The Brothers Hawthorne
CHAPTER 87: JAMESON
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnJameson confronts Katharine and Rohan near the cliffs, where Katharine demands the “mark” she believes she deserves for bringing the contents of the final box—a silver ballerina. Rohan, however, clarifies that the game’s winner must correctly identify what the object represents, not merely possess it. Jameson interjects, recalling Rohan’s exact words: the victor must reveal what is truly valuable in the third box. Katharine hastily guesses the ballerina itself, but Rohan dismisses her answer, turning to Jameson for his interpretation.
Jameson confidently declares the answer is “silence,” explaining that the music box’s absence of sound symbolizes the power of keeping secrets. Rohan, impressed, confirms Jameson as the winner, awarding him the stone mark—a half-black, half-white disk. Overwhelmed by euphoria, Jameson revels in his victory, feeling alive and triumphant. The moment underscores his independence from the Hawthorne name and his ability to succeed on his own terms.
Rohan grants Jameson a day to decide how to use the mark, but Jameson refuses to wait, sensing Katharine’s calculating gaze and anticipating her next move. He recalls her previous manipulation of Ian and suspects she or Bowen may soon threaten or bargain with him. Meanwhile, Jameson observes Zella’s subtle satisfaction, hinting at her own fulfilled agenda. His attention shifts to Branford, his uncle by blood but not allegiance, and to Vantage, his ancestral home through his paternal grandmother.
Jameson returns the mark to Rohan, expressing his fondness for the place but disdain for its bell—a symbolic rejection of its traditions. The chapter concludes with Jameson asserting his autonomy, having proven his strategic brilliance and resilience. His victory solidifies his identity beyond the Hawthorne legacy, setting the stage for future confrontations with Katharine and Bowen. The tension between familial ties and personal ambition remains unresolved, leaving readers anticipating his next move.
FAQs
1. What was the key difference between Katharine’s and Jameson’s interpretations of Rohan’s challenge regarding the third box, and why did Jameson’s answer win?
Answer:
Katharine interpreted Rohan’s challenge literally, believing the winner would be whoever physically brought him the object from the third box—the silver ballerina (p. 416-417). Jameson, however, focused on Rohan’s exact wording: “Tell me what you find in the third box” (p. 417). He realized the true answer was conceptual—the “silence” of the music box when it didn’t play, representing the value of keeping secrets. This deeper interpretation aligned with the game’s theme of valuing discretion over tangible objects, which is why Rohan declared Jameson the winner (p. 417-418).2. Analyze how Jameson’s character development is reflected in his reaction to winning the mark. What does this reveal about his self-perception?
Answer:
Jameson’s euphoric reaction (“Euphoria exploded in Jameson…”, p. 417) underscores his growth from relying on the Hawthorne family identity to embracing his independent strategic mind. He explicitly thinks, “this was what he was—without the Hawthorne name” (p. 418), highlighting his newfound confidence in his own abilities. The sensory details (“every bruise, every wound…”, p. 417) emphasize how fully he experiences this victory as a personal triumph. This contrasts with earlier chapters where his identity was more tied to family legacy, showing he now values self-defined success.3. How does the chapter use symbolic objects (the ballerina, music box, and mark) to reinforce its themes of power and control?
Answer:
The silent music box symbolizes the power of restraint—its value lies in what it doesn’t do (play music), just as true influence often comes from withholding information (p. 417). The ballerina, while beautiful, is a red herring; Katharine’s focus on it represents superficial understandings of power. The half-black, half-white mark (p. 418) mirrors moral ambiguity in power struggles. Together, these objects illustrate the chapter’s central theme: real control comes from mastering intangible forces (secrets, silence) rather than possessing physical objects or overt dominance.4. Predict how Jameson’s immediate decision to trade the mark (rather than wait 24 hours) might impact his future conflicts with Katharine and Bowen.
Answer:
By refusing Katharine’s potential negotiation window (“I don’t need a day”, p. 418), Jameson demonstrates proactive control—a tactical advantage that could force his adversaries into reactive positions. The text hints Katharine planned to manipulate him through threats or deals (p. 418), so his preemption may escalate their conflict by denying her preparation time. However, his glance at Zella (p. 418) suggests he’s already secured alternative alliances. This bold move likely positions Jameson as an unpredictable force in future power struggles, potentially forcing Katharine and Bowen to reconsider their strategies against him.5. Evaluate Rohan’s role as the Factotum in this chapter. How does his characterization reflect the nature of the Game’s challenges?
Answer:
Rohan embodies the Game’s paradoxical nature—he appears neutral (“It looks like we have a winner”, p. 417) yet designs challenges favoring cunning over brute force. His chameleon-like description (p. 416) mirrors the Game’s shifting expectations. As Factotum, he rewards not just problem-solving but reinterpretation of rules, as seen when he validates Jameson’s abstract answer. His closed-mouth smile (p. 417) and earlier warning to “stay down” (p. 417) show he values resilience. This characterization reinforces that the Game tests mental adaptability above all, with Rohan as its mercurial arbiter.
Quotes
1. “Technically, that isn’t what he said. I believe the exact words were: Two boxes with secrets. In the third, you’ll find something much more valuable. Tell me what you find in the third box, and you’ll win the mark.”
This quote showcases Jameson’s keen attention to detail and strategic thinking as he corrects Katharine’s misinterpretation of Rohan’s challenge. It marks a pivotal moment where he demonstrates his superior understanding of the game’s rules.
2. “Silence. More valuable than secrets, the ability to say nothing, to keep those secrets. Silence.”
Jameson’s brilliant deduction reveals the true prize in the game—not an object, but the power of restraint. This insight underscores the chapter’s theme of strategic thinking and the value of unspoken control.
3. “This was more. Euphoria exploded in Jameson like a speeding train crashing through wall after wall after wall.”
This visceral description captures Jameson’s triumphant moment of victory, emphasizing the addictive thrill of competition and self-validation that drives him throughout the chapter.
4. “Jameson had played this his way, and he’d won.”
A defining moment of self-realization where Jameson recognizes his independent success beyond family influence. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of identity and personal agency.
5. “You don’t have be to a player to win the game. All one really has to do to win is control the players.”
This strategic insight from Jameson’s thoughts reveals the deeper philosophy behind his approach to power dynamics, highlighting the chapter’s examination of manipulation and influence.