Gregor and the Marks of Secret
Chapter 5
by Suzanne, Collins,Gregor grows increasingly concerned about Ripred’s prolonged silence after their mission to kill the Bane. Despite his daily visits to the Underland, there’s no news, leaving him to wonder if the rat is in trouble or has simply moved on. Vikus shares Gregor’s unease, admitting Ripred’s behavior is out of character. Gregor refrains from confiding in Vikus, both to honor Ripred’s advice and to avoid adding to the old man’s burdens, as Solovet faces mounting pressure to stand trial for her role in the plague’s devastating toll.
Meanwhile, Gregor tries to focus on the positives of his summer, like his mother’s improving health and Lizzie’s enjoyment of camp. He also finds joy in Underland activities—swimming, exploring, and attending parties—when not embroiled in danger. The chapter shifts to a lighter tone when Hazard excitedly invites Gregor and Boots to his seventh birthday party. Gregor decides to gift Hazard an Overland toy, a sound-making disc featuring animal noises, knowing the boy’s talent for mimicry will make it a hit.
Gregor and Boots visit a toy store to purchase Hazard’s gift, and Boots is enchanted by a princess dress-up set, which she insists on wearing immediately. Mrs. Cormaci lends Gregor an instant camera to capture the celebration. The party, held in the arena, is lavishly decorated with colorful fabrics, food, and a grand cake. Hazard is thrilled by his gifts, especially Gregor’s toy, while Boots dazzles the cockroaches with her princess attire. Gregor’s mother, now out of the hospital, attends and shares a heartwarming moment with him.
The celebration culminates in dancing, with Underlanders performing a traditional dance called “Bat, Bat.” Gregor recognizes the song from his childhood, realizing it’s a centuries-old nursery rhyme shared between the Overland and Underland. The chapter ends on a nostalgic note, highlighting the cultural connections between the two worlds and the fleeting moments of joy amidst the underlying tensions.
FAQs
1. What are Gregor’s main concerns about Ripred’s prolonged absence, and how does this situation reflect the broader tensions in the Underland?
Answer:
Gregor grows increasingly worried about Ripred’s extended silence, wondering if the rat either successfully killed the Bane and moved on or encountered trouble. This concern is shared by Vikus, who notes it’s uncharacteristic for Ripred to leave him uninformed. The situation highlights the fragile alliances and communication gaps in the Underland, where trust between species is tenuous. Ripred’s disappearance also leaves Gregor isolated with his secret about the Bane, forcing him to balance loyalty to Ripred with his desire to support Vikus, who is already burdened by Solovet’s impending trial. This subplot underscores the political instability and moral dilemmas permeating Regalian society.2. How does the chapter contrast the Overland and Underland cultures through the birthday party preparations and gifts?
Answer:
The chapter highlights cultural differences through Hazard’s birthday celebration. Gregor brings Overland toys—a sound-making animal disc and a princess dress-up set—which fascinate the Underlanders, who lack such manufactured items. Meanwhile, Luxa organizes an extravagant Underland-style party with handmade decorations, live music, and traditional dances like “Bat, Bat.” The Underlanders’ awe at Mrs. Cormaci’s instant camera further emphasizes their technological disparity. These interactions create a two-way cultural exchange: the Underlanders experience Overland novelties, while Gregor recognizes shared traditions (like the nursery rhyme) that hint at historical connections between their worlds.3. Analyze how Gregor’s family dynamics and personal growth are revealed through his actions in this chapter.
Answer:
Gregor demonstrates maturity through his thoughtful decisions: he selflessly withholds Ripred’s secret to protect Vikus, carefully selects meaningful gifts for Hazard, and indulges Boots’ princess fantasy despite financial constraints. His observation of his mother’s recovery and Lizzie’s camp letters shows his attentiveness to family well-being. The camera scene—where he captures genuine moments of joy—reflects his growing appreciation for preserving happiness amid chaos. These actions reveal Gregor’s transition from a reluctant warrior to a compassionate leader who balances responsibility with nurturing relationships, all while navigating two worlds.4. What does Solovet’s trial reveal about accountability and justice in Regalian society?
Answer:
Solovet’s trial exposes deep societal fractures. Initially expected to face only mild reprimand, public outrage grows as the plague’s death toll becomes clear, with both rats and humans demanding accountability. The execution of Dr. Neveeve is now seen as scapegoating, shifting blame to Solovet as the military leader who authorized the plague’s development. This reflects tensions between military pragmatism and ethical responsibility, as well as the struggle for justice across species lines. The trial becomes a microcosm of Regalia’s moral reckoning, questioning who bears ultimate responsibility for wartime atrocities.5. How does the “Bat, Bat” dance scene illustrate the theme of shared history between the Overland and Underland?
Answer:
The “Bat, Bat” dance reveals an unexpected cultural link when Gregor recognizes the nursery rhyme from his childhood. His mother explains it originates from centuries-old Overland traditions, suggesting the Underlanders preserved songs from when their ancestors first migrated underground. This moment underscores the interconnectedness of the two worlds, implying that Underland culture evolved from shared human heritage. The scene also contrasts Gregor’s initial reluctance to dance (viewing it as foreign) with his realization of its familiarity, symbolizing how deeper understanding can bridge superficial differences between the realms.
Quotes
1. “It is not like Ripred to leave me in the dark so long.”
This quote from Vikus highlights the growing tension and uncertainty surrounding Ripred’s disappearance, reflecting the broader unease in the Underland. It underscores the uncharacteristic silence of a key character and foreshadows potential trouble.
2. “People were saying that Dr. Neveeve, who had carried out the research and had been executed for her role in the epidemic, had only been a scapegoat. That it was Solovet, as the head of the Regalian military and the person who had given orders to develop the plague as a possible weapon, who should accept the ultimate responsibility for the plague.”
This passage reveals the political and moral complexities of the Underland, where blame and accountability for the plague are hotly debated. It shows the shifting perceptions of justice and the weight of leadership decisions.
3. “But he couldn’t. Not only because Ripred had advised silence but also because the old man was so burdened by his wife Solovet’s upcoming trial, Gregor didn’t want to add to Vikus’s cares.”
Gregor’s internal conflict here illustrates his maturity and empathy, as he balances loyalty to Ripred with compassion for Vikus. It highlights the emotional toll of the unfolding events on the characters.
4. “It was strange to think that he and Luxa might have been hearing the same nursery rhymes when they were Boots’s age…”
This moment of reflection connects the Overland and Underland through shared cultural fragments, emphasizing the deep, often forgotten ties between the two worlds. It’s a poignant reminder of their intertwined histories.
5. “The whole thing seemed like magic to them.”
Gregor’s observation about the Underlanders’ reaction to photographs captures the wonder and cultural divide between the Overland and Underland. It’s a small but vivid example of how technology can seem miraculous across different societies.