Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods
Chapter 27
by Suzanne, Collins,Gregor reacts with urgency upon learning his mother must remain in the Underland for months to recover from the plague. Ignoring his own injuries, he attempts to confront the hospital staff but is forcibly sedated after reopening his wounds. Upon waking, Vikus explains the necessity of his mother’s extended stay: her illness poses a risk of spreading the plague to the Overland, and she requires specialized care unavailable at home. Though frustrated, Gregor reluctantly agrees, recognizing the gravity of the situation and Vikus’s exhaustion from the ongoing political turmoil involving Solovet’s controversial actions.
Vikus reveals the strained dynamics within his marriage, as Solovet faces consequences for weaponizing the plague to dominate other species. Their ideological clash highlights the moral complexities of power in the Underland. Meanwhile, Gregor questions Nerissa about the prophecy’s true meaning—it wasn’t the plague itself but the potential war over withholding the cure that threatened the warmbloods’ survival. The quest, though perilous, averted conflict by exposing Neveeve’s deception and ensuring the cure’s fair distribution.
Gregor’s restlessness grows during his recovery, and he finally visits his weakened mother, who insists he return home with Boots despite her condition. Their emotional exchange underscores her determination to protect her children from the Underland’s dangers. Gregor reluctantly promises to obey, though it pains him to leave her behind. The chapter closes with preparations for his departure, as allies gather to bid farewell, hinting at future visits.
The chapter explores themes of sacrifice, familial duty, and the consequences of power. Gregor’s struggle to balance his mother’s wishes with his own fears mirrors Vikus’s internal conflict over Solovet’s actions. The resolution of the plague subplot reinforces the importance of cooperation over domination, while Gregor’s impending departure sets the stage for future challenges in bridging the two worlds.
FAQs
1. Why does Gregor initially panic upon hearing his mother will be kept in the Underland for “many months”?
Answer:
Gregor panics because he believes his family urgently needs his mother back home. His emotional reaction leads him to recklessly sprint through the hospital, reopening his wounds in the process. The chapter reveals his desperation when he says, “We need her, Vikus,” showing his childlike dependence on his mother despite his warrior experiences. His panic also stems from not fully understanding the medical necessity of her prolonged stay—the Underland plague could spread to the Overland if not fully eradicated from her system.2. How does Vikus justify keeping Gregor’s mother in the Underland longer, and what broader ethical concern does this raise?
Answer:
Vikus explains that Gregor’s mother must remain until the plague is completely cured to prevent two risks: her potential relapse during the journey home and the catastrophic possibility of the plague spreading in the Overland, where doctors lack knowledge of the disease. This raises ethical questions about medical containment versus personal freedom, as well as the responsibility of powerful societies (like the Underlanders with their advanced plague cure) to prevent harm to less-prepared populations. Vikus frames it as a public health necessity rather than a choice.3. Analyze the significance of Nerissa’s explanation about “The Prophecy of Blood” and its connection to the cure quest.
Answer:
Nerissa clarifies that the prophecy’s true danger wasn’t the plague itself but the war it could spark if the cure were withheld from the gnawers. Without the quest exposing Neveeve’s deception, the humans might have hoarded the cure, provoking the desperate gnawers to attack. This reveals Sandwich’s prophecy as a warning about interspecies conflict, not biological disaster. The jungle quest served as a truth-revealing mechanism, preventing war by forcing transparency—a subtle commentary on how secrecy breeds conflict.4. How does the chapter portray Gregor’s emotional conflict between his warrior identity and his role as a son?
Answer:
The chapter highlights Gregor’s duality: he physically fights medical staff like a warrior (“stitches popping open”), yet regresses to childlike vulnerability when discussing his mother (“feeling closer to Boots’s age”). His blush when Luxa is mentioned contrasts with his battlefield bravery, showing adolescent awkwardness. This tension peaks when he accepts Vikus’s reasoning—demonstrating maturity—while still pleading for his mother like a dependent child. The bandages staining with blood symbolize this struggle between his resilient and fragile selves.5. What does the interaction between Gregor and his mother reveal about their relationship dynamics?
Answer:
Their hospital scene shows reciprocal care: Gregor feeds his mother broth (reversing their usual roles) while she prioritizes his safety over her own health, insisting he return home. Her hoarse “Hey, baby” contrasts with her fierce protection (“You take my baby and go home now!”), revealing deep maternal love. Their banter about Luxa’s “attitude” shows their close rapport, while Gregor’s unspoken anxiety (avoiding jungle stories) reflects his desire to shield her—mirroring her own protective instincts. This mutual devotion underscores their bond as both parent-child and reluctant warriors.
Quotes
1. “Many months? They were planning to keep his mom down here for many months! Well, that just couldn’t happen!”
This quote captures Gregor’s immediate panic and determination upon learning his mother might be confined in the Underland for an extended period. It sets up the central conflict of the chapter—Gregor’s struggle to reconcile his mother’s medical needs with his family’s dependence on her.
2. “From a military standpoint, it is a highly desirable weapon. Lethal. Unstoppable to those without the cure. Such a deadly weapon … such a seductive one…”
Vikus’s explanation of Solovet’s motives reveals the moral dilemma of weaponizing the plague. This quote highlights the recurring theme of power’s corrupting influence and the ethical boundaries in warfare within the Underland’s political landscape.
3. “The prophecy does not say the plague will destroy the warmbloods, Gregor. It says, ‘If the flames of war are fanned, / All warmbloods lose the Underland.’”
Nerissa’s clarification reframes the prophecy’s true meaning—not the plague itself, but the war it could spark would be catastrophic. This insight underscores the book’s exploration of how misinterpretations can lead to misguided actions.
4. “I want you out of here. You take my baby and go home now!”
Gregor’s mother’s emphatic demand represents the chapter’s emotional climax, showcasing her self-sacrifice and maternal instincts. This moment forces Gregor to confront his duty to obey his mother versus his desire to stay with her.