Gregor and the Marks of Secret
Chapter 20
by Suzanne, Collins,In Chapter 20, tensions rise as Ripred, the rat, reveals the Bane’s sinister plan to exterminate the nibblers (mice) under the guise of relocating them. Luxa, initially hostile, is forced to confront the grim reality when Ripred explains that the phrase “a place from which there is no return” signifies death. Howard and Luxa grapple with the scale of the threat, questioning how the Bane could overpower thousands of nibblers. Ripred suggests the mice are unaware of their fate, believing they are being moved to safety, which makes them vulnerable to massacre. The group is shaken by the revelation, and Cartesian, a feverish nibbler, confirms Ripred’s claims, urging them to fight back.
Cartesian’s frantic outburst adds urgency to the situation. He insists the nibblers must resist the gnawers (rats) and warns that the Bane’s promises are lies. Luxa, moved by his desperation, assures him of her belief, but Cartesian’s delirium causes him to lash out at Ripred. Howard sedates him, leaving the group to reflect on his words. Gregor realizes Cartesian’s faction had opposed surrender, symbolized by a scythe carved into a cave wall. Ripred challenges the group to act, emphasizing the need to warn the nibblers before it’s too late. Gregor, convinced of the danger, insists they must intervene despite Luxa’s lingering distrust of Ripred.
The group debates whether to allow Ripred to join their mission. Luxa resists, but Howard persuades her to compromise, arguing Ripred’s knowledge is invaluable. Ripred agrees to follow Luxa’s lead, though he offers sarcastic remarks about her leadership. As they travel, Gregor grows increasingly concerned about the nibblers’ fate, speculating on possible methods of mass execution. Meanwhile, Ripred struggles to keep pace, exhausted from his imprisonment. Gregor notices his distress and confronts Luxa, accusing her of cruelty for pushing Ripred too hard. Luxa dismisses his concerns, but Gregor insists on stopping to rest.
A heated argument erupts between Gregor and Luxa, escalating into a personal clash. Gregor vents his frustration, accusing Luxa of being controlling and ungrateful, even suggesting their friendship is temporary. His outburst stuns Luxa, leaving her visibly hurt. The tension underscores the group’s fraying dynamics as they face the looming threat. The chapter ends with Gregor regretting his words, unsure why he lashed out, while the group prepares to continue their mission amid unresolved conflict.
FAQs
1. What does Ripred reveal about the Bane’s true intentions for the nibblers, and how does this change the group’s understanding of the situation?
Answer:
Ripred reveals that the Bane’s claim of driving the nibblers to “a place from which there is no return” is a euphemism for death, not merely relocation. While the nibblers believe they are being moved to new lands, Ripred argues that the Bane plans to exterminate them all. This revelation shocks Luxa, Howard, and Gregor, forcing them to confront the grim reality. Ripred points out that the nibblers could overpower the rats if they resisted, but their false belief in relocation prevents them from fighting back. This insight shifts the group’s mission from observation to urgent intervention, as they realize they must warn the nibblers of the impending genocide.2. How does Cartesian’s feverish outburst contribute to the chapter’s tension and thematic development?
Answer:
Cartesian’s delirious ramblings serve as both a confirmation of Ripred’s claims and a poignant moment of foreshadowing. His repeated cries of “So say I!” and insistence that the nibblers must fight “by the Fount” underscore the gravity of the situation. His fragmented memories of the rats’ invasion and his failed arguments to resist add emotional weight to the narrative. The scene also highlights themes of trust and deception, as Cartesian represents the minority of nibblers who saw through the rats’ lies. His physical collapse after recognizing Ripred—a rat—further emphasizes the deep-seated animosity between species in the Underland, complicating the alliance between Luxa’s group and Ripred.3. Analyze the conflict between Luxa and Gregor in this chapter. What does it reveal about their characters and relationship dynamics?
Answer:
The heated exchange between Luxa and Gregor exposes their contrasting leadership styles and unresolved tensions. Luxa, as queen, asserts authority rigidly, refusing to let Ripred rest despite his exhaustion. Gregor, however, prioritizes practicality and empathy, insisting on stopping to aid Ripred. His outburst—”I don’t live here. I’m just visiting”—reveals his frustration with Luxa’s possessiveness and his own sense of displacement in the Underland. The conflict underscores Luxa’s struggle with trust (especially toward Ripred) and Gregor’s growing assertiveness as a “rager.” Their dynamic shifts from camaraderie to confrontation, highlighting how stress and differing values strain their relationship.4. What strategic dilemma does Ripred’s presence pose for Luxa’s group, and how does Howard mediate the situation?
Answer:
Ripred’s inclusion creates a tactical and moral dilemma: while his knowledge and strength are invaluable, Luxa distrusts him due to his species and past actions. Howard acts as a mediator, advising Luxa to “bend a little than to break” by accepting Ripred’s help. He frames Ripred’s involvement as debt repayment, a compromise that allows Luxa to save face while gaining an ally. Ripred’s agreement to follow Luxa’s orders—while slyly offering advice—shows his pragmatism. This negotiation reflects broader themes of uneasy alliances in war, where former enemies must collaborate for survival, and highlights Howard’s role as a voice of reason within the group.5. How does Gregor’s internal monologue about the nibblers’ possible fates deepen the chapter’s suspense?
Answer:
Gregor’s grim speculation—whether the rats will drive the nibblers off cliffs, drown them, starve them, or infect them with plague—heightens suspense by presenting multiple horrifying possibilities. His thoughts reflect both his strategic mind and his compassion, as he grapples with the scale of the impending massacre. The reference to Hades Hall (where rats previously killed nibblers by driving them off a cliff) ties the current crisis to past violence, emphasizing the Bane’s ruthlessness. This internal dialogue also foreshadows future challenges, leaving readers anxious about how the group will intervene and whether they can outmaneuver the rats’ unknown plan.
Quotes
1. “My dears, there is only one place from which there is no return… Death.”
This chilling revelation by Ripred exposes the true intent behind the Bane’s actions - the planned genocide of the nibblers. It serves as a pivotal moment where the characters realize the horrific scale of the threat they’re facing.
2. “The nibblers could return from the Uncharted Lands. They would only have to retrace their steps… So it would seem.”
This exchange between Ripred and Luxa highlights the brutal reality of the situation, contrasting with the nibblers’ hopeful belief in relocation. The quote demonstrates how language can be weaponized to conceal genocide.
3. “I am trying to help the nibblers! Really? Well, you’re not helping them by hurting Ripred.”
This heated exchange between Gregor and Luxa reveals the growing tension in their relationship while also illustrating the moral complexity of their mission. Gregor challenges Luxa’s leadership approach, showing his developing moral clarity.
4. “I don’t live here. I’m just visiting… Anything that I’ve been doing to help you, that’s just a favor! Not something I owe you.”
Gregor’s emotional outburst exposes his underlying feelings of being an outsider and unappreciated. This quote marks a significant moment of vulnerability and truth-telling in his relationship with Luxa and the Underland.