Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Chapter 7
by Suzanne, Collins,Gregor, overwhelmed by his unexpected success in hitting all fifteen blood balls during a sword drill, feels sickened by the sight of the red liquid staining his hands. As the Underlanders react with excitement, he retreats with Ares, his bat companion, to a secluded cave. The cave, once shared by Ares and Henry, now serves as Ares’s solitary refuge, highlighting his social isolation despite avoiding official banishment. Gregor reflects on their strained bond, realizing he knows little about Ares’s past and the circumstances of his partnership with Henry, who had exploited Ares’s rebellious nature.
During their conversation, Gregor learns that Ares is shunned by most bats, save for Aurora, Luxa, and Vikus. The bat admits that his alliance with Henry was mutually beneficial but ultimately flawed. Gregor apologizes for his earlier harsh treatment, and Ares acknowledges his own unresolved anger. Their reconciliation is tentative, as Gregor struggles to reconcile Ares’s complex history with his own perceptions. The arrival of Luxa and Aurora shifts the mood, as they celebrate Gregor’s feat and mock Stellovet, a rival who had hoped to humiliate him.
Luxa recounts a humorous incident where Henry tricked Stellovet into eating moth cocoons, lightening the atmosphere. However, the laughter fades as they remember Henry’s betrayal, which had far graver consequences for them than for Stellovet. Luxa reassures Ares that Gregor’s impressive performance will improve his standing among the bats, offering a glimmer of hope. Gregor, meanwhile, begins to take pride in his achievement, seeing it as a rare and skillful act rather than a source of shame.
The moment is interrupted by a warning horn, signaling an imminent rat invasion of Regalia. Ares and Gregor swiftly depart the cave, joining Luxa and Aurora in response to the emergency. The chapter ends on a tense note, as the group prepares to confront the new threat, underscoring the precariousness of their world and the bonds that unite them in adversity.
FAQs
1. How does Gregor react to his unexpected success in hitting all fifteen blood balls, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Gregor initially feels sick and overwhelmed after hitting all fifteen blood balls, running his blood-stained hand across his shirt and needing to escape the arena. This reaction shows his discomfort with violence and his humility, as he doesn’t immediately recognize his achievement as impressive. Later, when Luxa and Aurora celebrate his feat, he begins to feel pride, comparing it to a sports accomplishment. This shift reveals Gregor’s internal conflict—he is capable of remarkable skills but struggles to reconcile them with his self-perception as an ordinary boy unused to the Underland’s brutal customs.2. What does the conversation between Gregor and Ares reveal about Ares’ social status among the bats and his relationship with Henry?
Answer:
Ares explains that while bonding with Gregor spared him from official banishment, most bats still shun him except for Aurora, Luxa, and Vikus. This highlights his isolation and the lingering stigma from his past association with Henry. Ares admits he and Henry bonded because they were both rebellious—Henry valued Ares’ disregard for rules, while Ares sought Henry’s royal protection. However, Ares acknowledges that Henry’s deceit ultimately betrayed their bond. This conversation underscores themes of loyalty, regret, and the consequences of choices in the Underland’s rigid society.3. How does Luxa’s anecdote about Stellovet and the moth cocoons serve multiple purposes in the narrative?
Answer:
The story serves to: (1) reveal Stellovet’s arrogance and rivalry with Luxa, as she falls for Henry’s trick due to her obsession with status; (2) illustrate Henry’s cunning nature, which later contrasts with his betrayal; (3) lighten the mood temporarily with humor, showing camaraderie among Gregor, Luxa, and the bats; and (4) foreshadow Stellovet’s ongoing malice, as Luxa mentions her desire for Nerissa’s death to advance her own position. The anecdote thus enriches character dynamics and thematic tensions.4. Analyze the significance of the cave hideout as a setting in this chapter.
Answer:
The cave symbolizes Ares’ exile and emotional isolation—it transitions from a shared hideout with Henry to his sole refuge, emphasizing his loneliness. For Gregor, it becomes a space to process his shock and bond with Ares, away from the public eye. The crystals and underground lake create a surreal, almost sacred atmosphere, contrasting with the violence of the arena. This setting underscores themes of alienation and connection, as both characters confront their pasts (Ares with Henry, Gregor with his newfound abilities) in a place that is neither fully private nor truly welcoming.5. Why does the chapter end with the rat warning, and how does this create narrative tension?
Answer:
The horn warning abruptly shifts the tone from reflection to urgency, reminding readers of the ever-present threat of war with the rats. It interrupts Gregor’s moment of tentative pride and Ares’ hope for social redemption, forcing immediate action. This cliffhanger raises stakes by: (1) disrupting character development with external danger, (2) reminding Gregor that his skills may soon be tested in real combat, and (3) hinting at future conflicts involving Regalia’s political tensions (e.g., Stellovet’s ambitions). The ending propels the plot forward while maintaining suspense.
Quotes
1. “He turned on his heel and walked away from the sword, from the blood balls, from the Underlanders who were now beginning to talk in excited voices.”
This quote captures Gregor’s visceral reaction to his unexpected combat prowess, showing his discomfort with violence and the growing attention from the Underlanders. It marks a turning point where Gregor begins to grapple with his role in this foreign world.
2. “It was not all bad. We flew well together and shared many of the same tastes. In most ways, we were suited to each other. In one, we were not.”
Ares’ reflection on his bond with Henry reveals the complexity of their relationship, showing that even flawed bonds can have value. This insight helps Gregor understand Ares’ past while foreshadowing their own developing partnership.
3. “She thought to make you look like a fool, and instead you hit the total! Almost no one has ever done this, Gregor! It was brilliant!”
Luxa’s enthusiastic reaction highlights the political implications of Gregor’s feat, showing how his actions affect the power dynamics among the Underlanders. This moment shifts Gregor’s perspective from shame to pride in his abilities.
4. “Whatever Henry was wrong about, he was right about my Fount cousins. Especially Stellovet. She dreams of Nerissa and me dying because she thinks Vikus would be made king then and she, as his granddaughter, would be a princess.”
This quote reveals the ongoing political tensions in Regalia, showing that the threat comes not just from rats but from within royal families. It provides crucial context for understanding the Underland’s complex social structure.
5. “It means that rats have entered Regalia.”
Ares’ calm yet tense announcement of the rat warning creates immediate tension and propels the story forward. This simple statement effectively shifts the chapter from reflection to action, setting up the next crisis.