Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods
Chapter 9
by Suzanne, Collins,The chapter opens with the dramatic death of Icarus, a bat whose fatal fall leaves the group in shock. Gregor witnesses the gruesome scene as his mother stands frozen in terror, clutching Boots. When Solovet orders the bat’s body to be torched, Ripred’s frantic warnings go unheeded, revealing a swarm of deadly fleas escaping the flames. Chaos ensues as everyone scrambles to flee, with Gregor pulling his mother and Boots onto Queen Athena’s back to escape the infestation. The group retreats to the royal box, where Neveeve, the doctor, distributes flea powder to prevent further contamination.
As the group recovers, Neveeve instructs everyone to spread out and thoroughly apply the flea powder. Gregor distracts Boots with alphabet games while ensuring she’s fully covered. The tension remains high as Solovet orders the arena and tunnels to be disinfected to prevent the fleas from spreading. Neveeve reassures the group that the poison coating on the rats and roaches protects them, but insists everyone must be examined for bites upon returning to Regalia. Gregor’s mother, however, vehemently refuses to go back, demanding to return home immediately.
A conflict arises when Vikus and Solovet clash over whether Gregor’s family should be allowed to leave. Vikus insists they were brought under false pretenses—Ripred had lied about their brief involvement—while Solovet argues their presence is essential for the quest to find the cure. Gregor, torn by loyalty to Ares, proposes a compromise: his mother and Boots would return home while he stays to help. Vikus supports the idea, but Solovet remains skeptical, and Gregor’s mother refuses to abandon him.
The chapter ends with unresolved tension as Gregor’s mother rejects the compromise, unwilling to leave him behind. The power struggle between Vikus and Solovet highlights the moral dilemma of forcing the Overlanders to stay versus respecting their autonomy. Gregor’s internal conflict mirrors the larger ethical questions, leaving the reader uncertain about the family’s fate and the impending quest for the cure.
FAQs
1. What were the immediate consequences of Icarus’s death, and how did the characters react to this event?
Answer:
When Icarus died after hitting the ground, his neck bones broke, and blood leaked from his body. The characters reacted with horror and instinctive retreat, scrambling away from the corpse. Neveeve warned against touching him, while Ripred urgently ordered everyone to flee when soldiers torched the body, realizing too late that this would release fleas. Gregor quickly helped his mother and Boots onto Queen Athena’s back to escape. The scene was chaotic, with bats colliding and humans being airlifted to safety. The fleas’ emergence added another layer of danger, forcing the group to take emergency measures like applying flea powder to prevent infestation.2. How does the conflict between Solovet and Vikus reveal their differing leadership philosophies?
Answer:
Solovet and Vikus clash over whether to force Gregor’s family to stay in the Underland. Solovet, pragmatic and ruthless, believes the Overlanders are essential to finding the cure and is willing to deceive or coerce them to achieve Regalia’s goals. She even calls guards to prevent their departure. Vikus, however, values honesty and consent, insisting they cannot be forced to stay after being tricked by Ripred. Their argument highlights Solovet’s utilitarian approach—prioritizing the greater good over individual rights—while Vikus adheres to moral principles, refusing to compromise integrity even in a crisis.3. Why was Ripred so frantic about torching Icarus’s body, and what does this reveal about the dangers in the Underland?
Answer:
Ripred was frantic because burning Icarus’s body released a swarm of disease-carrying fleas, which posed a severe contamination risk. His reaction underscores the Underland’s constant biological threats, where even dead creatures can harbor lethal pathogens. The fleas’ rapid spread forced immediate evacuation and decontamination measures, such as flea powder and quarantine protocols. This incident illustrates how perilous the Underland’s ecosystem is—where warfare isn’t just physical but also biological, and missteps (like impulsive torching) can escalate dangers exponentially.4. How does Gregor attempt to balance his family’s safety with his loyalty to Ares, and what does this suggest about his character?
Answer:
Gregor proposes a compromise: his mother and Boots return home while he stays to help Ares, who is dying. This shows his growing sense of responsibility toward his Underland allies, even as he prioritizes his family’s safety. His offer reflects maturity and self-sacrifice—qualities central to his role as a reluctant hero. Unlike Solovet or Vikus, who view the situation politically, Gregor focuses on personal bonds, demonstrating empathy (for Ares) and pragmatism (by separating Boots from danger). His decision highlights his moral complexity and the weight of his dual loyalties.5. Analyze the significance of the flea powder scene. What does it reveal about Underland society’s preparedness for biological threats?
Answer:
The flea powder scene reveals the Underland’s advanced but fragile defenses against biological warfare. Neveeve’s swift, methodical application of the pesticide shows a society accustomed to outbreaks, with protocols for decontamination (e.g., spraying every inch of skin and clothing). However, the panic also exposes vulnerabilities—fleas could still escape into tunnels, and bites must be meticulously checked. This mirrors real-world pandemic responses, where preparedness is critical but not infallible. The scene underscores how Underlanders live under constant threat, relying on both science (powder) and isolation (stone doors) to survive their hazardous environment.
Quotes
1. “‘Do not touch him!’ warned Neveeve. But this was unnecessary since almost everybody was instinctively scrambling away from the bat’s ravaged body.”
This quote captures the immediate horror and danger following Icarus’s death, highlighting the instinctive fear of contagion and the gruesome reality of the Underland’s dangers. It sets the tone for the chaotic scene that follows.
2. “‘No!’ shouted Ripred, but three torches had already left the hands of the soldiers above. ‘No!’ Ripred was literally gnashing his teeth in frustration. ‘Get out of here! Everyone! Run!’”
Ripred’s frantic reaction reveals the unforeseen consequences of burning Icarus’s body—the release of deadly fleas. This moment is a critical turning point, escalating the danger and forcing everyone to flee, underscoring the theme of unintended consequences.
3. “‘He lied!’ repeated Solovet. ‘Do not defend him. He knows perfectly well there will be no quest for the cure without the Overlanders!’”
This quote exposes Ripred’s deception and the harsh reality that Gregor and his family are essential to the Underlanders’ survival. It highlights the moral conflict and manipulation at play, as well as the tension between necessity and ethics.
4. “‘We will not force them to stay, Solovet!’ said Vikus. Gregor had never seen him so angry. ‘They have been brought here under false pretenses. We will not force them to stay!’”
Vikus’s outburst reflects his moral stance against coercion, contrasting with Solovet’s pragmatic ruthlessness. This moment underscores the power struggle within the Underland leadership and the ethical dilemmas faced in times of crisis.
5. “‘I can’t leave you down here, Gregor,’ said his mom. ‘I’m sorry about…’”
This incomplete but poignant statement reveals Gregor’s mother’s internal conflict between protecting her son and the overwhelming fear of the Underland’s dangers. It humanizes her character and adds emotional depth to the chapter’s climax.