The Brothers Hawthorne
CHAPTER 3: JAMESON
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnJameson, aboard a private jet at night, struggles with the oppressive quiet as Avery sleeps on his chest. The stillness triggers his restlessness, a trait he begrudgingly shares with his troubled mother, Skye. His mind drifts to unresolved events in Prague, a mystery that tempts him despite his efforts to suppress it. The chapter establishes Jameson’s internal conflict: his craving for danger and puzzles clashes with his need to protect Avery from the truth, fearing the consequences of making his thoughts real.
Avery, perceptive as ever, notices Jameson’s turmoil and calls it “our look,” recognizing their shared obsession with solving mysteries. Jameson wrestles with the urge to confide in her but resists, knowing it could unleash reckless behavior. He distracts himself by shifting the conversation to his impending return from a gap year, though his restlessness persists. The tension between his desire for greatness and his fear of endangering Avery underscores their dynamic.
Jameson reflects on the Hawthorne family’s legacy of achieving “great things”—grand, impactful feats—but feels inadequate compared to Avery’s philanthropic mission and his brother Grayson’s accomplishments. Despite being part of her world-changing efforts, he senses he’s merely observing from the sidelines. Avery subtly probes about Prague, referencing his mysterious return at dawn with injuries, but respects his boundaries, refusing to force the truth from him.
Their conversation culminates in a charged moment, with Jameson deflecting her curiosity through intimacy and playful banter. He teases her with the nickname “Mystery Boy,” a callback to their past, while internally battling the urge to reveal his secrets. The chapter ends with their unresolved tension, highlighting Jameson’s internal struggle between his love for Avery and his self-destructive impulses, setting the stage for future confrontations about Prague and his quest for greatness.
FAQs
1. Comprehension Question
What internal conflict does Jameson experience regarding the events in Prague, and how does he attempt to manage it?
Answer:
Jameson struggles with an intense internal conflict about the unresolved mystery of what happened in Prague. The chapter reveals that he actively suppresses thoughts about Prague because dwelling on them would make the events feel more real, potentially driving him to pursue dangerous or reckless actions. He fears that if he shares this with Avery, his partner who shares his love for puzzles, he won’t be able to resist investigating further. To cope, Jameson employs misdirection—diverting his and Avery’s attention to other topics, such as his restlessness about his gap year ending. This strategy highlights his self-awareness about his impulsivity and his desire to protect both himself and Avery from potential harm.2. Analytical Question
How does the author use the motif of “quiet” and “stillness” to develop Jameson’s character?
Answer:
The motif of quiet and stillness serves as a window into Jameson’s psychological state. The text explicitly states that “quiet always got to Jameson,” mirroring his mother Skye’s aversion to inertia. This discomfort reveals his inherent need for stimulation and action, which aligns with his Hawthorne family identity—charged with doing “great things” that are vast and lasting. The stillness forces him to confront thoughts he’d rather avoid (like Prague), showing how external silence amplifies his internal turmoil. The contrast between his restless nature and moments of forced quietude underscores his internal tension between wanting to pursue grand, risky endeavors and the need for self-restraint.3. Application Question
If you were Avery, how might you interpret Jameson’s behavior and his reluctance to discuss Prague?
Answer:
As Avery, Jameson’s evasiveness about Prague would signal both concern and intrigue. His physical reactions (like the careless smile) and deflection to topics like his gap year suggest he’s hiding something significant. The detail about his cut and the smell of fire implies danger or violence, which he dismisses with humor (“Mystery Boy”). Given their shared love for puzzles, Avery might deduce that Prague represents a mystery Jameson fears pursuing—one that could endanger them both. Her decision not to force the issue with their safe word (“Tahiti”) shows her respect for his boundaries, but her curiosity (e.g., “I’m not worried, I’m curious”) hints she’ll likely revisit the topic when he’s more vulnerable.4. Critical Thinking Question
Evaluate the significance of the Hawthorne family’s charge to do “great things.” How does this ideal shape Jameson’s sense of purpose and dissatisfaction?
Answer:
The Hawthorne definition of “great things” as “vast, lasting, and incredible” reflects a legacy of monumental achievement, which burdens Jameson with existential pressure. While Avery finds fulfillment in philanthropy (giving away billions), Jameson feels stagnant, comparing himself to her impact and even to Gray (his brother). His metaphor of standing “behind the ropes” at the falls illustrates his sense of exclusion from true greatness. This ideal fuels his restlessness, making quiet moments unbearable because they highlight his perceived inadequacy. The charge is both motivational and oppressive: it drives his ambition but also creates a void when his actions don’t measure up to his family’s towering expectations.5. Analytical Question
How does the dynamic between Jameson and Avery illustrate the theme of trust and vulnerability in their relationship?
Answer:
Their dynamic showcases a delicate balance of trust and restraint. Jameson trusts Avery “with all that he was,” yet he withholds the truth about Prague, fearing his own impulsivity. Avery, in turn, respects his boundaries by not using their safe word to force disclosure, demonstrating trust in his judgment. Their intimacy is palpable (e.g., her head on his chest, his lips near hers), but the unspoken tension about Prague reveals vulnerability—Jameson’s fear of failing her, and Avery’s patience despite her curiosity. This interplay highlights how trust isn’t just about sharing secrets but also about knowing when to hold back to protect the other person.
Quotes
1. “Skye had told them once that she wasn’t made for inertness, and as much as Jameson hated to see any similarity between himself and his spoiled, sometimes homicidal mother, he knew what she meant.”
This quote reveals Jameson’s internal conflict about inheriting his mother’s restless nature, establishing a key character trait that drives his actions throughout the chapter.
2. “Jameson trusted Avery with all that he had and all that he was, but he couldn’t always trust himself to do the right thing. The smart thing. The safe thing.”
This pivotal quote demonstrates the central tension in Jameson’s character - his deep love for Avery conflicting with his self-awareness about his reckless tendencies.
3. “That was a Hawthorne’s charge, always—and not great as in very good. Great as in vast and lasting and incredible. Great like the falls.”
This quote captures the core Hawthorne family philosophy that drives Jameson’s ambitions and dissatisfaction, defining what “greatness” means in their world.
4. “Everything about her killed him in the best possible way.”
This brief but powerful statement perfectly encapsulates Jameson’s intense, almost painful love for Avery and how she affects him emotionally.
5. “If you want, Mystery Girl, you could start calling me Mystery Boy.”
This closing line shows Jameson deflecting with charm while hinting at his secrets, maintaining the chapter’s theme of hidden truths and the tension between intimacy and concealment.