Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Chapter 14
by Suzanne, Collins,In Chapter 14, Gregor and the Underlanders encounter a sudden and terrifying whirlpool while traveling by boat. The chaos is immediate, as the group realizes they have no prepared strategy for such a disaster. The whirlpool, massive and powerful, threatens to drag both boats into its vortex. Howard, recognizing the danger, severs the rope tethering the boats to prevent both from being lost. The lead boat, carrying Howard, Pandora, Twitchtip, and Zap, is swept into the whirlpool, leaving the second boat moments away from the same fate.
The bats, including Aurora and Andromeda, manage to lift the second boat to safety, but the lead boat remains trapped. Howard is rescued by Pandora, but Twitchtip, a rat, is left struggling in the water. Gregor is horrified as the Underlanders refuse to attempt a rescue, citing the impossibility and danger. He accuses them of abandoning Twitchtip because she is a rat, highlighting their prejudice. The Underlanders’ reluctance contrasts sharply with their usual unity, revealing deep-seated biases against rats.
Gregor, furious and determined, decides to act. He dons a life jacket and prepares to jump into the whirlpool to save Twitchtip, knowing the Underlanders will have no choice but to rescue him—and by extension, her. Howard, shamed by Gregor’s words about his oath to save those in peril, ties a lifeline to Gregor. Despite Luxa’s protests and attempts to forbid him, Gregor leaps into the whirlpool, driven by both anger and a sense of justice.
The chapter ends with Gregor plunging into the icy water, fully aware of the immense danger but resolved to challenge the Underlanders’ prejudices. His actions force the group to confront their moral failings, even as he risks his life. The whirlpool becomes not just a physical threat but a catalyst for exposing the tensions and ethical dilemmas within the group. Gregor’s bravery and defiance set the stage for a pivotal moment in their journey.
FAQs
1. How does Gregor’s initial reaction to the whirlpool compare to the Underlanders’ typical response to emergencies, and what does this reveal about their preparedness?
Answer:
Gregor notes that the Underlanders usually face emergencies with precision, as if they’ve drilled for the crisis countless times. However, in this situation, everyone is confused and lacks a clear plan, indicating they’ve never encountered a whirlpool before. This contrast highlights the limits of the Underlanders’ preparedness—while they excel at handling familiar threats, they are vulnerable to unexpected dangers. The chaos also underscores Gregor’s role as an outsider who notices these gaps in their strategies.2. Analyze the ethical dilemma presented when the group decides not to rescue Twitchtip. How does Gregor’s perspective differ from the Underlanders’, and what motivates his actions?
Answer:
The Underlanders, including Luxa and Mareth, justify abandoning Twitchtip by citing practicality and the low chance of success, but Gregor recognizes their bias against rats. He argues that they would act differently if the victim were human or bat, exposing their species-based prejudice. Gregor’s outrage stems from his moral belief in equality and his personal loyalty to Twitchtip, who was brought to aid their mission. His plan to jump in—knowing the Underlanders will prioritize saving him—demonstrates his cleverness and willingness to risk himself for what he sees as justice.3. How does the author use sensory details and figurative language to convey the power and danger of the whirlpool? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
The author vividly describes the whirlpool through Gregor’s perspective, using metaphors like “a black gaping hole” and similes comparing the water’s grasp to “a twig, a gum wrapper.” Sensory details emphasize its overwhelming force: the “dizzying speed” of the water, the “raging” current, and the visual of boats “smashing into debris.” These descriptions create a visceral sense of danger, immersing the reader in Gregor’s terror and helplessness. The flashlight’s beam cutting through the darkness further heightens the tension, contrasting the limited human perspective with nature’s chaos.4. What does Howard’s decision to tie a lifeline to Gregor reveal about his character development in this chapter?
Answer:
Earlier, Howard prioritizes survival by cutting the rope between boats, but Gregor’s challenge to his oath (“saving anyone in water trouble”) shames him into action. By securing a lifeline, Howard redeems himself, showing he honors his word even when it’s dangerous. This moment highlights his internal conflict between pragmatism and duty, as well as his capacity for growth. His flushed face and quick response suggest Gregor’s words struck a moral chord, pushing Howard to align his actions with his principles.5. How does Gregor’s plan to rescue Twitchtip reflect his strategic thinking and understanding of the Underlanders’ priorities?
Answer:
Gregor realizes the Underlanders value his survival above all else due to his role in their prophecy. By jumping in, he forces them to attempt a rescue, knowing they’ll save him—and by extension, Twitchtip. This tactic shows his ability to manipulate their beliefs for a moral goal. It also contrasts with his earlier impulsiveness; here, he calculates risks (using the flashlight, wearing a life jacket) and leverages his unique status. His strategy underscores his growing leadership and willingness to exploit systems for justice.
Quotes
1. “The Underlanders usually faced an emergency with precision, as if they’d drilled for the crisis a million times. Gregor had a feeling that none of them had ever dealt with a whirlpool, either … and that they had no emergency response at the ready.”
This quote highlights the Underlanders’ usual preparedness contrasted with their helplessness in this unprecedented crisis, emphasizing the gravity of the whirlpool situation and Gregor’s growing awareness of their vulnerability.
2. “It’s because she’s a rat. You’re just going to sit here and watch her drown because she’s a rat, right? If it were Howard or Andromeda or even Temp, you’d be down there, all right, but not for a rat!”
Gregor’s outburst reveals the deep-seated prejudice against rats in Underland society and serves as a pivotal moment where he challenges the group’s moral priorities, forcing them to confront their biases.
3. “He knew that the Underlanders needed to keep him alive at all costs. If he went in, they’d come after him. And if he could get to Twitchtip, they’d have to save them both.”
This insight shows Gregor’s strategic thinking and moral courage, as he leverages his importance to the mission to force a rescue attempt for Twitchtip, demonstrating his growing leadership and empathy.
4. “Do not be a madman, Overlander. You cannot help her!” / “You make me the sickest of all! You were just down there a minute ago. You got rescued!”
This heated exchange between Howard and Gregor underscores the tension between pragmatic survival and moral responsibility, with Gregor calling out Howard’s hypocrisy after his own rescue.
5. “Gregor balanced on the edge of the boat for one second, stuck his flashlight between his teeth, braced himself, tried to forget about how much he hated high dives, and jumped.”
This climactic moment captures Gregor’s transformation from observer to active hero, overcoming his fears to take decisive action, marking a turning point in both the chapter’s action and his character development.