Gregor and the Marks of Secret
Chapter 26
by Suzanne, Collins,In Chapter 26, Gregor insists on joining Luxa and the others in their mission, but they resist, citing concerns about his ability to fight after his earlier panic during a battle. Gregor confronts them, accusing them of doubting his skills, but Howard reassures him that their hesitation stems from something else. Ripred reveals that Gregor must return to Regalia to retrieve Sandwich’s sword, a weapon tied to a prophecy about killing the Bane. Gregor is confused, as Vikus had never explained the sword’s significance, and he initially refused to accept it. The group implies that the prophecy’s contents are dire, but they avoid detailing it, leaving Gregor frustrated and in the dark.
The conversation shifts to Vikus’s optimistic but often impractical decisions, with Luxa and Ripred exchanging anecdotes about his naivety. Gregor defends Vikus, recalling how the elder once saved his life. Ripred presses Gregor to retrieve the sword, emphasizing its importance, but Gregor remains skeptical about its connection to him. The group’s evasiveness about the prophecy’s specifics heightens Gregor’s unease, as they hint at grim outcomes but refuse to elaborate. Ripred suggests Nerissa or Vikus will explain, further delaying Gregor’s understanding of his role in the impending conflict.
Luxa assigns Temp, the cockroach, to protect Hazard and rally the crawlers, praising his keen sense of danger and bravery. This moment highlights Luxa’s growth, as she once mocked roaches but now relies on Temp’s loyalty. The exchange provides a rare moment of warmth amid the tension. Meanwhile, Gregor volunteers to keep watch while the others rest, but Luxa remains awake, visibly distressed. Gregor is drawn to her, his concern for her evident, though she seems unaware of his gaze.
Ripred, observing Gregor’s attention to Luxa, offers unexpected advice, urging him to embrace his feelings for her given the uncertainty of war. Gregor dismisses the idea as impractical, but Ripred counters that the future is too uncertain to overthink. The chapter ends with Gregor approaching Luxa, though his thoughts remain unresolved. The scene underscores the emotional and strategic complexities facing the characters as they brace for war, with personal bonds and prophecies intertwining their fates.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Sandwich’s sword, and why does Ripred insist Gregor retrieve it?
Answer:
Sandwich’s sword is a crucial artifact tied to “The Prophecy of Time,” which foretells Gregor’s role in killing the Bane. Ripred reveals that the sword rightfully belongs to Gregor, as the prophecy designates him as its inheritor. Despite Gregor initially refusing it, the weapon is now essential for the war effort. Ripred emphasizes that Gregor must reclaim it from Regalia’s museum and keep it close, as its possession is tied to his destiny and the Underland’s survival. This underscores the prophecy’s weight and Gregor’s unavoidable role in the conflict.2. How does Luxa’s attitude toward Temp reflect her character growth?
Answer:
Luxa’s interaction with Temp highlights her maturity and respect for the cockroach, contrasting her earlier mockery of roaches. She entrusts him with Hazard’s safety, praising Temp’s keen danger perception and courage—qualities proven when his warnings saved the group multiple times. By acknowledging Temp’s value and formally requesting his help, Luxa demonstrates humility and leadership. This moment marks her evolution from a prejudiced child to a ruler who recognizes allies beyond species hierarchies.3. Analyze Ripred’s advice to Gregor about his feelings for Luxa. Why is it surprising, and what does it reveal about Ripred’s perspective?
Answer:
Ripred’s advice—”life is short… Don’t pretend [love] isn’t happening”—is unexpected given his typically cynical demeanor. He urges Gregor to embrace his feelings despite the impracticality of a human-Underlander relationship, emphasizing the uncertainty of war. This reveals Ripred’s hidden pragmatism: in dire times, meaningful connections matter more than long-term plans. His shift from sarcasm to sincerity suggests he values emotional honesty as a counterbalance to the grim realities of conflict.4. What internal conflict does Gregor face regarding his role in the war, and how do others perceive him?
Answer:
Gregor struggles with feeling sidelined, misinterpreting the group’s reluctance to include him as doubt in his fighting skills. However, Howard clarifies that the issue isn’t his ability but his lack of Sandwich’s sword, a prophecy-mandated tool. This exposes Gregor’s insecurity and the group’s belief in his destined role. The tension reflects his dual challenge: reconciling his self-doubt with others’ expectations and accepting that his worth is tied to supernatural prophecies rather than personal merit.5. How does the chapter use Temp’s character to underscore themes of underestimated wisdom?
Answer:
Temp embodies the theme of overlooked wisdom. Despite being a cockroach—a species often dismissed—his instincts have repeatedly saved the group (e.g., warning about mites, volcanic gas). Luxa’s trust in him validates that true insight comes from experience, not status. The narrative contrasts Temp’s reliability with the humans’ earlier arrogance, critiquing prejudice and highlighting how survival depends on heeding diverse perspectives, even from the marginalized.
Quotes
1. “‘It’s not that, Gregor. Everyone knows you can fight. Far better than I can,’ said Howard.”
This quote reveals the group’s true concern isn’t Gregor’s fighting ability, but rather his possession of Sandwich’s sword, hinting at a deeper prophecy-related conflict. It marks the turning point where Gregor realizes there’s more at stake than his combat skills.
2. “‘You’ve got to get back to Regalia. Now that the war’s begun, you’re of no use to us without your sword,’ said Ripred.”
This blunt statement introduces the chapter’s central conflict - Gregor’s destined role in the war and the importance of Sandwich’s sword. It forces Gregor to confront his prophesied responsibilities head-on.
3. “‘Life is short. There are only a few good things in it, really. Don’t pretend that one isn’t happening,’ said Ripred.”
This surprisingly tender advice from Ripred about Gregor’s feelings for Luxa represents a rare moment of vulnerability. It underscores the theme of seizing meaningful connections amidst war’s chaos, while also showing Ripred’s unexpected depth.
4. “‘Boy, there’s a war on. We might all be dead in a day or two. I wouldn’t project too far into the future if I were you,’ said Ripred.”
This sobering remark captures the chapter’s grim wartime atmosphere while reinforcing the urgency of living in the present. It serves as both a warning and a justification for emotional honesty in dire circumstances.