Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Chapter 6
by Suzanne, Collins,Gregor wakes up exhausted and in a bad mood, preparing for his first day of training in Regalia. Unsure of the location, he recalls Luxa mentioning a field, which he assumes is the sports arena. After navigating the palace and descending via a platform—renewing his fear of heights—he arrives in the bustling city, where Underlanders recognize and respect him as the warrior who saved their city. Despite the admiration, Gregor worries about the impending mission to confront the giant white rat, wondering how many soldiers will accompany him.
At the arena, Gregor joins a training session led by Mareth, a friendly Underlander soldier. The exercises include stretches, calisthenics, and running, where Gregor excels, earning Mareth’s praise. However, he struggles with tumbling, much to Luxa’s amusement. She demonstrates flawless gymnastic moves, earning applause, while Gregor repeatedly fails at basic cartwheels. Their lighthearted interaction is interrupted by the arrival of Luxa’s cousins from the Fount, whom she clearly dislikes.
Luxa introduces Gregor to her cousins: Howard, Stellovet, the twins Hero and Kent, and a young girl. While Howard is polite, Stellovet immediately provokes Luxa with veiled insults, referencing her late cousin Henry’s betrayal. Gregor recognizes Stellovet’s cruel nature, feeling instant disdain for her. The tension highlights Luxa’s lingering grief and trauma over Henry’s actions, which her cousins exploit. Gregor sympathizes with Luxa, understanding the emotional toll of her past.
The chapter underscores the contrast between Gregor’s physical prowess in running and his clumsiness in gymnastics, as well as the social dynamics of the Underland. Luxa’s strained relationship with her cousins reveals the political and personal tensions within Regalia. Meanwhile, Gregor’s growing connection to Luxa and his role as the “warrior” weigh heavily on him, foreshadowing the challenges ahead in his mission against the rats. The chapter blends action, character development, and underlying conflict, setting the stage for future confrontations.
FAQs
1. How does Gregor’s relationship with Ares create tension in this chapter, and how does Gregor attempt to mitigate it?
Answer:
The chapter reveals strain in Gregor and Ares’s partnership when Ares fails to meet Gregor for training, forcing him to navigate Regalia alone. The guards’ exchange of “significant looks” implies judgment toward Ares, which Gregor instinctively defends by claiming shared responsibility (“I forgot, too”). This moment highlights Gregor’s loyalty to his bond with Ares despite their unresolved conflict from previous events. His attempt to shield Ares from criticism suggests a desire to preserve their alliance, even as the Underlanders’ reactions hint at deeper skepticism about the bat’s reliability.2. Analyze how the Underlanders’ treatment of Gregor reflects their societal values and his role in their prophecy.
Answer:
The Underlanders’ respectful nods and bows to Gregor demonstrate their reverence for him as the prophesied warrior who saved Regalia. However, their stares also carry expectation—Gregor realizes they’re anticipating his next heroic act against the giant rat. This duality reveals the Underland’s militaristic culture, where individuals are valued primarily for their utility in conflict. The public admiration contrasts with Gregor’s private anxiety about the looming mission, illustrating how prophecy burdens its subjects with performance pressure rather than genuine connection.3. What does the training scene reveal about differences between Overlander and Underlander approaches to physical preparation?
Answer:
The training highlights cultural contrasts: while Gregor recognizes stretches and calisthenics from his track experience, he’s startled by six-year-olds drilling with swords—a practice emphasizing the Underland’s perpetual war readiness. His athletic prowess shines in running (keeping pace with Mareth) but falters in tumbling, where Luxa’s pretzel-like flexibility and flawless gymnastics showcase Underlander agility. The scene underscores how Underland survival demands early, comprehensive combat training, whereas Gregor’s skills stem from recreational sports, leaving gaps in their shared preparation.4. How does Stellovet’s interaction with Gregor expose underlying political tensions within the royal family?
Answer:
Stellovet’s barbed compliment about Luxa’s “expertise on rats”—a clear reference to Henry’s betrayal—reveals factional strife among the royals. Her honeyed tone masks hostility toward Luxa, exploiting her cousin’s trauma for social dominance. Gregor’s instinctive defense of Luxa (“it evens out”) and disgust at Stellovet’s cruelty mirror the divide between royal-blooded heirs (Luxa, Nerissa) and their ambitious maternal relatives. Howard’s discomfort suggests internal conflict, while the twins’ smirking implies younger generations perpetuating these rivalries, politicizing even casual interactions.5. Evaluate how Luxa’s physical and emotional responses during training reflect her character development.
Answer:
Luxa’s physical grace (effortless tumbling, teaching Gregor) contrasts with her rigidity upon her cousins’ arrival, mirroring her emotional dichotomy. Her rare smile after applause shows capacity for joy, but Stellovet’s arrival triggers defensive formality. The slip between “we” and “I” when discussing Henry reveals unresolved grief and identity fragmentation. Her protective stance toward Nerissa—criticizing the cousins’ mockery—demonstrates loyalty, yet her inability to conceal disdain hints at immature coping mechanisms. These nuances paint a leader struggling to balance personal wounds with public composure.
Quotes
1. “Although Gregor was angry with Ares, he didn’t like what it implied. ‘I forgot, too,’ he said. ‘I should have reminded him.’”
This quote shows Gregor’s loyalty and protectiveness toward Ares, despite their strained relationship. It reveals his character growth and sense of responsibility, even when defending someone who has disappointed him.
2. “He was the warrior who had saved their city from destruction. He actually enjoyed the attention for a while, and then he realized that they were probably thinking about how he had to go after that giant white rat.”
This captures Gregor’s mixed feelings about his role as a “warrior” in the Underland—both the pride and the burden of expectations. It foreshadows the looming threat of the prophecy and his reluctant heroism.
3. “Apparently it was never too soon to start training for war in the Underland.”
This stark observation highlights the militarized culture of the Underland, where even young children are prepared for conflict. It underscores the perpetual state of danger they live in.
4. “‘They make fun of Nerissa. Of her gift and her frailty,’ said Luxa. ‘No, we do not … that is, I do not like them.’”
This quote reveals Luxa’s protective nature toward her cousin Nerissa and her struggle to adjust to life without Henry. The slip from “we” to “I” poignantly shows her lingering grief and isolation.
5. “Stellovet’s eyes narrowed, but she gave him a sweet smile. ‘Yes, Luxa is something of an expert on rats. No matter how many legs they have.’”
This cutting remark illustrates the political tensions and personal cruelty within the Underland’s royal circles. It also hints at the trauma Luxa carries from Henry’s betrayal (as a “rat” with two legs).