The Brothers Hawthorne
TWO YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS AGO
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnGrayson Hawthorne is consumed by guilt and grief as he sits in the tree house, reflecting on Emily’s death. He recalls his childhood obsession with perfection, symbolized by his meticulously crafted haikus, which now feel meaningless. The weight of his failure overwhelms him, as he blames himself for taking Emily to the cliffs where she died. His emotional numbness is palpable, as he repeats the word “dead” aloud, yet feels nothing—a stark contrast to the pain he believes he deserves.
Below the tree house, Jameson violently attacks the bridges and structures with an ax and other blades, channeling his rage over Emily’s death. Nash intervenes, pleading with Jameson to stop, but Jameson continues destroying everything in his path, seemingly reveling in the chaos. Grayson watches, interpreting Jameson’s actions as directed at him—a punishment for his role in Emily’s demise. The brothers’ shared grief manifests in destruction, with Jameson’s reckless abandon contrasting Grayson’s silent despair.
Nash attempts to mediate, urging Jameson to find a less self-destructive outlet for his pain. Jameson dismisses the concern, declaring that nothing matters unless one allows it to—a stark rejection of emotional vulnerability. Grayson, meanwhile, descends to the ground and picks up a longsword, mirroring Jameson’s destructive impulses. The tension between the brothers escalates as Grayson confronts Jameson, admitting fault for Emily’s death, but Jameson sarcastically rejects the apology, accusing Grayson of never accepting blame.
The chapter culminates in Grayson joining Jameson’s violent outburst, swinging the longsword at the tree house. His actions symbolize his surrender to guilt and self-loathing, as he internalizes the belief that he killed Emily. The brothers’ shared trauma fractures their relationship, leaving Nash as the only voice of reason amidst their spiraling grief. The chapter ends with Grayson embracing the pain he once avoided, finally feeling the hurt he thought he deserved.
FAQs
1. How does Grayson’s perception of perfection contribute to his emotional state after Emily’s death?
Answer:
Grayson’s obsession with perfection is central to his emotional turmoil. The chapter reveals that he agonized over crafting “perfect” haikus as a child, reflecting his need for control and excellence. This perfectionism extends to his relationship with Emily—he wanted her to choose him and saw their time together as a rare escape from his rigid standards. When she dies, Grayson blames himself, believing his failure to be perfect led to her death (“It’s my fault”). His inability to feel adequate pain (“Nothing hurt enough”) stems from this shattered self-image as the flawless Hawthorne heir.2. Analyze the symbolism of Jameson destroying the tree house bridges. How does this action reflect his grief and relationship with Grayson?
Answer:
Jameson’s violent destruction of the bridges symbolizes both his grief and his fractured bond with Grayson. The tree house was a shared space they “both had loved,” making its demolition an act of shared pain turned outward. His choice of weapons (ax, machete) and reckless disregard for safety (“he couldn’t wait to fall”) mirror his self-destructive anguish. The bridge—a literal connection—becomes a metaphor for their broken trust. His sarcastic remark (“So says the heir apparent”) underscores his resentment toward Grayson’s perceived perfection, blaming him for Emily’s death while masking his own vulnerability.3. Contrast Nash’s approach to grief with his brothers’ reactions. What role does he play in this chapter?
Answer:
Nash serves as the voice of reason and mediator between his brothers’ extremes. While Grayson internalizes guilt (“I killed Emily”) and Jameson externalizes rage (destroying the tree house), Nash attempts to redirect their pain constructively (“You want to set something on fire… I’ll help”). His physical interventions (catching Jameson’s wrist, warning Grayson) highlight his protective role. Unlike his brothers, Nash acknowledges the raw unfairness of Emily’s death (“It’s not right”) without assigning blame, embodying a more balanced, albeit still pained, response to loss.4. Why does Grayson ultimately join Jameson in destroying the tree house? What does this decision reveal about his character arc?
Answer:
Grayson’s choice to pick up the longsword marks a pivotal moment of surrender. Initially paralyzed by guilt (“All Grayson could do was watch”), he embraces physical destruction as a release from emotional numbness. His robotic admission (“It’s my fault”) and Jameson’s accusation (“Nothing’s ever your fault”) strip away his facade of control. By participating in the demolition, Grayson symbolically rejects his perfectionist identity—the very trait he believes failed Emily. This act foreshadows a deeper breakdown or transformation, as he trades his usual restraint for visceral catharsis.5. How does the chapter use sensory details to convey the brothers’ emotional states? Provide specific examples.
Answer:
The chapter employs stark sensory imagery to mirror internal turmoil. Auditory details dominate: the “thwack, thwack, thwack” of Jameson’s blades mirrors his relentless anger, while Grayson’s guttural-yet-robotic voice (“Let him”) reflects emotional dissociation. Tactile imagery—Grayson’s “viselike” grip on the metal haiku, the blade “biting into his fingers”—physicalizes psychological pain. Visual contrasts (Emily’s “wild smile” vs. her “vacant” dead eyes) heighten loss. Even Nash’s intervention is sensory (“the machete clattered”), grounding the emotional chaos in tangible action.
Quotes
1. “When words are real enough, when they’re the exact right words, when what you’re saying matters, when it’s beautiful and perfect and true—it hurts.”
This quote captures Grayson’s philosophy on language and perfection, revealing how deeply he associates emotional pain with truth and artistry. It foreshadows the chapter’s exploration of grief and guilt.
2. “Some people can make mistakes, Grayson. But you are not one of those people.”
A pivotal line showing the crushing weight of expectations placed on Grayson as a Hawthorne. This internalized pressure directly connects to his overwhelming sense of responsibility for Emily’s death.
3. “Nothing hurts unless you let it. Nothing matters unless you let it.”
Jameson’s defiant declaration represents his destructive coping mechanism and worldview after the tragedy. The quote contrasts sharply with Grayson’s perfectionism, showing two brothers processing grief in opposite ways.
4. “It’s my fault.” / “Nothing’s ever your fault, Grayson.”
This tense exchange between the brothers encapsulates the chapter’s central conflict - Grayson’s overwhelming guilt versus Jameson’s bitter resentment. The paired quotes reveal their fractured relationship and competing narratives about responsibility.
5. “Grayson dropped his long-ago haiku to the ground. And then he bent, picked up the longsword, turned back to the tree house, and started swinging.”
The chapter’s powerful closing lines show Grayson finally surrendering to raw emotion and joining Jameson’s destruction. This symbolic act represents his abandonment of perfectionism and descent into shared grief.