Gregor and the Marks of Secret
Chapter 18
by Suzanne, Collins,In Chapter 18, Gregor and his companions grapple with the unsettling revelation that humans in the Underland are universally referred to as “killers” by other creatures. Hazard explains that names in the Underland are based on actions, such as “fliers” for bats and “stingers” for scorpions, and humans are no exception. Luxa and Howard express discomfort with the term, noting it’s an old label they wish to discard, but Hazard insists it’s widely used across languages. The conversation forces Gregor to confront his own role as the “warrior” and what it means for his future in the impending war.
The group’s mood remains tense as they plan their next move with the scorpions, who guide them through safer tunnels to evade the rats. Luxa declares the scorpions allies, emphasizing peaceful relations, though the translation’s accuracy is uncertain due to language barriers. Gregor reflects on the rarity of survival and the budding trust between species, partly thanks to Boots’s innocent bond with the scorpion babies. The chapter highlights the fragile hope for unity amid longstanding animosity, with Gregor acknowledging Vikus’s diplomatic influence.
As they travel, Gregor’s thoughts oscillate between the weight of his responsibilities and lighter moments with Luxa. Their banter about peace and battle contrasts with the grim reality of their situation, including the Bane’s rise and an ominous prophecy. Howard’s disapproval of their closeness hints at societal barriers, but Gregor dismisses these concerns, though he dreads the possibility of being sent home. The chapter captures his conflicting emotions—relief, dread, and a growing attachment to Luxa.
The chapter ends with the group navigating a tunnel with glossy black walls, pausing at a spring-fed pool. Gregor notices the slick surface, hinting at the unfamiliar terrain ahead. The shift in environment mirrors the uncertainty of their journey, both physically and morally, as they move deeper into the Firelands. The chapter leaves readers with a sense of impending challenges and the unresolved tension between Gregor’s personal struggles and the larger conflict brewing in the Underland.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the name “killers” for humans in the Underland, and how do different characters react to this label?
Answer:
The name “killers” reflects how Underland creatures name species based on their actions, highlighting humanity’s violent reputation. Hazard reveals this is a widespread term used across various species’ languages, though humans avoid it due to its negative connotations. Luxa and Howard express discomfort, emphasizing it’s an old name they wish to fade, while Gregor contemplates its implications for his role as the warrior. Hazard’s blunt honesty contrasts with Luxa’s defensive reaction, showing generational differences in confronting uncomfortable truths about human nature in the Underland.2. How does Gregor’s internal conflict about his role as the warrior evolve in this chapter?
Answer:
Gregor grapples with the moral weight of being the “warrior” after learning humans are universally called “killers.” He questions whether this labels him as a “killer among killers” and worries about expectations to lead in war, particularly against the Bane. His thoughts shift between duty and reluctance, as seen when he dismisses the idea of killing the Bane until consulting Vikus. The chapter highlights his inexperience and anxiety about violence, contrasting with his forced acceptance of the warrior role amid escalating tensions.3. Analyze the significance of the alliance between humans and scorpions. What factors contribute to its formation?
Answer:
The tentative alliance stems from mutual survival needs and emotional connections. The scorpions aid the group against the rats, valuing Boots’s affection for their young and respecting Thalia’s rescue. Luxa’s formal pledge—translated by Hazard—frames the bond as a moral obligation (“they entered our hearts”). However, linguistic barriers and limited prior interaction leave the alliance fragile. Gregor views it as a victory for peace, likening it to Vikus’s diplomacy, while Luxa remains cautious, reflecting her skepticism of quick trust compared to her grandfather’s idealism.4. How does the chapter contrast Luxa and Gregor’s perspectives on conflict resolution?
Answer:
Luxa and Gregor embody opposing approaches: Luxa favors strategic distrust, citing past betrayals (e.g., spinners capturing them), while Gregor advocates for trust to prevent bloodshed, citing Vikus’s successes. Their debate reveals Luxa’s hardened realism from wartime trauma versus Gregor’s hopeful pragmatism. Even as they joke about battle cries, their exchange underscores deeper tensions—Luxa sees violence as inevitable, whereas Gregor clings to alternatives. This dichotomy foreshadows future conflicts in their partnership and leadership roles.5. What symbolic meaning might the shifting tunnel surfaces (gray to shiny black) hold in the context of Gregor’s journey?
Answer:
The transition from dull gray to reflective black mirrors Gregor’s evolving self-awareness. The slick, mirror-like surface parallels his confrontation with the “killer” label—forcing him to “see” his role clearly. The dancing light reflections suggest fractured identities (warrior, ally, reluctant hero) as he navigates moral ambiguity. This visual metaphor underscores the chapter’s themes of perception and transformation, hinting at darker challenges ahead while retaining glimmers of hope (light reflections) in his bond with Luxa and the scorpions’ alliance.
Quotes
1. “In the Underland, creatures are named for what they do. That’s why they’re the stingers. And Ares is a flier. And we’re killers.”
This quote reveals the unsettling naming convention of the Underland, where humans are called “killers” based on their actions. It sparks a key debate about human nature and violence in this world, setting the tone for Gregor’s moral reckoning.
2. “If the humans were known as killers, then what did that make him? Their warrior? Their rager? A killer among killers?”
Gregor’s internal monologue captures his growing unease with his role as the prophesied warrior. This moment represents a pivotal identity crisis as he confronts the implications of his violent destiny in the Underland.
3. “I’m just saying, it’s nice when nobody gets killed.”
Gregor’s simple yet profound statement contrasts with Luxa’s more militant perspective, highlighting their philosophical differences about conflict resolution. This exchange showcases the tension between idealism and pragmatism in wartime.
4. “That is pretty talk for a warrior. Not the sort of thing you will want to be shouting out before a battle.”
Luxa’s teasing response to Gregor reveals both their growing intimacy and the cultural divide between their approaches to war. The moment blends humor with serious commentary on warrior expectations.
5. “Gregor just considered it a huge victory that everyone got out of the situation alive. And there did seem to be the beginning of trust.”
This conclusion to the scorpion encounter encapsulates Gregor’s evolving perspective - valuing life and potential alliances over absolute victory. It represents his maturing approach to conflict in the Underland.