Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Chapter 23
by Suzanne, Collins,Gregor and Ares embark on a grueling journey through narrow, sulfur-filled tunnels, carrying the Bane, a baby rat. Gregor recalls a past stop in the same cavern where Henry once tried to kill Ripred, a memory that unsettles Ares. The Bane, confused and distressed, clings to Gregor, who feeds it chocolate to calm it. The oppressive environment and physical strain weigh heavily on both Gregor and Ares as they press forward, soaked and exhausted, with the Bane whimpering miserably.
Upon exiting the tunnel, Gregor and Ares collapse, surrounded by approaching rats. Ripred, the scar-faced rat, appears and exchanges tense words with Gregor, who reveals the Bane as a “gift.” Ripred is furious, questioning why Gregor didn’t kill the pup as intended. Gregor argues that Ripred wouldn’t harm the Bane, as doing so would undermine his leadership among the rats. The confrontation escalates until Gregor claims he, too, is a “rager,” prompting laughter from Ripred and the other rats, diffusing the tension momentarily.
Gregor recounts their harrowing journey to Ripred, detailing their encounters with fireflies, squid tentacles, and the loss of companions like Pandora. Ares steps in when Gregor struggles to continue, explaining how Twitchtip led them until her collapse and how Gregor ultimately took responsibility for the Bane. Ripred, though initially hostile, shows unexpected empathy, acknowledging their losses and the gravity of their situation.
Gregor proposes that Ripred raise the Bane, hoping the rat’s influence could prevent it from becoming a monster. Ripred is incredulous, explaining that rats mature much faster than humans, with the Bane reaching adulthood within a year. The chapter ends with Gregor realizing how little he understands about the Underland’s creatures, leaving the fate of the Bane—and his own role in its future—uncertain.
FAQs
1. How does Gregor’s current journey through the sulfur-scented tunnel compare to his previous experience in the same location?
Answer:
Gregor’s current journey is far more physically and emotionally taxing than his first trip. Previously, he wore protective gear (a hard hat), was uninjured, and carried his hopeful mission to find his father while transporting his sister Boots. This time, he’s injured, unprotected from the stinging sulfur water, carrying the Bane (a baby rat), and dreading his reunion with Ripred. The chapter emphasizes this contrast by noting how Ares now limps painfully through the narrow tunnel, whereas before he rode comfortably on Temp’s back. These differences highlight Gregor’s deteriorating circumstances.2. Why does Gregor believe Ripred won’t kill the Bane, despite Ripred’s violent reaction?
Answer:
Gregor presents two key arguments: First, he appeals to Ripred’s morality by suggesting rats wouldn’t kill a defenseless pup, referencing how Ripred previously spared Boots. Second, and more strategically, he argues that killing the Bane would undermine Ripred’s leadership ambitions—other rats wouldn’t follow him if he murdered a royal heir. This reveals Gregor’s growing understanding of Underland politics. The text shows Ripred’s hesitation (“What’s it doing here?”), confirming Gregor’s assessment that the situation is more complex than simple violence.3. Analyze the significance of Gregor claiming to be a “rager” during his confrontation with Ripred.
Answer:
Gregor’s declaration that he’s a “rager” (a fighter with battle instincts) serves multiple purposes. First, it’s a survival tactic—distracting Ripred from violence with humor, as shown by the rats’ laughter. Second, it reflects Gregor’s self-awareness about his combat abilities, validated earlier by Twitchtip’s senses. The moment also reveals cultural dynamics: Rats appreciate boldness, and Gregor’s claim—while exaggerated—earns temporary respect. This mirrors Ripred’s own complex nature, where threats coexist with unexpected empathy (“I am sorry for your losses”).4. How does the chapter develop the theme of unintended consequences through Gregor’s decision to spare the Bane?
Answer:
Gregor’s mercy toward the Bane creates a pivotal moral and political dilemma. While he couldn’t kill a helpless creature (contrasting with Henry’s earlier ruthlessness), his choice forces Ripred into a leadership test—will he exploit or nurture the pup? The chapter foreshadows future conflict by revealing the Bane’s rapid maturation rate (“full grown by winter”), suggesting Gregor’s act may have delayed rather than resolved the prophecy. This develops the recurring theme that “good” decisions in the Underland often have ambiguous, far-reaching repercussions.5. What does the interaction between Gregor and Ares in the tunnel reveal about their evolving relationship?
Answer:
Their silent, grueling trek through the tunnel demonstrates deepening mutual reliance and unspoken understanding. Ares endures physical pain (scraped wings, limping) without complaint, showing loyalty beyond their bond. Gregor notices and empathizes with Ares’s suffering, a shift from earlier tensions. Their shared trauma—carrying the Bane while grieving lost companions—creates a quiet solidarity, contrasting with earlier conflicts over Henry’s betrayal. This prepares for Ares later supporting Gregor’s story about being a rager, signaling their partnership has matured into trust.
Quotes
1. “‘You don’t like little kids, do you?’ said Gregor. Ripred had hissed at Boots, too. ‘Not this one in particular,’ snarled Ripred. ‘What’s it doing here?’”
This exchange highlights the tension between Gregor and Ripred, as well as Ripred’s instinctive hostility toward the Bane. It underscores the moral dilemma of what to do with the young rat and sets up the central conflict of the chapter.
2. “‘You were supposed to kill it!’ said Ripred. ‘But I didn’t. I brought it to you,’ said Gregor.”
This quote captures the pivotal moment where Gregor defies the prophecy and chooses mercy over violence. It represents his rejection of fate and his attempt to find another solution for the Bane’s future.
3. “‘Okay, but I think I’d better warn you that, if we fight, you’ve only got a fifty-fifty chance of winning.’ ‘I do?’ said Ripred. ‘And why is that?’ ‘Because I’m a rager, too,’ said Gregor.”
This humorous yet revealing exchange shows Gregor’s growing confidence and self-awareness. It introduces the important concept of Gregor being a “rager” like Ripred, which has significant implications for his character development and future role in the story.
4. “That was the thing about Ripred: One minute he was about to kill you, and the next he seemed to understand it was all you could do not to curl up into a ball and die.”
This insightful narration perfectly captures Ripred’s complex, mercurial nature. It demonstrates how the character defies simple categorization, being both threatening and surprisingly compassionate at different moments.
5. “‘That ball of fluff over there will be full grown by the time you’ve seen another winter.’ ‘But … it’s just a baby,’ said Gregor.”
This exchange reveals crucial information about rat biology that changes the stakes of the situation. It shows how Gregor’s human perspective limits his understanding of the Underworld’s realities, while also emphasizing the urgency of deciding the Bane’s fate.