The Brothers Hawthorne
CHAPTER 39: JAMESON
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnThe chapter opens at the Devil’s Mercy, an underground fighting venue with a vintage boxing ring marked by fraying ropes. Jameson warns Avery against staying, but Rohan, the enigmatic Factotum dressed in a casually unbuttoned tuxedo, insists she remain and even place bets. Avery questions the fairness of wagering against the house, but Rohan dismisses her concerns, implying their deal’s financial terms are already settled. His relaxed demeanor unsettles Jameson, who senses Rohan’s focus has shifted to the unfolding “Game,” suggesting a larger scheme is already in motion.
The atmosphere is electric as the venue fills with a predominantly male crowd, ranging from young men to elderly patrons. Jameson distracts Rohan by asking which fighter Avery should bet on, and Rohan hints at the house fighter’s advantage. Rohan then takes center stage, announcing the brutal rules: fights continue until a fighter yields or is knocked unconscious, with no gloves or mercy allowed. His commanding presence and the crowd’s fervent response underscore the violent, high-stakes nature of the event.
Jameson observes the fights with analytical precision, ignoring the bloodshed to study the fighters’ weaknesses and movements. Avery, concerned, urges him not to participate, but Jameson is resolute, stealing Rohan’s phrase to emphasize his determination. Avery, however, declares she’ll bet on him, showing her unwavering support. The tension builds as a house fighter emerges victorious, and Rohan calls for a challenger.
The chapter climaxes as Jameson, with a characteristic Hawthorne smirk, volunteers to fight, silencing the crowd. His bold declaration sets the stage for a high-stakes confrontation, highlighting his fearless nature and the deepening rivalry with Rohan. The scene leaves readers anticipating the physical and psychological battle to come, reinforcing the themes of risk, strategy, and loyalty central to the narrative.
FAQs
1. What are the rules of the fights at the Devil’s Mercy, and what do they reveal about the nature of this establishment?
Answer:
The fights at the Devil’s Mercy follow brutal, no-holds-barred rules: matches consist of indeterminate rounds that end when a fighter hits the floor, and the match only concludes when a fighter fails to get up—meaning they must yield or be knocked unconscious. Fighters compete bare-chested, without gloves, rings, or weapons, under the mantra “no mercy.” Additionally, any visible injuries must be discreetly managed, with the establishment offering ambiguous “assistance” if needed (implied to be threatening). These rules highlight the club’s violent, secretive culture, catering to elite members who revel in raw brutality while maintaining outward appearances.2. How does Rohan’s behavior and role in this chapter reflect his position as the Factotum?
Answer:
Rohan embodies the Factotum’s authority through his commanding presence and calculated control. He moves with “liquid grace,” effortlessly drawing attention when announcing fight rules, and the crowd immediately parts for him—a sign of respect and fear. His relaxed demeanor (untied tuxedo, casual speech) contrasts with the violent spectacle he oversees, showing his comfort with power. Notably, he declares Avery’s debt “paid in full,” revealing his strategic mind: the third night was merely insurance, implying he’d already achieved his goal. This duality—charm and menace—epitomizes his role as the club’s orchestrator.3. Analyze Jameson’s observational strategy during the fights. What does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Jameson ignores the bloodshed and crowd noise, instead focusing on the fighters’ weaknesses: unused spaces in the ring, timing gaps between moves, and how they compensate for vulnerabilities. This hyper-observant approach reveals his analytical, tactical nature—he’s preparing for his own fight by studying patterns, not just brute force. His intensity (“heart rate accelerating”) and smirk when volunteering to fight further highlight his Hawthorne-like confidence and love for challenges. Unlike the crowd, he’s not there for spectacle; he’s calculating how to win.4. Why is Avery’s decision to bet on Jameson significant, and how does it deepen their dynamic?
Answer:
Avery’s wager symbolizes her loyalty and belief in Jameson, despite her initial concern (“You don’t have to do this”). By betting on him, she actively participates in his risk, mirroring their partnership’s reciprocity. Her quiet declaration (“I’m not just watching”) contrasts with the crowd’s voyeurism, showing she’s invested in his success, not just the violence. This moment reinforces their bond: she challenges him (“Hawthorne”) while standing by him, blending defiance and support—a hallmark of their relationship throughout the series.5. How does the chapter use contrasts to heighten tension and thematic depth?
Answer:
The chapter juxtaposes elegance and brutality: Rohan’s tuxedo against bare-knuckle fights, the refined setting (“whispering ropes of another time”) with savage rules (“no mercy”). Jameson’s analytical calm contrasts with the crowd’s bloodlust, while Avery’s concern clashes with her later boldness. These contrasts emphasize the club’s duality—outward sophistication masking primal violence—and deepen tension by blurring lines between civility and savagery. Even Rohan’s “warning smile” merges charm with threat, encapsulating the chapter’s exploration of power’s seductive, dangerous facets.
Quotes
1. “The ring at the Devil’s Mercy was smaller than a modern boxing ring and marked off with coarse, fraying ropes that whispered of another time.”
This opening line sets the atmospheric tone for the underground fight club scene, establishing its antiquated and brutal nature compared to modern combat sports.
2. “The match ends when the person who hits the floor doesn’t get up.”
Rohan’s explanation of the fight club’s brutal rules encapsulates the no-holds-barred nature of the Devil’s Mercy, where matches only end through knockout or submission.
3. “No gloves. No rings. No weapons of any kind. No mercy.”
This terse declaration from Rohan perfectly summarizes the savage ethos of the establishment, with the crowd’s echoing chant reinforcing the primal energy of the scene.
4. “Jameson ignored the bloodshed, the roar of the crowd, the raw brutality of the fighters… He focused instead on the blank spaces.”
This reveals Jameson’s strategic mindset as he prepares for his own fight, analyzing weaknesses and opportunities rather than being distracted by the violence.
5. “I’m not just watching, Hawthorne. I’ll be placing a wager… On him. She was betting on him.”
Avery’s declaration of support for Jameson marks a key emotional moment, showing her faith in him despite the danger, with the follow-up internal thought emphasizing the significance.