Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Chapter 15
by Suzanne, Collins,In Chapter 15, Gregor settles on the boat with Boots and Ares, who expresses guilt over not being able to rescue Gregor earlier due to his duty to hold the boat. Gregor reassures Ares, acknowledging his loyalty as a bond. The conversation shifts to Boots’ safety, and Gregor insists Ares prioritize saving her over him if a crisis arises. Ares reluctantly agrees, easing Gregor’s mind as he drifts off to sleep, comforted by the thought of Boots being protected by Ares and Temp.
Upon waking, Gregor discovers Twitchtip, the rat, curled against his leg, revealing her deep loneliness after years of isolation in the Dead Land. He tactfully avoids embarrassing her, and their conversation turns to her past. Twitchtip explains how her ability to smell secrets led to her exile from rat society. She then reveals Gregor’s hidden nature as a “rager,” a natural-born fighter who loses control in combat, a truth Gregor struggles to accept.
Gregor is horrified by the idea of being a “rager,” associating it with mindless violence, but Twitchtip clarifies it’s an innate ability, not a moral failing. She advises him to seek guidance from Ripred, another rager who has learned to control his instincts. Gregor, unsettled, tries to dismiss her claims but privately considers the implications, especially given the prophecies labeling him a warrior. The chapter ends with him biting back tears, resolved to confront Ripred if he survives.
As the group awakens, Gregor reflects on the passage of time in the Underland and worries about his family’s suffering in his absence. His thoughts spiral into images of his father’s illness, his mother’s exhaustion, and his sisters’ fear, leaving him anxious and guilt-ridden. The chapter captures Gregor’s emotional turmoil, balancing his role as a protector with his fear of his own nature and his longing for home.
FAQs
1. How does Ares demonstrate his loyalty to Gregor in this chapter, and what internal conflict does this reveal about Ares?
Answer:
Ares expresses distress over not being able to rescue Gregor when he fell into the water earlier, fearing Gregor might misinterpret his inaction as disloyalty, similar to his past failure with Henry. This reveals Ares’ deep sense of guilt and his commitment to their bond, as he worries about being perceived as untrustworthy. Gregor reassures Ares, acknowledging that he has already proven his loyalty multiple times. This interaction highlights Ares’ internal struggle between his duty to protect the entire group (by holding the boat) and his personal bond with Gregor, showing the complexity of his responsibilities.2. What does Gregor’s request to Ares about saving Boots first reveal about his character and priorities?
Answer:
Gregor insists that Ares prioritize saving Boots over him if another emergency arises, even though they are bonds. This selfless request underscores Gregor’s protective nature and his prioritization of family above all else, including his own survival. It also reflects his maturity and sense of responsibility as an older brother. Despite Ares’ initial reluctance, Gregor’s insistence (“This is what I wish”) demonstrates his determination to ensure Boots’ safety, revealing his deep love and sacrificial mindset. This moment reinforces one of the chapter’s key themes: the lengths one will go to protect loved ones.3. Analyze the significance of Twitchtip’s interaction with Gregor, particularly her revelation about him being a “rager.” How does this impact Gregor’s self-perception?
Answer:
Twitchtip’s disclosure that Gregor is a “rager”—a natural-born fighter who loses control in battle—shakes him deeply, as it contradicts his self-image as someone who dislikes violence. Her observation that he emits a unique scent during combat, coupled with his own fragmented memories of fights, forces Gregor to confront a part of himself he finds disturbing. This revelation ties into the larger prophecy about him as a warrior, adding psychological complexity to his role. The suggestion to consult Ripred, another rager, hints at a path to self-understanding but leaves Gregor emotionally unsettled, biting back tears as he grapples with this identity crisis.4. How does the chapter portray the theme of isolation through Twitchtip’s character, and what does her brief moment of connection with Gregor signify?
Answer:
Twitchtip’s involuntary closeness to Gregor—leaning against him for warmth and comfort—highlights her profound isolation after years of exile. Her embarrassment and quick retreat underscore her loneliness and longing for connection, even with a human whose scent repulses her. This moment humanizes Twitchtip, revealing her vulnerability beneath her tough exterior. Gregor’s tactful cover-up (“I must’ve rolled into you”) shows empathy, recognizing her need for contact without shaming her. The interaction underscores the universal desire for companionship and the emotional toll of prolonged isolation, adding depth to both characters’ relationship and the narrative’s exploration of alienation.5. Why might the author have included the detail about Gregor forgetting to put Boots’ life jacket back on, and how does this contribute to the tension in the chapter?
Answer:
This small but critical detail amplifies the chapter’s tension by reminding readers of the ever-present dangers in the Underland (squids, whirlpools) and Gregor’s imperfect vigilance as a caretaker. It underscores his humanity and the realistic challenges of protecting a child in such perilous circumstances. The moment also transitions naturally into his urgent conversation with Ares about prioritizing Boots’ safety, reinforcing the stakes of their journey. By highlighting this lapse, the author maintains suspense, keeping readers anxious about potential threats while emphasizing Gregor’s constant worry for his sister’s well-being.
Quotes
1. “I did not want you to think, as your bond, that I would not come after you. The way I did not go after Henry.”
This quote reveals Ares’ deep guilt over his past failure to save Henry and his commitment to Gregor, showing the emotional complexity of their bond and the weight of past actions on present relationships.
2. “Save Boots. I mean, save her before me. I know we’re bonds and all, but get her first.”
Gregor’s selfless plea to Ares demonstrates his protective instincts as a brother and his willingness to prioritize Boots’ safety over his own life, even above their sacred bond.
3. “How hungry for contact must Twitchtip be to lean up against him? A human? A human whose scent made her ill? She must be starved.”
This internal reflection by Gregor powerfully conveys Twitchtip’s profound loneliness and desperation for connection after years of isolation in the Dead Land, highlighting themes of alienation and the universal need for companionship.
4. “You’re a rager… It’s not a moral judgment. You can’t help being one any more than I can help being a scent seer. It doesn’t mean you want to kill, it means you can.”
Twitchtip’s revelation about Gregor’s nature as a “rager” introduces a crucial character insight and moral dilemma, showing that his combat abilities are innate rather than chosen, yet still carry heavy implications.
5. “Because he’s a rager, too. But, unlike you, he’s learned to control his actions.”
This statement about Ripred serves as both a warning and a potential path forward for Gregor, suggesting that while his violent potential is inherent, it can be mastered - setting up an important future character dynamic.