The Brothers Hawthorne
SIX YEARS, ELEVEN MONTHS, AND ONE WEEK AGO
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnThe chapter opens with a solemn warning about the intense and singular nature of a Hawthorne man’s love, described as all-consuming and eternal. Tobias Hawthorne reflects on his own undying love for his late wife, emphasizing that such love leaves no room for another. This sentiment is framed as both a promise and a caution, suggesting that this depth of devotion is both a blessing and a potential source of destruction. The tone is grave, underscoring the weight of emotional commitment within the Hawthorne family.
Jameson, one of the Hawthorne grandsons, impulsively asks how his grandmother would have viewed him and his brother, Grayson. Tobias Hawthorne deflects the question, stating that the brothers are still “works in progress” and that judgment should be reserved until they are fully formed. This exchange highlights the generational tension and the pressure the grandsons face to live up to the Hawthorne legacy. The old man’s response implies that their worthiness of their grandmother’s approval is yet to be determined.
The dialogue reveals the Hawthorne family’s complex dynamics, particularly the idealized and almost mythologized memory of the grandmother, Alice. Tobias’s words suggest that her opinion holds significant moral and emotional weight, even in her absence. The brothers’ curiosity about her perspective underscores their desire for validation and their awareness of the high standards set by their grandfather. The chapter paints a picture of a family bound by intense loyalty and unspoken expectations.
The chapter closes with an unsettling yet resigned tone, as Tobias’s warnings about love and destruction linger. His acceptance of potential ruin as an inevitable part of deep love adds a layer of fatalism to the narrative. The interplay between past and present, memory and legacy, creates a poignant exploration of love, identity, and the burdens of familial expectation within the Hawthorne lineage.
FAQs
1. What does Tobias Hawthorne reveal about the nature of love for Hawthorne men?
Answer:
Tobias Hawthorne explains that Hawthorne men love in an intense, all-consuming manner that is neither frivolous nor temporary. He describes it as a singular, eternal devotion—once they love someone, they can never love another. This is exemplified by his own experience; despite his grandmother Alice being deceased for years, Tobias never moved on to another relationship. He emphasizes this love is so profound that anything less would destroy the beloved, and conversely, if she is truly “the one,” she will eventually destroy the Hawthorne man in return—a fate he doesn’t portray negatively.2. How does Jameson’s question about his grandmother reveal his character?
Answer:
Jameson’s impulsive yet unregretted question—”What would she have thought of us?“—demonstrates his introspective nature and desire for validation. Unlike Grayson, who remains silent, Jameson seeks connection to his familial past, particularly from a woman he never met. This suggests he values legacy and judgment, possibly craving approval or fearing inadequacy. Tobias’s evasive response (“You’re still works in progress”) implies Jameson’s self-exploration isn’t complete, hinting at his unresolved growth and the Hawthorne family’s high standards.3. Analyze Tobias Hawthorne’s warning: “Someday, she’ll destroy you.” Why doesn’t he frame this as a bad thing?
Answer:
Tobias’s statement reflects the Hawthorne philosophy that true love is transformative and all-encompassing, even if it leads to destruction. He doesn’t condemn this outcome because, for Hawthorne men, such devastation is inevitable and perhaps even honorable—a testament to the depth of their commitment. The warning suggests that love, in its purest form, demands total surrender, and the resulting “destruction” may symbolize vulnerability or the loss of autonomy. This aligns with his view of love as eternal and unconquerable, where suffering is intertwined with devotion.4. What thematic significance does the chapter’s title (“Six Years, Eleven Months, and One Week Ago”) hold in relation to its content?
Answer:
The precise yet ambiguous title likely references the duration since a pivotal event—possibly Alice Hawthorne’s death or another defining moment for the family. This echoes the chapter’s focus on legacy, time, and irreversible love. The specificity (“one week”) suggests Tobias’s lingering precision in grief, while the passage of time underscores how Hawthorne men carry love (and loss) indefinitely. The title reinforces that their past continually shapes their present, as seen in Tobias’s unwavering devotion and his grandsons’ unresolved journeys.5. How does Tobias’s dialogue with his grandsons illustrate the Hawthorne family’s expectations for relationships?
Answer:
Tobias sets a stark standard: Hawthorne love is absolute, exclusive, and unyielding. His words to Jameson and Grayson frame love as both a privilege and a burden—something that demands perfection (“anything less, and you’ll destroy her”) and promises pain. By withholding judgment until they’re “done,” he implies that their worthiness of their grandmother’s approval depends on whether they can meet this ideal. This establishes the family’s belief that love isn’t merely emotional but a test of identity and endurance, with no room for half-measures.
Quotes
1. “When you’re old enough, when you’re ready, be warned: There is nothing frivolous about the way a Hawthorne man loves.”
This opening statement sets the tone for the chapter, introducing the intense and all-consuming nature of love as experienced by the Hawthorne men. It serves as both a warning and a defining characteristic of their family legacy.
2. “Men like us love only once… Fully. Wholeheartedly. It’s all-consuming and eternal… Because when you love a woman or a man or anyone the way we love, there is no going back.”
This quote encapsulates the central theme of the chapter—the Hawthorne men’s singular, lifelong devotion in love. It emphasizes the permanence and depth of their emotional commitment, presented as both a blessing and a burden.
3. “Anything less, and you’ll destroy her. And if she is the one… Someday, she’ll destroy you.”
This paradoxical warning represents a key turning point in the chapter, revealing the destructive potential of this intense love dynamic. The quote suggests a mutual vulnerability that comes with such deep connection.
4. “You’re still works in progress… Let’s save my Alice’s judgment for when you’re done.”
This concluding statement provides perspective on the generational aspect of the Hawthorne legacy, suggesting that the true measure of their love and character will only be apparent with time and maturity.