The Final Gambit (The Inheritance Games)
CHAPTER 10
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnThe chapter opens with the protagonist being introduced to the Hawthorne family’s unique version of Chutes and Ladders by Xander, which involves physical challenges and strategic elements rather than a traditional board game. As the protagonist heads to the Versailles wing to convince Eve to participate, they encounter Grayson, whose presence triggers a flashback to a past event where he heroically saved a toddler from drowning. The tension between Grayson and Eve is palpable, with the protagonist noting their unspoken dynamics and Eve’s insistence that security should focus on Toby rather than her.
The game’s rules are explained by Xander, revealing an elaborate setup involving pillow fights, hidden chutes within Hawthorne House, and a race to climb to the roof using unconventional tools like grappling hooks and rope ladders. The competitive nature of the game is underscored by Xander’s playful yet menacing demeanor, while Max’s sarcastic commentary adds levity. The stakes are raised when Grayson reveals that choosing climbing supplies requires each participant to share a secret, a twist that forces vulnerability and strategic disclosure among the players.
Secrets begin to unfold as Grayson admits to kissing a girl at Harvard, Max confesses to a hidden nerdy tattoo, and the protagonist shares their fear that Tobias Hawthorne may have chosen the wrong heir. Xander drops a bombshell by revealing he has discovered the identity of his father, shocking Grayson and the others. The emotional weight of these revelations contrasts with the game’s playful exterior, highlighting the complex relationships and personal struggles within the Hawthorne family.
The chapter ends with Eve picking up a grappling hook, her reaction to the secrets still unclear, leaving the reader intrigued about her next move. The interplay of competition, trust, and hidden truths sets the stage for further tension and character development, as the game becomes a metaphor for the larger dynamics at play in the Hawthorne household. The blend of action, emotion, and mystery keeps the narrative engaging and propels the story forward.
FAQs
1. What is the Hawthorne version of Chutes and Ladders, and how does it differ from the traditional game?
Answer:
The Hawthorne version of Chutes and Ladders is a physical, interactive game rather than a board game. It involves navigating through Hawthorne House using hidden passageways called “chutes” (which require dropping down slides built into the mansion) and racing to climb to the roof from the outside using various climbing supplies. Players compete to claim chutes, engage in pillow wars to defend their positions, and must share secrets to earn climbing equipment. This version emphasizes physical challenges, strategy, and personal revelations, contrasting sharply with the simple luck-based mechanics of the traditional children’s board game.2. Analyze the significance of the secrets shared during the game setup. What do they reveal about each character?
Answer:
The secrets shared provide key insights into each character’s personality and current emotional state. Grayson’s revelation about kissing a girl at Harvard shows his guarded nature—he shares something personal but keeps it surface-level. Max’s nerdy tattoo reflects her rebellious yet intellectual personality. The protagonist’s confession about feeling unworthy of Tobias Hawthorne’s choice reveals deep insecurity despite her outward competence. Xander’s bombshell about discovering his father’s identity demonstrates his search for belonging, while also highlighting the Hawthorne family’s complex dynamics. Eve’s silent action of picking up a grappling hook instead of sharing suggests she remains guarded and strategic, unwilling to reveal vulnerabilities.3. How does the author use flashbacks in this chapter to develop Grayson’s character?
Answer:
The chapter includes a vivid flashback showing Grayson diving into a pool fully clothed to save a drowning toddler, which serves multiple character development purposes. First, it establishes his quick reflexes and heroic instincts. Second, it contrasts with his current reserved demeanor, showing he’s capable of intense action despite his controlled exterior. Third, it provides context for why he might feel protective toward others (like the protagonist). This memory resurfaces when seeing Grayson wet from the pool, creating a poignant connection between past and present that deepens reader understanding of his complex personality.4. What strategic purpose might Xander have had in choosing this particular game to play with Eve present?
Answer:
Xander likely chose Hawthorne Chutes and Ladders as a strategic way to gain information from Eve while making it seem like harmless fun. The game’s requirement to share secrets creates a socially acceptable way to pressure Eve into revealing something personal, which could provide clues about her true intentions or background. Additionally, the physical nature of the game allows observation of Eve’s problem-solving skills and physical capabilities. Xander, known for his cleverness, probably recognized that competitive situations often cause people to drop their guards, making this an ideal method to assess whether Eve poses any threat to the household.5. Evaluate how the chapter develops the theme of trust through the interactions between characters.
Answer:
The chapter explores trust through layered character dynamics. Grayson’s silent presence near Eve’s room and comment about security shows guarded suspicion. The protagonist’s willingness to play a game requiring vulnerability contrasts with Eve’s reluctance to share. The secret-sharing mechanic forces measured trust-building, where each revelation tests how much they’re willing to expose. Grayson’s Latin motto (“He is one of us. We protect him”) contrasts with actual protective measures taken against Eve, highlighting the tension between stated loyalty and practical caution. These interactions collectively portray trust as something cautiously given in this high-stakes environment, where personal revelations become both currency and risk.
Quotes
1. “The Hawthorne version of Chutes and Ladders wasn’t a board game.”
This opening line introduces the chapter’s central game motif while hinting at the Hawthorne family’s unconventional and competitive nature. It sets the stage for the high-stakes, physical version of the game that follows.
2. “Our grandfather liked to say that every choice worth anything came with a cost.”
Grayson’s quote reveals a core Hawthorne family philosophy that drives much of the story’s tension. This principle becomes literal in the game’s rules where players must trade secrets for advantages.
3. “Sometimes I feel like Tobias Hawthorne made a mistake. Like he should have chosen someone else.”
This vulnerable admission from the protagonist shows her ongoing struggle with imposter syndrome and the weight of the Hawthorne legacy. It represents a key emotional conflict in the story.
4. “The old man didn’t make mistakes.”
Grayson’s terse rebuttal underscores the near-mythical status of Tobias Hawthorne in the family’s eyes. This exchange highlights the tension between self-doubt and the family’s unwavering belief in their patriarch’s decisions.
5. “I figured out who my father is.”
Xander’s revelation represents a major character development moment and family secret. This bombshell during the game’s confession round shows how the Hawthorne siblings use games to reveal deeper truths about themselves.