Gregor and the Marks of Secret
Chapter 7
by Suzanne, Collins,The chapter opens with Luxa discovering the lifeless body of Cevian, a mouse who had saved her and Aurora during a perilous journey in the jungle. Aurora recounts Cevian’s kindness, emphasizing how the mouse comforted her during her pain and instilled hope. Luxa’s grief is palpable, as Cevian was one of the few beings she truly trusted, a rare honor given her guarded nature. The group mourns briefly, but Luxa quickly shifts focus, insisting they must investigate Cevian’s death and the looming threat to the nibblers, the Underland’s mice.
Gregor is taken aback by Luxa’s abrupt decision to venture into the jungle immediately. Aurora delivers an uncharacteristically forceful speech about avenging Cevian, revealing her deep bond with the mouse. Luxa, however, dismisses Gregor’s concerns and insults his courage, provoking him. Despite their tension, Gregor and Ares secretly agree to follow Luxa and Aurora, though they take a moment to conceal Cevian’s body respectfully. Before leaving, Gregor notices a mysterious mark scratched into the ground, possibly a clue to Cevian’s killer.
The mark, resembling an incomplete letter, sparks speculation about whether Cevian was identifying her attacker. Gregor and Ares consider the possibility of Ripred or the Bane being involved, adding urgency to their mission. After a brief delay to maintain appearances, they fly after Luxa and Aurora, catching up to them as they reach the jungle’s oppressive, dangerous environment. The group’s arrival is met with silence from the nibblers, heightening the sense of unease.
Luxa cautiously calls out to the mice, but no one responds, prompting her to suggest checking nearby caves. The chapter ends on a suspenseful note, with the jungle’s inherent dangers and the mystery of Cevian’s death looming large. The tension between Luxa and Gregor persists, but their shared goal—uncovering the truth—forces them to press forward despite their differences. The stage is set for a perilous exploration into the heart of the jungle.
FAQs
1. How did Cevian help Luxa and Aurora in the jungle, and why was her death particularly significant to Luxa?
Answer:
Cevian, a mouse (or “nibbler”), saved Luxa and Aurora when they were lost in the jungle after escaping a rats’ maze. She provided them shelter, comforted Aurora during her pain with stories and games, and gave them hope. Luxa’s statement, “I trusted her,” highlights Cevian’s significance, as Luxa rarely trusts anyone—especially after Henry’s betrayal. The death of Cevian is emotionally impactful because she was one of the few beings Luxa truly relied on, making her loss deeply personal and motivating Luxa to seek justice.2. What does the scratched mark near Cevian’s body suggest, and how does it contribute to the mystery of her death?
Answer:
The mark, resembling an incomplete letter (possibly “P,” “R,” or “B”), implies Cevian may have started writing the name of her attacker before being killed. This clue raises suspicions about potential culprits, such as Ripred ® or the Bane (B), both notorious figures in the Underland. The mark adds tension by hinting at a recognizable assailant and foreshadowing future conflicts. It also underscores the mice’s ability to communicate through scratches, as noted by Ares, deepening the intrigue around Cevian’s final moments.3. Analyze Luxa’s behavior toward Gregor in this chapter. What does it reveal about her character and their relationship?
Answer:
Luxa’s harsh words (“Go home, Overlander”) and dismissal of Gregor’s help reflect her emotional turmoil and defensive pride. Instead of asking for assistance, she frames it as a dare, revealing her struggle with vulnerability. This mirrors her earlier distrust of Gregor (e.g., nearly letting him drown in quicksand). However, Gregor and Ares recognize her pain, showing their understanding of her guarded nature. The dynamic highlights Luxa’s growth—or lack thereof—in relying on others, while Gregor’s willingness to help despite her barbs demonstrates his loyalty.4. Why is the jungle a symbolically and physically dangerous setting in the story?
Answer:
The jungle represents both physical peril and emotional trauma. It harbors deadly flora, quicksand, and predators, as Gregor recalls (“poisonous frogs, flesh-eating plants”). Symbolically, it’s tied to past hardships: Luxa and Aurora’s near-death experience, Aurora’s injured wing, and Gregor’s prior struggles there. The oppressive heat and decay evoke a sense of dread, mirroring the characters’ unresolved tensions. Returning to the jungle underscores the cyclical nature of their challenges, as they must confront new threats while haunted by old wounds.5. How does Ares mediate the conflict between Gregor and Luxa, and what does this reveal about his role in their group?
Answer:
Ares acts as a peacemaker by acknowledging Luxa’s pain (“speaks with an edge because she is in pain”) and humorously easing Gregor into joining the mission (“Has enough time passed to convince you?”). His rare laugh lightens the tension, showing his ability to balance empathy and pragmatism. As a bat bonded to Gregor, Ares bridges the gap between human and Underlander perspectives, often interpreting unspoken emotions. His role emphasizes teamwork and loyalty, even when personalities clash, reinforcing his importance as a stabilizing force.
Quotes
1. “I trusted her… The words hung in the air. Gregor thought this might be the highest praise Luxa could ever give someone.”
This quote highlights Luxa’s rare admission of trust, emphasizing how deeply she valued Cevian. It underscores Luxa’s guarded nature and the significance of Cevian’s role in her life, especially after past betrayals like Henry’s.
2. “This is not the time or place for mourning… We must go to the jungle.”
Luxa’s abrupt shift from grief to action reveals her resilience and sense of duty. This moment marks a turning point in the chapter, transitioning from emotional reflection to the urgency of their mission to uncover the truth about Cevian’s death.
3. “If he didn’t have the stomach for this? Did she mean if he was afraid? Gregor bristled at the comment because, in fact, when he was upset the first thing that reacted was his stomach.”
This quote captures Gregor’s internal conflict and pride, as well as his complex relationship with Luxa. It reflects the tension between them and Gregor’s determination to prove himself, even when provoked.
4. “P is for Pincess… R is for Ripred. B is for Bane.”
This moment of speculation about the mysterious mark ties into the larger mystery of Cevian’s death and foreshadows potential threats. It also subtly connects to Boots’ innocence, contrasting with the darker implications of Ripred or the Bane’s involvement.
5. “Do not dismount yet… We must check the caves.”
Luxa’s caution and leadership shine here as the group enters the dangerous jungle. This quote sets the stage for the next phase of their journey, emphasizing the peril ahead and Luxa’s strategic mindset.