Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Chapter 10
by Suzanne, Collins,Gregor, exhausted and sleepless, grapples with the daunting task of killing the Bane, a massive white rat far larger and stronger than Ripred. He reflects on Vikus’s tendency to withhold harsh truths, imagining how the elder might casually reveal the prophecy’s demands at the last moment. The weight of his new reality contrasts sharply with his previous worries, like affording Christmas presents, highlighting how the prophecy has upended his life. The council meeting underscores the urgency of his mission, as the rats may soon hide the Bane or target his sister, Boots.
The council debates the safest route to the Labyrinth, where the Bane is reportedly hidden. Every land route is deemed too dangerous, leaving the Waterway as the only viable option, despite the looming threat of serpents during their mating season. Gregor insists on bringing Boots, refusing to leave her behind despite the risks, and the council reluctantly concedes. His determination reflects his protective instincts and distrust of the Underlanders’ ability to keep her safe, even if his bluntness strains protocol.
Preparing for the journey, Gregor gathers supplies from the museum, including flashlights, life jackets, and duct tape, pragmatic choices that reveal his growing adaptability. He reclaims his old clothes and boots, a small comfort amid the chaos. The discovery of the boats, equipped with fish fins for navigation, surprises him, as he realizes the journey will be slower and more perilous than expected. The presence of Twitchtip, the unpredictable rat, adds to his unease.
As the group assembles at the docks, Gregor secures a life jacket for Boots and Temp, the cockroach, showing his concern for his companions’ safety. The boats, suspended above the river, are a strange blend of ancient and aquatic design, emphasizing the Underland’s unique technology. Vikus explains that the bats cannot cross the vast Waterway, forcing them to rely on the boats for much of the journey. Gregor’s resignation to the slow pace and unknown dangers ahead underscores his acceptance of his role as the prophecy’s reluctant hero.
FAQs
1. How does Gregor’s perception of sleep change at the beginning of the chapter, and what does this reveal about his mental state?
Answer:
Gregor questions whether sleep is truly necessary or simply a habit people believe they need, as he spends the night completely exhausted yet unable to sleep. This reflects his heightened anxiety and stress about his upcoming mission to kill the Bane. His insomnia stems from overwhelming fear—he imagines the Bane as a monstrous rat twice his size, capable of crushing him easily. This mental turmoil contrasts sharply with his previous worries about mundane concerns like Christmas presents, emphasizing how the prophecy has upended his world and consumed his thoughts.2. What strategic and logistical challenges does the council face in planning Gregor’s journey to the Labyrinth?
Answer:
The council debates the safest route to the Labyrinth, ruling out land tunnels due to rat-infested dangers. The Waterway emerges as the only viable option, though it introduces new risks: mating serpents and slow travel by boat. The Labyrinth’s remote location in rat territory complicates access, as even rats avoid it, suggesting heavy guarding of the Bane. Additionally, time pressure arises from the need to depart before serpents become active and before rats relocate the Bane. These logistical hurdles highlight the mission’s perilous nature and the humans’ limited control over hostile Underland regions.3. Analyze Gregor’s insistence on bringing Boots despite the council’s objections. What does this reveal about his character and priorities?
Answer:
Gregor’s refusal to leave Boots in Regalia—even under guard—demonstrates his protective instincts and distrust of the Underlanders’ security. Having witnessed rats infiltrate the arena, he prioritizes keeping her close, echoing his mother’s advice to stay together. His blunt ultimatum (“She’s coming with me or I don’t go”) shows exhaustion-fueled defiance but also deep responsibility for her safety. This choice underscores his role as both a warrior and a caretaker, balancing the prophecy’s demands with his familial bonds. It also hints at his growing assertiveness in challenging Underland authority when his family’s well-being is at stake.4. How does the chapter use contrasting imagery to emphasize Gregor’s psychological shift from the Overland to the Underland?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes Gregor’s past and present concerns to highlight his drastic adaptation. His earlier worry about affording Christmas presents—a symbol of normal, mundane life—is replaced by visions of a “salivating white giant” and a deadly prophecy. The Underland’s surreal dangers (e.g., serpents with “twenty-foot spiked tails”) contrast with Overland relics in Regalia’s museum (e.g., wallets, flashlights). These contrasts underscore Gregor’s dislocation: the trivialities of home now seem distant against life-or-death stakes in the Underland, forcing him to mature rapidly under extraordinary pressure.5. Evaluate the significance of the modified boats for the journey. What practical and symbolic roles do they serve?
Answer:
The boats, equipped with biological adaptations like fish fins and bone rudders, represent the Underlanders’ resourcefulness in blending human and natural elements for survival. Practically, they address the Waterway’s challenges: bats lack stamina for long flights, and the fins may aid navigation in treacherous waters. Symbolically, the boats reflect the journey’s uncertainty—slow and reliant on untested methods, much like Gregor’s mission. Gregor’s skepticism about their speed mirrors his broader doubts about the prophecy’s feasibility, reinforcing the theme of venturing into the unknown with inadequate preparation.
Quotes
1. “Nothing like one of Sandwich’s prophecies to put your whole world in perspective.”
This quote captures Gregor’s stark realization of how his priorities have shifted from mundane concerns like Christmas presents to life-or-death prophecies. It highlights the jarring contrast between his old life and his new reality in the Underland.
2. “She’s coming with me or I don’t go. End of discussion.”
Gregor’s firm declaration about taking Boots with him shows his protective instincts and growing assertiveness. This moment represents his refusal to compromise on family safety, even when facing council pressure.
3. “It is the opinion of the council that Boots should remain under guard in Regalia while you pursue the Bane.”
This quote introduces a key conflict between institutional authority (the council’s plan) and personal conviction (Gregor’s refusal). It sets up the tension between collective security measures and individual agency.
4. “The Waterway is vast and provides few hospitable places to rest. No bat would have the stamina to cross it, so much of your trip must be by sea.”
Vikus’s explanation reveals the logistical challenges of their quest while introducing the dangerous new setting of the Waterway. This foreshadows future obstacles and the unconventional travel methods of the Underland.