Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Chapter 11
by Suzanne, Collins,In Chapter 11, Gregor and his companions navigate the Waterway aboard boats, accompanied by bickering fireflies, Photos Glow-Glow and Zap, whose constant arguing irritates everyone, including Boots. Mareth attempts to mediate, revealing that firefly disputes are common but harmless. Temp, the roach, asserts his loyalty solely to Boots, while Twitchtip the rat silences the fireflies with a threatening remark. The group’s dynamics are tense, yet they rely on each other for the journey. Gregor, exhausted and uneasy, observes the unfamiliar underwater landscape as they drift farther from land, with Mareth and Howard managing the sails.
The chapter delves into Gregor’s growing concern for Boots’ safety, as the prophecy’s ominous lines haunt him. He questions Ares about the journey’s duration and the possibility of flying, to which Ares admits he’s considered attempting the feat alone. Their conversation shifts to Lindbergh, the Overland aviator, highlighting the cultural gap between Gregor and the Underlanders. Gregor’s anxiety escalates as he reads the prophecy, which foretells Boots’ death, and he grapples with the moral weight of protecting her from the rats actively seeking her.
Gregor seeks practical advice from Ares on how to kill a rat, revealing his inexperience and discomfort with violence. Ares matter-of-factly describes lethal techniques, but Gregor struggles to envision himself executing them. Their bond deepens as Ares reassures Gregor of his support, acknowledging their mutual indebtedness. The chapter underscores Gregor’s internal conflict—his love for Boots clashes with the brutal reality of their mission, leaving him emotionally and physically drained.
As night falls, the group organizes shifts for guard duty, with Photos Glow-Glow reluctantly taking the first watch under Twitchtip’s threat. Gregor volunteers for guard duty despite his exhaustion, preferring to stay awake rather than face interrupted sleep. The boats’ gentle rocking lulls him toward sleep, but his worry for Boots and the looming threat of the Bane keep him on edge. The chapter ends with Gregor teetering between exhaustion and vigilance, symbolizing his precarious position as both protector and reluctant warrior.
FAQs
1. How do the fireflies behave upon their arrival, and what does this reveal about their role in the journey?
Answer:
The fireflies immediately display contentious behavior, arguing about seating arrangements, shift rotations, and even Temp’s servitude. Their bickering extends to trivial matters like table manners, highlighting their immature and self-centered nature. Mareth notes they are “not as bad as some others,” implying such behavior is typical for fireflies. Despite their irritability, they are essential for navigation in the dark Waterway, as shown when Photos Glow-Glow provides light during the night shift. Their combative yet indispensable role underscores the tension between their usefulness and the strain they place on group dynamics.2. Analyze Gregor’s evolving relationship with Ares in this chapter. What key moments demonstrate their growing bond?
Answer:
Gregor and Ares develop mutual respect through shared vulnerability and admiration. Gregor compliments Ares’ strength, saying, “I bet you could make it” when discussing the arduous flight to the Labyrinth, showing faith in his abilities. Their conversation about Lindbergh bridges their worlds, with Ares curious about Overland achievements. Most notably, Ares reassures Gregor, “I will be there, if it is at all possible,” when discussing the impending battle, signaling loyalty. Gregor’s apology for involving Ares in the prophecy, and Ares’ acknowledgment that Gregor also freed him from a “mess,” reflects their reciprocal trust and deepening partnership.3. How does the chapter juxtapose Boots’ innocence with the grim reality of the prophecy?
Answer:
Boots’ childlike purity—singing “Row Row Row Your Boat,” playing with Temp, and struggling to pronounce “Photos Glow-Glow”—contrasts starkly with the prophecy’s violent mandate: “DIE THE BABY, DIE HIS HEART.” Gregor’s protective anguish is palpable as he watches her, recognizing her innocence while fearing the rats’ pursuit. The dichotomy heightens the moral stakes; Boots represents vulnerability and hope, while the prophecy embodies ruthless pragmatism. This tension fuels Gregor’s internal conflict, emphasizing the tragedy of targeting a child to resolve a larger conflict.4. What strategic preparations do the characters make for the journey, and what do these reveal about the challenges ahead?
Answer:
The group implements meticulous plans: Mareth and Howard rig sails for the boats, fireflies provide light (despite their quarrels), and guards are assigned in shifts. Ares mentions the journey will take “at least five days” by boat, underscoring its length and the impossibility of flying due to bats’ limitations. Gregor’s conversation with Ares about killing rats—targeting the neck, heart, or eyes—hints at the lethal encounters awaiting them. These preparations highlight the dual threats of the environment (the vast Waterway) and their enemies (the rats), requiring both logistical coordination and combat readiness.5. Evaluate Twitchtip’s role in managing group conflicts. How does her intervention impact the dynamics?
Answer:
Twitchtip acts as an enforcer, using intimidation to quell disputes. When Photos Glow-Glow refuses to accept Boots’ nickname, Twitchtip “translates” Boots’ complaint into a threat, warning the firefly that the rat will “rip your head off” if he continues. This instantly silences the bickering, demonstrating her authority. Later, she overrules the fireflies’ shift debate by threatening to shred Photos Glow-Glow’s wings, forcing compliance. While harsh, her interventions are effective, restoring order when diplomacy fails. Her presence introduces a predatory hierarchy, reminding others that cooperation is non-negotiable for survival.
Quotes
1. “Only the princess, Temp serves, only the princess.”
This quote showcases Temp the cockroach’s unexpected moment of assertiveness, establishing Boots’ importance in the Underland hierarchy. It also highlights the tension between the diverse creatures in the boat.
2. “She said if you don’t stop your incessant babble, that big rat sitting in the boat next to you will rip your head off.”
Twitchtip’s darkly humorous threat creates a pivotal moment of silence, demonstrating her intimidating presence and the uneasy alliance between species. This marks a turning point where the bickering finally stops.
3. “DIE THE BABY, DIE HIS HEART, DIE HIS MOST ESSENTIAL PART.”
This chilling prophecy line reveals the central conflict of the chapter and the entire quest, showing Gregor’s growing dread about Boots’ fate. The abruptness of the quote mirrors how Gregor snaps the scroll shut.
4. “You also freed me from one,” said Ares. And they left it at that.
This brief exchange captures the complex bond between Gregor and Ares, showing mutual gratitude without excessive sentimentality. It represents their growing partnership amid the dangerous mission.
5. “The neck is vulnerable. The heart, but one must get past the ribs. Through the eyes to the brain…”
Ares’ clinical description of how to kill a rat foreshadows future violence while showing Gregor’s uncomfortable initiation into warfare. The technical details contrast sharply with Gregor’s moral unease about killing.