Lightning Thief Chapters 19-22 Review

Chapter 19 - "We Find Out the Truth, Sort of"

• Percy, Annabeth, and Grover venture into the underworld, encountering the dangerous pit of Tartarus.
• Luke's magical shoes attempt to drag Grover into Tartarus, but he escapes.
• They confront Hades, discovering Percy unknowingly possesses the stolen lightning bolt from Zeus and that Hades' helm of darkness is missing.
• Percy chooses to leave his mother behind and utilizes pearls to escape the underworld.

Hades vs. Ares

• Ares exudes anger, fueling Percy's rage, while Hades presents a more ominous, commanding presence.
• Encountering Ares ignites an immediate desire in Percy to confront him physically; Hades, however, invokes a deep sense of intimidation.
• Hades is depicted in archaic clothing, enhancing his ethereal and distant stature compared to other gods.

True Friendship

• Annabeth and Grover demonstrate loyalty by volunteering to remain in the underworld, allowing Percy to save his mother.
• Percy ultimately garners the strength to leave his mother for the sake of his true friends.

Chapter 20 - "I Battle My Jerk Relative"

• The chapter highlights reconciliation between Percy and Annabeth, symbolizing growth and teamwork after their extensive adventures.
• Their cooperation signifies the resolution of past grievances and the forging of a deeper bond.

Clues Regarding Ares' Manipulation

• Ares inadvertently reveals he has been experiencing dreams related to the stolen lightning bolt.
• A physical twitch in Ares while speaking suggests outside influence, implying he is not solely responsible for the conflict.

Nature of Familial Conflicts

• Ares claims that conflicts between relatives are the most brutal, citing an understanding of each other's weaknesses.
• Such battles can lead to deep emotional trauma, illustrating the destructive potential of family rivalries.

Chapter 21 - "I Settle My Tab"

• The title encapsulates Percy returning the lightning bolt, averting disaster and fulfilling his obligations to Zeus.
• "Settling tabs" reflects the need to resolve unfinished business, underscoring the culmination of Percy’s journey.

Poseidon and Percy’s Relationship

• Percy appreciates Poseidon's distance, fearing he might be overwhelmed if his father were more involved.
• This distance allows Percy to carve out his own identity as a hero, fostering honesty without pretense.

Poseidon's Pride

• Poseidon likely feels pride for Percy's role in preventing a war, recognizing his son’s accomplishments against the backdrop of divine conflict.
• Despite his pride, Poseidon harbors regret about the burdens of heroism placed upon Percy.

Chapter 22 - "The Prophecy Comes True"

• Upon returning to camp, Percy joins in customary activities, receiving a welcoming speech from Dionysus and his first camp bead.
• He learns of his mother’s new beginnings after Gabe's departure and Grover's achievement in obtaining a searcher’s license for Pan.
• Luke's betrayal manifests during a deadly encounter, culminating in Percy's decision to return home.

Luke's Dismissive View of Civilization

• Luke's remark reflects a belief that the gods harm humanity rather than help it, equating their detrimental actions to a disease.
• He longs for a return to a time of purity under Cronos’ rule.

Symbolism of the Camp Bead

• The black bead indicates negative experiences, resonating with the dark themes of the underworld.
• The trident symbolizes Percy’s connection to Poseidon, hinting at both his heritage and the dangers tied to it.

Fulfillment of the Prophecy

• The journey west led Percy to face Ares, the god responsible for the conflict.
• The retrieval of the lightning bolt and helm signifies the successful return of stolen items.
• Luke's betrayal marks the fulfillment of the friend-turned-foe aspect of the prophecy.
• Ultimately, Percy is unable to save his mother, showcasing the tragic elements of his quest.

Modernization of Mythology

• The portrayal of the minotaur in modern attire provides a humorous twist, conveying the blend of ancient myth with contemporary life.
• This creative reimagining captures the absurdity in blending heroic themes with modern settings and situations.