Gregor the Overlander
Chapter 16
by Suzanne, Collins,In Chapter 16, Gregor and Boots find themselves trapped in a massive spider web after fleeing from a rat attack. Gregor struggles to free himself while Boots remains stuck to his back. A large spider begins wrapping them in silk, ignoring Gregor’s attempts to communicate, including his claim of being the prophesied warrior. Only when he mentions Vikus does the spider pause, but it then snaps a thread, sending Gregor and Boots bouncing violently in the web. Despite his shouts and Boots’s singing, the spiders remain indifferent, focusing on their own tasks, such as capturing and consuming prey. Gregor grows increasingly anxious about their fate.
Gregor reflects on the events at the riverbank, where Vikus and others fought the rats to protect him. He feels guilt for leaving them behind, especially since they believe he is the warrior from the prophecy. He worries about their survival and whether they will come to rescue him and Boots. The spiders’ apathy unnerves him, and he fears they might eventually eat him and his sister. Boots, unaware of the danger, asks repeatedly to go home and see their mother, which deepens Gregor’s sadness and longing for their family.
As Gregor dwells on his father’s captivity with the rats, he recalls his dad’s love for jazz and the saxophone lessons he once gave him. These memories amplify his despair, but his mood lifts when Henry and Vikus suddenly arrive with the rest of the group. They cut Gregor and Boots free, revealing that all the rats were killed in the battle. Vikus explains that the dead rats never saw Gregor’s face, which would have confirmed his resemblance to his father and his role as the warrior. This detail hints at the rats’ deeper fear of the prophecy.
The chapter concludes with the arrival of Queen Wevox, the spider ruler, who communicates by rubbing her legs together. She dismisses Gregor as noisy, showing little interest in him. Vikus formally introduces Gregor to her, but the queen’s cold demeanor underscores the spiders’ general indifference to the humans. The encounter leaves Gregor uneasy, emphasizing the unpredictable and often hostile nature of the Underland’s inhabitants.
FAQs
1. How does Gregor attempt to communicate with the spiders, and why do his methods fail?
Answer:
Gregor tries multiple communication strategies: announcing his peaceful intentions (“I come in peace”), invoking Vikus’s name, claiming his role as “the warrior,” and even having Boots sing “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider.” These efforts fail because the spiders initially ignore him—unlike other creatures in the Underland who reacted strongly to his presence. The spiders remain indifferent until Gregor mentions Vikus, which briefly pauses one spider’s actions. Their apathy highlights their alien nature and the Underland’s cultural diversity, where different species prioritize distinct signals (e.g., names of respected figures over prophecies or songs).2. Analyze the significance of Gregor’s realization about being “a son of the sun.” How does this connect to the rats’ behavior?
Answer:
Gregor understands that the dead rats recognized him as “a son of the sun” due to his resemblance to his father, which triggered their violent reaction. This revelation ties to the prophecy and the rats’ fear of the “warrior.” Vikus explains that the slain rats cannot spread this knowledge, implying Gregor’s identity is a strategic secret. The moment underscores the political stakes of Gregor’s appearance and foreshadows future conflicts, as surviving rats might still connect him to the prophecy, escalating tensions.3. How does the chapter contrast the spiders’ behavior with that of other Underland creatures? What might this suggest about their society?
Answer:
Unlike the civil roaches, awed humans, or rage-driven rats, the spiders display utter indifference to Gregor until authority figures intervene. This contrast suggests their society operates on strict hierarchy (responding only to Queen Wevox and Vikus) and pragmatism (ignoring non-threatening intruders). Their disciplined silence and focus on work imply a collectivist culture, possibly viewing Gregor as irrelevant until deemed otherwise by leadership. This differs from the emotional or prophecy-driven responses of other species, highlighting the Underland’s complex interspecies dynamics.4. Evaluate Gregor’s emotional state during his captivity. How does his perspective shift regarding his role as “the warrior”?
Answer:
Gregor cycles through fear, guilt, and resignation. Initially, he fears being eaten, then feels guilty about his companions’ sacrifices for him, doubting his worth as “the warrior.” His thoughts reveal imposter syndrome—he believes others are dying for a false premise. However, when rescued, he recognizes that even skeptical allies (like Luxa) value his survival, hinting at his growing importance. This internal conflict humanizes Gregor, showing his reluctance to accept destiny while subtly setting up his eventual character growth.5. What thematic role does the spiders’ humming play in the narrative?
Answer:
The humming serves multiple purposes: it contrasts their earlier menace with unexpected tranquility, disorienting Gregor (and the reader) about their nature. The melody also becomes a poignant link to Gregor’s father, as he considers playing it on his saxophone—a symbol of surface-world connections and familial love. This moment humanizes the spiders while reinforcing Gregor’s motivation to rescue his dad, blending themes of music, memory, and cross-world bonds. It subtly suggests that even “alien” creatures share artistic impulses.
Quotes
1. “‘The rest of us are expendable, you are not!’”
This quote captures the weight of Gregor’s role as the prophesied warrior, highlighting how the Underlanders view him as irreplaceable while considering themselves disposable in the mission to fulfill the prophecy. It marks a turning point where Gregor grapples with the responsibility placed upon him.
2. “They were risking their lives because they thought he was the warrior. But he wasn’t. Surely that was clear by now.”
This reflects Gregor’s internal conflict and self-doubt about his supposed destiny. The quote is significant as it shows his growing awareness of the gap between others’ expectations and his own perceived inadequacies.
3. “‘But only the dead ones know you resemble your father. That you are ‘a son of the sun.’’”
This reveals a key plot point about Gregor’s connection to his missing father and why the rats specifically target him. The quote underscores the importance of Gregor’s identity and lineage in the unfolding prophecy.
4. “‘He makes much noise,’ said the queen distastefully”
This interaction with Queen Wevox illustrates the cultural differences between Gregor and the spiders, showcasing how his human behaviors are perceived as disruptive in the Underworld. It represents the ongoing theme of communication barriers between species.