Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Chapter 17
by Suzanne, Collins,The chapter opens with Gregor and his companions sharing their meager supper, prioritizing Boots’ needs by giving her their bread and meat while they eat raw fish. As they prepare to sleep, Twitchtip warns of approaching rats and deadly serpents, unsettling Gregor, who is already troubled by thoughts of the prophecy and the Bane. The tension escalates when Temp alerts the group that the shiners (fireflies) have abandoned them, leaving them in darkness. Howard and Mareth express frustration, while Twitchtip dryly remarks that the shiners likely defected to the rats in exchange for food and information, lightening the mood with her unexpected humor.
Gregor quickly devises a solution to their light crisis by distributing flashlights from his bag, securing them to everyone’s arms with duct tape. Boots eagerly joins in, delighted to have her own mini flashlight. The group’s spirits lift momentarily as they marvel at the practicality of Gregor’s idea, though they remain aware of their dwindling resources. Howard confirms their fuel supply is low, emphasizing the critical role light plays in their survival. Gregor, tasked with confronting the Bane, is urged to conserve his batteries, as his mission hinges on visibility in the Underland’s oppressive darkness.
As they approach the Tankard, a deep water-filled shaft where serpents lurk, Twitchtip detects the Bane’s presence by its distinct scent, confirming Gregor’s fears. The group discusses their dwindling options, realizing their original plan to sneak into the Labyrinth is compromised by the shiners’ betrayal. Mareth and Howard admit their lack of a backup plan, leaving them with only two choices: fight or flee. With escape routes cut off by rats and deadly terrain, fighting becomes their sole recourse. Howard distributes swords, preparing the group for imminent battle.
The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as the group braces for confrontation, their unity and resourcefulness tested. Gregor’s leadership shines through his quick thinking, but the looming threat of the Bane and the rats casts a shadow over their resolve. The interplay of humor, tension, and camaraderie underscores the dire stakes, setting the stage for a high-stakes conflict in the chapters to come.
FAQs
1. How does the group adapt to the loss of the fireflies’ light, and what does this reveal about their resourcefulness?
Answer:
When the fireflies (shiners) desert the group, they lose their primary light source, which is critical for survival in the Underland. Gregor demonstrates quick thinking by distributing his stash of flashlights and duct-taping them to everyone’s arms for hands-free use. This includes even Boots, who insists on having her own mini flashlight. The Underlanders, initially dismayed, quickly adapt to the new system, showing their resilience. The scene highlights Gregor’s leadership and the group’s ability to innovate under pressure, as well as the symbolic importance of light as a lifeline in their dark environment.2. What role does Twitchtip play in this chapter, and how does her character develop?
Answer:
Twitchtip serves as both a scout and a morale booster in this chapter. Her heightened sense of smell alerts the group to approaching dangers, such as the rats and the Bane’s presence, proving invaluable for their survival. Notably, she makes her first joke about the shiners’ departure, lightening the mood and earning laughter from the group—a sign of her growing integration with the team. Her blunt honesty and unexpected humor reveal a more nuanced character beyond her initial role as a tracker, showing her ability to bond with the others despite being a rat among enemies.3. Analyze the significance of the Tankard and the serpents as obstacles in the group’s mission.
Answer:
The Tankard is a deep, water-filled shaft where deadly serpents sleep, serving as a formidable barrier to the Labyrinth. The serpents’ ability to sleep underwater (like alligators) adds to their menace, creating a sense of looming danger. The rats’ ambush position above the Tankard forces the group to confront two threats simultaneously: the serpents below and the rats above. This setup heightens tension and underscores the near-impossibility of their mission, emphasizing the theme of survival against overwhelming odds. The Tankard symbolizes the unknown perils of the Underland, where even the environment is hostile.4. How does Gregor’s internal conflict about the Bane reflect his growth as a reluctant hero?
Answer:
Gregor secretly hopes the Bane is a myth, revealing his lingering desire to avoid his prophesied role as a “rager” destined to kill it. However, when Twitchtip confirms the Bane’s presence, he shifts from denial to action, pacing and demanding a Plan B. This moment captures his transition from reluctance to acceptance of responsibility. His practical focus on flashlights and rallying the group shows his growing leadership, even as he grapples with fear. The chapter highlights his internal struggle between self-doubt and duty, a key aspect of his hero’s journey.5. Why does the group’s laughter at Twitchtip’s joke represent a pivotal moment in their dynamic?
Answer:
The shared laughter over the shiners’ departure breaks tension and unites the group—humans, bats, roach, and rat—in rare camaraderie. It’s a fleeting moment of solidarity amid dire circumstances, emphasizing their shared grievances (the fireflies’ whining) over their species divisions. Luxa and Twitchtip’s exchange about eating the shiners further humanizes Twitchtip, bridging the rat-underling animosity. This scene underscores how humor can foster unity, even among former enemies, and provides emotional relief before the impending battle, making it a subtle but critical turning point in their relationships.
Quotes
1. “The shiners have deserted! They were bound for the entire journey! … The shiners are bound only by their stomachs, and as we cannot satisfy those, they have broken with us!”
This quote captures a key turning point where the fireflies abandon the group, highlighting the theme of unreliable alliances in desperate situations. Howard’s bitter remark underscores how survival instincts override honor in the Underland.
2. “Light … life … the words were interchangeable to the humans down here.”
This poignant observation reveals the existential importance of light in the Underland’s perpetual darkness. It encapsulates how fundamental resources take on profound metaphorical meaning in this harsh environment.
3. “I can smell the Bane! … I can smell its whiteness… It’s definitely there.”
Twitchtip’s chilling confirmation of the Bane’s presence represents the chapter’s climactic moment. The sensory detail of “smelling whiteness” creates vivid dread while confirming the prophecy’s reality that Gregor had been doubting.
4. “In the Underland, in the event that a plan fails, we usually have two options to fall back on: We may fight or flee.”
Mareth’s statement distills the brutal simplicity of survival strategies in their world. This philosophical moment underscores the constant life-or-death stakes facing the characters as they approach their final confrontation.