Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods
Chapter 5
by Suzanne, Collins,The chapter opens with Gregor’s family in a state of panic after a terrifying encounter with rats outside their apartment. Huddled in the lobby, they are visibly shaken: Lizzie hyperventilates, Boots clings to their mother, and their father supports their grandmother, who covers her ears. Gregor, braced against the door, fears the rats will break through. The tension escalates when a rat’s paw bursts through the wall, prompting Gregor’s mother to relent, shouting, “They can go!” The rats immediately retreat, leaving an eerie silence as the family processes the threat.
Back in their apartment, the family debates who will accompany Gregor to the Underland. Gregor’s mother insists on going, despite his preference for his father, fearing her presence might undermine his warrior identity. Lizzie, recovering from a panic attack, pleads for her mother to stay but eventually accepts the plan. The family discusses moving to Virginia for safety, offering Lizzie hope. Gregor, feeling guilty for his selfish concerns, shifts focus to preparing for the journey, gathering flashlights and batteries while his father pries open the laundry room grate.
Gregor’s grandmother, aware of the prophecy, reassures him that he must fulfill his destiny. The family proceeds to the laundry room, where a striped bat named Nike awaits to guide them. Boots, unafraid, greets the bat with excitement, while the others are more hesitant. Nike explains they must jump into the mist, promising safety. Gregor, holding Boots, prepares to descend first, demonstrating the way for his mother, who remains uncertain but determined to follow.
The chapter captures the family’s emotional turmoil and resilience as they face another perilous journey to the Underland. Gregor’s internal conflict—balancing his role as a warrior with familial responsibilities—adds depth to the narrative. The arrival of Nike and the family’s tentative trust in the unknown highlight their courage and unity. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Gregor and Boots poised to leap, symbolizing their leap of faith into the uncertain dangers below.
FAQs
1. How does Gregor’s family react to the rat threat, and what does this reveal about their dynamics?
Answer:
Gregor’s family exhibits a mix of fear, protectiveness, and resilience when confronted by the rats. Lizzie experiences a panic attack, showing her vulnerability, while Gregor’s mother immediately shifts into a protective role, clutching Lizzie and Boots. Gregor’s father attempts to maintain calm, instructing Lizzie on breathing techniques. The family’s cohesion is evident as they physically huddle together and make collective decisions. Gregor’s internal conflict about his mother joining him to the Underland highlights his adolescent concern for appearances versus familial bonds. This scene underscores their interdependence—each member plays a distinct role in crises, balancing fear with practicality.2. Analyze the significance of Gregor’s mother deciding to accompany him to the Underland. How does this decision impact Gregor and the family?
Answer:
Gregor’s mother insists on joining him to avoid the helplessness of waiting, revealing her prioritization of action over passive worry. This decision forces Gregor to confront his selfish concerns about his “warrior” image being undermined by her presence. The family’s dynamics shift as roles are redistributed: Lizzie must stay behind to care for their grandmother, while the father supports from above. The mother’s resolve also comforts Lizzie, who clings to the promise of moving to Virginia afterward. This choice emphasizes maternal protection and subtly challenges Gregor’s independence, as he must reconcile his Underland identity with his family’s involvement.3. How does the author use sensory details to create tension during the rat attack scene? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
Collins heightens tension through vivid sensory descriptions. Auditory details like the sudden silence after the rats stop (“only Lizzie’s ragged gasps, the hum of the fluorescent lights”) contrast with the earlier chaos, amplifying unease. Tactile imagery—Lizzie’s “palms shining with sweat,” Boots rubbing her “sleepy face”—grounds the scene in physicality. Visual cues, such as the “puff of plaster dust” and the rat’s clawed paw breaking through the wall, escalate dread. The abrupt shift to silence (“like someone had thrown a switch”) leaves readers as unsettled as the characters, mirroring their anticipation of unseen threats lurking “in the walls, in the bushes.”4. What does Boots’ interaction with the bat Nike reveal about her character, and how does it contrast with the rest of the family’s reactions?
Answer:
Boots’ immediate affection for Nike (“Oh, you look like zebra… Hi, you!”) highlights her innocence and adaptability. Unlike her family’s shock (her mother’s gasp, Lizzie’s cry), Boots perceives the Underland creature with curiosity rather than fear, drawing parallels to her alphabet lessons (“Z is for zebra”). Her tactile engagement (“stroked the bat’s fur”) contrasts with the adults’ hesitation, underscoring her lack of preconceived fears. This moment foreshadows her potential role as a bridge between worlds, emphasizing how children often navigate unfamiliar situations with openness, while adults project anxiety.5. How does Gregor’s grandmother’s advice about prophecies reflect the broader themes of fate and agency in the story?
Answer:
Gregor’s grandmother asserts, “You can run away, but the prophecy will find you somehow,” reinforcing the theme of inescapable destiny. Her words acknowledge the Underland’s relentless pull on Gregor, suggesting that resisting fate is futile. Yet her pragmatic acceptance (“Then you got to go”) also implies agency—Gregor must actively engage with his role rather than avoid it. This duality mirrors Gregor’s internal struggle: he resents the “warrior” label but recognizes his responsibility. The grandmother’s wisdom ties into the novel’s exploration of how characters balance free will with predetermined roles in larger conflicts.
Quotes
1. “Gregor was afraid to leave the door to join them. Afraid the bolt would give way under the pressure of the rats. He braced his back against the door and looked at his family helplessly. There was no leaving the building. What were they going to do?”
This quote captures Gregor’s desperation and the family’s trapped situation, highlighting the intense pressure from the rats and the looming danger. It sets the tone for the chapter’s tension and foreshadows their inevitable return to the Underland.
2. “‘I can’t be the one waiting and wondering what’s happening to the rest of you. Not this time.’ His mom set Boots down and wrapped her arms around Lizzie.”
This moment reveals Gregor’s mother’s determination to protect her family and her refusal to be left behind again. It marks a turning point in her character, showing her transition from a passive figure to an active participant in their Underland journey.
3. “‘Then you got to go. You can run away, but the prophecy will find you somehow,’ she said. ‘That’s how it seems to be working out,’ said Gregor.”
Gregor’s grandmother’s words underscore the inescapable nature of destiny in the story, reinforcing the central theme of prophecies controlling their lives. This exchange highlights Gregor’s reluctant acceptance of his role as the warrior.
4. “‘Greetings,’ purred the bat. ‘I am she called Nike. Are you ready to depart?’”
The introduction of Nike, the striking zebra-striped bat, marks the family’s official transition back into the Underland. This quote is significant as it represents the crossing of thresholds—both physical and psychological—for Gregor’s mother and sisters encountering their first Underland creature.
5. “‘You must fall. But do not worry. The current is such that you will ride safely to the ground with or without a flier. I am only here for your ease of mind,’ said Nike.”
Nike’s explanation of the descent process encapsulates the paradoxical nature of the Underland—both terrifying and wondrous. This quote beautifully captures the blend of danger and magic that defines their journey, while also illustrating the Underlanders’ matter-of-fact approach to extraordinary phenomena.