Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Chapter 24
by Suzanne, Collins,After a tiring journey, Gregor and Ares take turns resting and flying through the Underland. Gregor struggles with exhaustion and the harsh conditions, eating raw fish and reminiscing about comforting foods from home. He reflects on his dependence on Ares, feeling guilty for not contributing equally to their bond. To stay alert during his watch shifts, he occupies his mind with multiplication tables and other mental exercises, though his thoughts inevitably drift to his family’s worry and the impending Christmas without Boots.
Their journey ends as they arrive at the High Hall, where they witness Nerissa’s coronation as queen. The scene is somber, with Nerissa appearing frail and overwhelmed by the crown’s weight. Gregor observes the Underlanders’ mixed reactions, noting how ill-suited Nerissa seems for leadership compared to Luxa or Vikus. When Nerissa faints upon seeing Gregor, chaos ensues, and the crowd’s attention shifts to him and Ares, who had been unnoticed until then.
Vikus publicly questions Gregor about their mission, and Gregor reveals they found the Bane but took it to Ripred instead of killing it. This announcement sparks outrage among the Underlanders, who erupt in fury. The chapter ends abruptly as the crowd turns hostile, with Gregor being struck by an unseen object, leaving the situation tense and unresolved.
The chapter highlights Gregor’s physical and emotional struggles, his growing bond with Ares, and the political turmoil in the Underland. Nerissa’s coronation underscores the instability of the kingdom, while Gregor’s revelation about the Bane sets the stage for further conflict. The tension between survival, loyalty, and leadership drives the narrative forward, leaving readers anticipating the consequences of Gregor’s choices.
FAQs
1. How does Gregor’s experience of eating raw fish reflect his psychological state and the harsh conditions of the Underland?
Answer:
Gregor’s consumption of raw fish highlights both his physical deprivation and mental regression. The chapter describes him tearing into the fish “like a Neanderthal man,” emphasizing how survival instincts override civilized behavior in extreme conditions. This moment contrasts sharply with his memories of home-cooked meals (lasagna, chocolate cake), showing his longing for comfort and normalcy. The raw fish also symbolizes the Underland’s brutal reality, where basic sustenance takes precedence over culinary refinement. Gregor’s grunt of effort while eating underscores how quickly humans can revert to primal states when stripped of modern conveniences and pushed to their limits.2. Analyze the significance of Nerissa’s coronation scene. What does it reveal about leadership in Regalia?
Answer:
Nerissa’s coronation exposes deep flaws in Regalia’s succession system. Despite her obvious physical frailty (she collapses under the crown’s weight) and possible mental instability, tradition mandates her crowning after Luxa’s presumed death. Vikus’s visible sadness suggests he recognizes her inadequacy as a wartime leader, yet he follows protocol. The scene critiques rigid hierarchies through juxtaposition: Luxa’s natural leadership qualities are mentioned, while Nerissa’s weakness mirrors Regalia’s precarious state. The crowd’s murmurs further reveal political tensions, as many Underlanders likely share Gregor’s unspoken thought—that Vikus would have been a better choice. This moment foreshadows governance challenges in the coming conflict.3. How does the dynamic between Gregor and Ares evolve in this chapter, and what does their “bond” represent?
Answer:
Gregor’s growing dependence on Ares becomes a source of guilt in this chapter. While Ares selflessly alternates between flying and resting (“I am strangely wakeful”), Gregor critically reflects that he contributes little to their survival (“Ares kept them alive ninety percent of the time”). Their bond transcends practicality—it’s a lifeline in the darkness, both literally (Gregor relies on Ares for navigation) and emotionally (Ares lets him sleep safely). The raw intimacy of Gregor resting against Ares’s damp fur contrasts with earlier tensions, showing how shared hardship deepens their connection. This partnership mirrors broader themes of interdependence in the Underland, where survival demands trust across species.4. What narrative purpose does Gregor’s calculation of time serve, and how does it affect the story’s tension?
Answer:
Gregor’s attempt to tally his days underground (estimating 9-10 days) serves multiple functions. First, it grounds the fantastical journey in tangible reality, reminding readers of the stakes—his family’s anguish and the approaching Christmas deadline. Second, his abrupt shift to multiplication tables after realizing Boots won’t return reveals trauma avoidance, showing how he compartmentalizes grief to function. The time calculation also heightens urgency: every moment spent in Regalia delays his return home and advances the rats’ plans. By framing time as both a practical concern (“last set of batteries”) and emotional burden (“forever without Boots”), the chapter tightens the story’s psychological and logistical tension.5. Why does the crowd react with fury to Gregor’s revelation about the Bane, and what does this foreshadow?
Answer:
The Underlanders’ outrage stems from Gregor’s defiance of their prophecy’s directive to “drain the Bane’s light” (kill it). By sparing the Bane and delivering it to Ripred—a rat who opposes Regalia—Gregor inadvertently aligns himself with their enemies in the crowd’s eyes. This reaction foreshadows future conflicts: first, Gregor’s outsider status will complicate his role in the war, and second, the Underlanders’ blind adherence to prophecies may lead to strategic errors. The violence hinted at in the chapter’s abrupt ending (“something hit him”) suggests Gregor’s message will fracture alliances, setting up his eventual isolation as both a key player and mistrusted figure in the coming battles.
Quotes
1. “It didn’t take long, he thought, to erase hundreds of thousands of years of change if you were hungry.”
This quote captures Gregor’s reflection on human evolution and survival instincts as he eats raw fish, highlighting how primal needs can strip away civilization’s veneer. It underscores the harsh realities of their journey and the Underland’s brutal conditions.
2. “He was already entirely dependent on the bat. In fact, it didn’t really seem fair. Ares kept them alive about ninety percent of the time, anyway.”
Gregor acknowledges his reliance on Ares, revealing his guilt and self-awareness about their unequal partnership. This moment shows his growing maturity and the weight of their bond in the survival dynamic.
3. “The girl was too weak to hold up her head with a crown on it. […] Whether she wanted to be queen or not, there was no doubt in his mind she would have been up to the job. But she was gone now.”
Gregor’s comparison between Nerissa and Luxa emphasizes leadership qualities and loss. This poignant observation critiques the political succession while memorializing Luxa’s strength, tying personal grief to larger political consequences.
4. “‘We found it,’ said Gregor. […] ‘No, we took it to Ripred,’ Gregor said.”
These terse lines mark the chapter’s climactic revelation, sparking chaos among the Underlanders. The delivery underscores Gregor’s defiance of expectations and sets up major conflict about the Bane’s fate.