The chapter closes with Gregor acknowledging the Bane, a monstrous white rat, as the prophecy’s “monster” who must be killed. Though drained and emotionally frozen, he recognizes his duty to fight. The imagery of stone tombs from a museum visit lingers in his mind, symbolizing his sense of being trapped in fate. Despite his numbness, Gregor prepares to face the coming battle, knowing the survival of the Underland hinges on his actions.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of “The Prophecy of Time” in this chapter, and how does it affect Gregor’s emotional state?
Answer:
“The Prophecy of Time” is a central element in this chapter, as it reveals critical information about Gregor’s fate and the impending war in the Underland. The prophecy explicitly states, “WHEN THE WARRIOR HAS BEEN KILLED,” which refers to Gregor himself, known as “the warrior” in the prophecies. This revelation leaves Gregor emotionally numb and overwhelmed, as he grapples with the inevitability of his death. Despite the gravity of the prophecy, Gregor feels detached, likely due to exhaustion and the trauma of recent events, including witnessing the massacre of mice and the death of Thalia. The prophecy’s ticking motif underscores the urgency of the situation, adding to Gregor’s sense of dread and responsibility.2. How does Gregor’s relationship with Ares reflect his moral dilemma about leaving the Underland?
Answer:
Gregor’s bond with Ares, his bat companion, highlights his moral conflict about abandoning the Underland. Ares has saved Gregor’s life multiple times and has endured suffering because of their bond. Gregor imagines a hypothetical farewell where he leaves Ares behind to return home, but he immediately dismisses the idea as unthinkable. This internal monologue reveals Gregor’s deep sense of loyalty and guilt. He recognizes that leaving would doom his allies, including Ares, to annihilation, which conflicts with his personal desire for safety. This dilemma underscores Gregor’s growth as a character who prioritizes others’ well-being over his own survival.3. Analyze the role of the Bane in the prophecy and Gregor’s perspective on its inevitable fate.
Answer:
The Bane, a monstrous white rat, is implied to be the “monster” referenced in the prophecy whose blood must be spilled. Gregor reflects on the Bane’s transformation from a vulnerable pup to a ruthless leader consumed by hatred. He acknowledges that the Bane’s actions, such as ordering the extermination of the mice, make him a threat that cannot be reasoned with. In the Underland’s harsh reality, Gregor concludes that the Bane must be killed, as imprisonment is not an option. This reflects the brutal nature of the Underland’s conflicts and Gregor’s acceptance of the difficult choices required to protect his allies.4. How does the chapter use sensory details to convey Gregor’s physical and emotional exhaustion?
Answer:
The chapter employs vivid sensory details to illustrate Gregor’s exhaustion. His eyes and skin sting from volcanic ash, his lungs burn, and his heart races, making it hard to breathe. These physical sensations mirror his emotional numbness, as he struggles to process the prophecy’s dire message. The cold stone floor and the ticking of the prophecy’s “clock” create a tense, oppressive atmosphere. Gregor’s inability to react strongly to the prophecy—despite its grim implications—further emphasizes his mental and physical depletion. These details immerse the reader in Gregor’s overwhelmed state, highlighting the toll of his relentless battles.5. What does the prophecy suggest about Boots’ role in the conflict, and why might this be significant for Gregor?
Answer:
The prophecy indicates that Boots, known as “the princess,” is the key to unlocking the treachery of the Code of Claw. This gives Gregor some hope, as it implies Boots and his mother might survive the conflict. For Gregor, Boots’ safety is a priority, and her involvement in the prophecy adds a layer of urgency to his mission. However, it also places her in danger, as her role is tied to the war’s outcome. This duality—hope for her survival versus fear for her involvement—likely weighs on Gregor, reinforcing his determination to protect her while fulfilling his own fate as the warrior.
Quotes
1. “BREAK THE CODE OR DIE FOREVER. TIME IS RUNNING OUT RUNNING OUT RUNNING OUT.”
This central prophecy line captures the urgent, life-or-death stakes facing Gregor and the Underland. The repetition emphasizes the relentless pressure of time as war approaches, setting the tone for the entire chapter’s tension.
2. “WHEN THE WARRIOR HAS BEEN KILLED”
This haunting refrain represents the devastating revelation Gregor must confront - his prophesied death. Its repeated appearance shows his psychological struggle to process this fate, marking a pivotal turning point in his character arc.
3. “FOR THE PAW AND NOT THE JAW MAKES THE CODE OF CLAW.”
This cryptic line from the prophecy introduces the mysterious “Code of Claw” concept that will drive the story’s conflict. Its poetic structure and paradoxical nature make it particularly memorable while hinting at the rats’ deceptive warfare tactics.
4. “If you were to return home after you read the prophecy, I would not hold it against you.”
Luxa’s heartbreaking offer to Gregor reveals both her leadership maturity and their deep bond. This quote encapsulates the moral dilemma Gregor faces between self-preservation and duty to his Underland friends.
5. “He had given the order to wipe out the mice and there was no telling what he would do next. He had to be stopped.”
This reflection on the Bane’s transformation from spared pup to genocidal leader shows the tragic consequences of war and violence. It foreshadows the coming conflict while exploring themes of morality and necessary violence.