Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods
Chapter 20
by Suzanne, Collins,The chapter begins with Boots, rejuvenated after a restful night, eagerly demanding breakfast. Hamnet and Ripred return with an abundance of food, including fish, plums, and mushrooms. Hamnet prepares a meal over a small fire, reassuring Gregor about the safety of their jungle surroundings. The group enjoys a hearty breakfast, except for Lapblood, who remains asleep. Boots’ playful energy leads Gregor to entertain her in a nearby pool, while Hamnet tends to Gregor’s healing feet and Nike’s injured leg, emphasizing the need for rest and care.
Tensions arise when Hamnet discovers the painkiller medicine is missing. Suspicion falls on Gregor, but Ripred confirms his innocence by checking his breath for traces of the medicine. The group is left puzzled about the disappearance until Boots’ ball leads Gregor into the jungle, where he unexpectedly encounters Luxa. She reveals she took the medicine for her injured bat, Aurora, whom she couldn’t leave behind. Luxa admits her initial distrust of Gregor, believing he had allied with the rats, but Gregor dismisses her suspicions as absurd.
Gregor learns more about Luxa’s struggles, including her scar from a rat attack and her loyalty to Aurora, who is severely injured with a dislocated wing. Despite her reluctance to seek help from Hamnet, Gregor persuades her to let him assist. They return to the group, and Hamnet agrees to examine Aurora, though he warns that the injury may have lasting effects due to its prolonged neglect. The chapter highlights the growing trust between Gregor and Luxa, as well as the challenges they face in the jungle.
The final scene focuses on Hamnet’s attempt to treat Aurora’s wing, which causes the bat significant pain. Luxa’s concern for her bond is evident as she comforts Aurora during the procedure. Hamnet instructs Gregor to hold Aurora steady, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The chapter ends on a tense note, leaving the outcome of Aurora’s treatment uncertain while emphasizing the bonds of loyalty and the harsh realities of survival in the Underland.
FAQs
1. How does Boots’ condition change at the beginning of the chapter, and what factors contribute to this transformation?
Answer:
Boots undergoes a remarkable recovery from her previous state, waking up cheerfully and demanding breakfast. This transformation is attributed to three key factors: food (plentiful fish, plums, and mushrooms foraged by Hamnet and Ripred), water (access to the pool), and a good night’s sleep. The chapter emphasizes how these basic necessities produced a “miraculous change” in her demeanor and energy levels. This shift is significant as it contrasts with the group’s earlier struggles and highlights the importance of meeting fundamental survival needs in their jungle environment.2. Analyze the conflict surrounding the missing painkiller medicine. How does this situation reveal character dynamics and tensions within the group?
Answer:
The missing painkiller creates a tense situation that exposes several group dynamics. Hamnet initially suspects Gregor (the only human with manual dexterity and foot pain), revealing underlying trust issues. Ripred’s intervention—sniffing Gregor’s breath—demonstrates his pragmatic problem-solving approach. The real culprit, Luxa, took it for Aurora’s wing injury, showing her prioritization of her bond’s needs over group resources. This incident also reflects Luxa’s isolation from the group and her strained relationship with Hamnet. The confrontation ultimately leads to Gregor mediating between them, highlighting his role as a bridge between conflicting parties.3. What does Gregor and Luxa’s conversation reveal about their relationship and the lingering effects of past events?
Answer:
Their exchange reveals deep-seated trust issues stemming from Henry’s betrayal, with Luxa projecting her cousin’s treachery onto Gregor (“not so different from what Henry tried”). Gregor’s sarcastic response about splitting the Underland shows his frustration at being misunderstood despite his consistent actions to help. The conversation also reveals Luxa’s trauma (her new scar from a rat attack) and Gregor’s appreciation for her saving Boots. Their dynamic is complex—marked by past bonds, current suspicions, and Gregor’s persistent efforts to rebuild trust despite Luxa’s guardedness.4. How does Hamnet demonstrate his medical expertise in this chapter, and what challenges does he face in treating injuries?
Answer:
Hamnet displays his medical skills through multiple actions: examining and treating Gregor’s feet with blue medicine and bandages, assessing Nike’s broken leg (recognizing she needs a day’s rest), and attempting to treat Aurora’s dislocated wing. His challenges include limited medical supplies (the missing painkiller), severe injuries (Aurora’s weeks-old dislocation that may cause lasting damage), and patient pain management (Aurora’s shrieks during treatment). His comment “we can do only what we can do” reflects the pragmatic limitations of jungle medicine, contrasting with his earlier confident assertion about harmless plants.5. What symbolic significance does Aurora’s injury hold in the context of Luxa’s current situation?
Answer:
Aurora’s dislocated wing serves as a powerful metaphor for Luxa’s own condition. Just as the bat’s wing has been “pulled from its socket,” Luxa has been violently separated from her royal position and support system. The injury being weeks old parallels Luxa’s prolonged suffering in the jungle. Aurora’s inability to fly mirrors Luxa’s limited mobility and options, while the bat’s pained resting position (unnatural for bats) reflects Luxa’s forced adaptation to harsh circumstances. Their bond’s interdependence is emphasized by Luxa’s refusal to leave Aurora, showing how their fates are physically and emotionally intertwined.
Quotes
1. “‘Take ease, Gregor, the plants are harmless in this part of the jungle,’ said Hamnet.”
This quote highlights Hamnet’s role as a guide and protector in the dangerous jungle environment, while also subtly reinforcing the theme of trust among the group members during their perilous journey.
2. “‘You may sneer, but that is not so different from what Henry tried,’ said Luxa.”
This tense exchange reveals Luxa’s lingering trauma from Henry’s betrayal and her difficulty trusting Gregor, showcasing the deep scars left by past betrayals in their relationships.
3. “‘I’m not Henry,’ said Gregor.”
A powerful, simple statement that encapsulates Gregor’s frustration at being unfairly judged while also representing the broader theme of breaking cycles of mistrust and proving one’s true character through actions.
4. “‘Even if I can maneuver it back into place, the damage may be lasting. But we can do only what we can do.’”
Hamnet’s pragmatic yet compassionate approach to Aurora’s injury reflects both the harsh realities of their world and the persistent hope that drives their actions, serving as a metaphor for their larger struggle.
5. “‘It was Temp who ran. It was you who fought so he could,’ said Gregor.”
This acknowledgment of Luxa’s bravery in protecting Boots and Temp demonstrates Gregor’s ability to see beyond surface appearances and recognize true courage, marking a turning point in their strained relationship.