Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Chapter 16
by Suzanne, Collins,The chapter opens with Howard’s desperate reaction to Pandora’s disappearance, as he attempts to dive into the water to save her. Mareth restrains him, insisting Pandora is beyond help, and ultimately knocks Howard unconscious to prevent him from endangering himself. Meanwhile, Ares, Gregor’s bat, is pursued by a swarm of flesh-eating mites. Gregor, panicked, urges Ares to dive into the water, a strategy that unexpectedly works when fish surface to attack the mites, allowing Ares to escape. The group flees the area, with the bats towing the boat to safety, while Ares later confirms he drowned the remaining mites clinging to him.
After the chaos, the group tends to their wounds and emotions. Gregor and Luxa care for Howard, who remains unconscious, while Ares is treated for his injuries. The bats, including Andromeda, who had previously shunned Ares, now comfort him. The atmosphere is somber as everyone processes Pandora’s death. Gregor and Luxa sit together, silently grieving, until Luxa asks Gregor to distract her by describing life in the Overland. Gregor shares details of his last day aboveground, focusing on pleasant moments like sledding with Boots, avoiding darker topics to keep the conversation light.
Luxa expresses a longing to see the Overland, particularly the snow, and Gregor enthusiastically imagines showing her New York City. They joke about disguising her distinctive Underlander features to blend in, momentarily uplifted by the fantasy of escape. However, Luxa acknowledges the impracticality, as the council would never allow it. Their brief respite is cut short when Howard awakens, disoriented and heartbroken, forcing them to confront the reality of Pandora’s loss once more.
The chapter concludes with Howard’s painful realization of Pandora’s death, as Mareth gently reaffirms that her fate was unavoidable. The weight of grief settles over the group, underscored by the Underlander’s harsh realities. The emotional toll of the journey is palpable, leaving characters and readers alike to grapple with loss and the relentless dangers of their world. The chapter balances action with introspection, highlighting the bonds between characters amid tragedy.
FAQs
1. How does Gregor’s quick thinking save Ares from the flesh-eating mites, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Gregor realizes that diving into the water could protect Ares from the mites, drawing on the general knowledge that insects like bees can be escaped by submerging in water. Though his initial plan didn’t account for the fish attacking the mites, this fortunate outcome highlights his ability to think under pressure. The incident reveals Gregor’s resourcefulness and deep care for his companions, as he immediately seeks solutions despite feeling helpless. His humility is also evident when he admits he hadn’t fully anticipated the fish’s role, showing he doesn’t claim undue credit for the successful outcome.2. Analyze the significance of Howard’s reaction to Pandora’s death and Mareth’s handling of the situation. What does this convey about Underlander bonds and leadership?
Answer:
Howard’s visceral reaction—attempting to dive after Pandora despite the danger—demonstrates the profound depth of bonds between humans and their bats in Underland culture. Mareth’s decision to knock Howard unconscious is a harsh but necessary act of leadership, prioritizing the group’s survival over individual grief. This moment underscores the brutal realities of their world, where emotional responses must sometimes be physically restrained for the greater good. Mareth’s subsequent gentle explanation to Howard (“You could not save her”) reveals a balance between authority and compassion in Underlander leadership.3. How does the chapter use contrasting moments of tension and quiet reflection to develop its themes? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
The chapter alternates between high-intensity scenes (the mite attack, Howard’s outburst) and subdued moments (Gregor and Luxa’s conversation about the Overland) to explore themes of loss and resilience. For instance, after the chaotic rescue of Ares, the group’s silent day of mourning for Pandora emphasizes the weight of death in their journey. Later, Gregor and Luxa’s imaginative exchange about New York offers temporary escape, highlighting how characters cope with trauma through connection and hope. These contrasts mirror the cyclical nature of their struggles—brief respites between life-or-death challenges.4. What does Luxa’s curiosity about the Overland reveal about her character and the broader worldbuilding in the story?
Answer:
Luxa’s request for Gregor to describe an ordinary day in the Overland shows her intellectual curiosity and longing for experiences beyond her confined, dangerous world. Her specific fascination with snow (“I wish I could see the snow”) underscores how Underlanders romanticize the unknown surface world. The conversation also subtly addresses cultural differences: Luxa worries about appearing strange to Overlanders, while Gregor’s reassurance (suggesting disguises) reflects his adaptability. This exchange deepens worldbuilding by contrasting the two societies through personal perspectives rather than exposition.5. Evaluate the symbolic role of the mites and their defeat. How might this event foreshadow future challenges?
Answer:
The mites represent inescapable, consuming threats that require unconventional solutions (diving into water) and external aid (the fish) to overcome. Their persistence mirrors the protagonists’ ongoing struggles—just as the mites latched onto Ares despite his escape, future dangers may leave lingering consequences. The incident foreshadows that the group’s survival will increasingly depend on quick thinking, teamwork, and leveraging their environment’s natural balance (e.g., predators eating pests). The bats’ subsequent huddling together also hints that unity will be vital against future threats, as isolation (like Andromeda’s earlier shunning of Ares) could prove fatal.
Quotes
1. “She is gone, Howard! You cannot help her!” said Mareth.
This quote captures the raw grief and helplessness following Pandora’s death, as Mareth physically restrains Howard from a futile rescue attempt. It marks a pivotal moment of loss and the harsh reality the characters must confront.
2. “Think, Gregor! What can you do?” he said to himself. “What can you do?”
Gregor’s internal monologue highlights his desperation to save Ares from the mites, showcasing his problem-solving under pressure. This moment of crisis leads to his quick-thinking solution of diving into the water, demonstrating his growth as a leader.
3. “He has the rest of his life to mourn her.”
Luxa’s poignant observation about Howard’s unconscious state underscores the permanence of Pandora’s death and the burden of grief the characters now carry. It reflects the chapter’s theme of loss and the harshness of their reality.
4. “Tell me about the Overland, Gregor,” she said. “Oh, anything. Tell me … what one day is like, from rising to sleep.”
Luxa’s request for distraction through Gregor’s stories of the Overland reveals her longing for escape and normalcy amid trauma. This dialogue shift provides emotional relief and deepens their bond through shared imagination.
5. “We’ll put you in long sleeves and a hat and sunglasses,” Gregor said. “You won’t look any stranger than about half the people who live there.”
This lighthearted exchange about Luxa visiting the Overland offers a rare moment of hope and humor. It contrasts with the chapter’s darker events, emphasizing the characters’ resilience and capacity for joy even in adversity.