Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Chapter 8
by Suzanne, Collins,In Chapter 8, Gregor fears for his sister Boots’ safety when he learns rats have infiltrated Regalia. Rushing back to the arena on Ares’s back, he envisions a rat army targeting her. Upon arrival, they witness two rats—one small and one large—fighting Underlanders. The larger rat, moving with incredible agility, dominates the battle. Gregor soon recognizes it as Ripred, a rat ally, and intervenes to stop the fight. Despite the tension, Ripred laughs at the Underlanders’ shock, lightening the mood momentarily.
The Underlanders halt their attack upon hearing Ripred’s name, though they remain wary. Ripred introduces his companion, Twitchtip, a smaller rat who reacts aggressively to Gregor’s greeting. Solovet, a leader among the Underlanders, arrives and reprimands Ripred for the chaos. Ripred claims they arrived early for their scheduled meeting and presents Twitchtip as a “gift” to help Gregor locate the Bane, a dangerous rat. Twitchtip’s hostility and peculiar behavior puzzle Gregor and the others.
Ripred reveals Twitchtip’s extraordinary ability: she is a “scent seer” with an unparalleled sense of smell. To prove it, she accurately describes Boots’ location and condition, astonishing Solovet. Ripred explains Twitchtip was exiled by other rats due to her unnerving gift, making her an outcast but a valuable asset. Solovet, intrigued, agrees to accommodate Twitchtip in a remote cave to minimize her discomfort from human scents.
The chapter ends with Solovet acknowledging Gregor’s recent achievements in training, hinting at his growing importance. Ripred and Solovet share a moment of camaraderie, arranging for a meal together. The introduction of Twitchtip sets the stage for her role in the quest to find the Bane, while Ripred’s humor and unpredictability continue to shape the dynamics between the characters.
FAQs
1. What was Gregor’s immediate fear when he saw rats in Regalia, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Gregor’s immediate fear was that the rats had come to harm his sister, Boots. This reveals his deep protective instinct and the strong bond he shares with his younger sibling. Despite the chaos around him, his primary concern is her safety, showing his selflessness and prioritization of family. The text states, “Gregor had visions of an army of rats ripping their way across Regalia with one target in mind. Maybe the giant white rat itself had come to kill her!” This reaction highlights Gregor’s role as a caretaker and his tendency to assume the worst when those he loves are threatened.2. How does Ripred’s behavior during the battle contrast with the seriousness of the situation, and what effect does this have on Gregor and the Underlanders?
Answer:
Ripred’s behavior is playful and mocking, even as he fights for his life against the Underlanders. He laughs at their shock and teases Gregor, saying, “Oh, look at them, Overlander. Are they not priceless?” This contrasts sharply with the tension of the battle, disarming both Gregor and the Underlanders. While Gregor initially tries to suppress his laughter, Ripred’s irreverence breaks the tension, causing Gregor to chuckle despite himself. The Underlanders are left stunned, their anger diffused by Ripred’s antics. This scene demonstrates Ripred’s ability to manipulate emotions and control a situation through humor, even in dire circumstances.3. What is Twitchtip’s unique ability, and why is it significant to the story’s plot?
Answer:
Twitchtip is a “scent seer” with an unnaturally heightened sense of smell, allowing her to detect details like location, diet, and even color through scent. This ability is significant because Ripred has brought her to help Gregor find the Bane, a key objective in their mission. Her skill is described as “one in a million,” making her invaluable for tracking. The text illustrates this when she sniffs and accurately describes Boots’s location, diet, and clothing. Her presence introduces a new tool for the protagonists, suggesting she will play a critical role in future conflicts or searches.4. How does Solovet’s attitude toward Ripred and Twitchtip shift during their interaction, and what does this reveal about her leadership style?
Answer:
Solovet initially responds with stern disapproval, chastising Ripred for injuring her soldiers and questioning Twitchtip’s sanity. However, after learning about Twitchtip’s abilities, her demeanor shifts to pragmatic acceptance. She even invites Ripred to dine, showing her ability to prioritize strategic advantages over personal grievances. This reveals her leadership style as practical and adaptable—she recognizes useful allies, even if they are unconventional or troublesome. Her willingness to accommodate Twitchtip’s needs (e.g., sending her to a remote cave) further demonstrates her focus on utility over emotion.5. Why might Ripred have chosen to bring Twitchtip to Regalia despite her hostility, and what does this suggest about his relationship with Gregor?
Answer:
Ripred likely brought Twitchtip because her abilities are essential for Gregor’s mission to find the Bane, indicating that Ripred is invested in Gregor’s success. Despite Twitchtip’s hostility, Ripred endures her company, showing his commitment to their shared goals. His remark that Twitchtip is “especially for Gregor” suggests he understands Gregor’s needs and is willing to provide resources, even at personal inconvenience. This hints at a mentorship dynamic, where Ripred guides and supports Gregor, albeit in his own abrasive way. Their interaction also reveals Ripred’s strategic thinking—he tolerates Twitchtip’s unpleasantness because her skills are irreplaceable.
Quotes
1. “Gregor gripped Ares’s fur and immediately assumed the worst. If rats were in Regalia, they must have come for one thing: Boots!”
This quote captures Gregor’s protective instinct for his sister Boots and sets the urgent tone of the chapter. It reveals his primary motivation—keeping Boots safe from danger—while introducing the threat of the rats.
2. “It was like watching one of those martial arts movies where no one can touch the main sensei or master or whatever, it was like watching — ‘Oh, no!’ Gregor exclaimed. ‘It’s him. It’s got to be —’ ‘Ripred!’ Ares cut him off.”
This vivid description showcases Ripred’s exceptional combat skills while building suspense about his identity. The cinematic comparison highlights Ripred’s prowess and Gregor’s recognition of him as both formidable and significant.
3. “Twitchtip hates everybody!”
Ripred’s blunt declaration introduces Twitchtip’s hostile personality and social isolation. This simple statement encapsulates her character while hinting at her backstory as an outcast, which becomes important later in the chapter.
4. “She’s agreed to help you find the Bane, and I’ve agreed to let her live with my merry little band of rats in the Dead Land if she succeeds.”
This quote reveals the crucial bargain between Ripred and Twitchtip, explaining her presence and foreshadowing her role in finding the Bane. It demonstrates Ripred’s strategic thinking and the complex alliances forming in the story.
5. “The boy’s sister is located on the third level of a large circular structure in a room with eight other pups and two grown ones. She’s just eaten cake and milk. She’s cutting a new tooth. Her catch cloth is wet, and her shirt is pink.”
Twitchtip’s astonishing demonstration of her scent-seer abilities proves her value to the group. This detailed description not only confirms her extraordinary gift but also provides a moment of relief by confirming Boots’s safety.