The Final Gambit (The Inheritance Games)
CHAPTER 55
by Barnes, Jennifer LynnThe protagonist confronts Nan about Vincent Blake, presenting a metallic disk as evidence of Tobias Hawthorne’s past dealings with him. Nan reveals that Tobias worked for Blake in the 1970s, during his courtship with Alice, and was brought into Blake’s inner circle. Blake, a wealthy and powerful figure, enjoyed pitting his protégés against each other, including his nephews, who resented Tobias’s rise. The tension escalates as Nan hints at the nephews’ harassment of Alice, which Tobias ultimately used as motivation to surpass Blake.
The narrative delves into Tobias’s betrayal of Blake, filing a superior patent that eclipsed their joint work. Despite the underhanded move, Blake respected Tobias’s cunning, allowing him to leave and build his own empire. This history suggests Blake’s dangerous nature, yet Tobias seemingly neutralized the threat, as he never included Blake on his list of enemies. The protagonist questions why Blake would resurface now, targeting Toby, and Nan implies it’s because Tobias is no longer alive to protect the family.
Nan’s cryptic warnings paint Blake as a ruthless figure who thrives on power games, much like Tobias. She draws a parallel between the protagonist’s current predicament and her own past, where she suffered abuse for her talents. The chapter underscores the cyclical nature of power struggles and the dangers of underestimating old enemies. Nan’s final words serve as a stark reminder that Blake will exploit any weakness, urging the protagonist to stay vigilant.
The chapter concludes with a sense of foreboding, as the protagonist realizes the gravity of the situation. Blake’s reappearance threatens to unravel the Hawthorne legacy, and the protagonist must navigate this perilous game without Tobias’s guidance. Nan’s advice to protect herself from Blake’s brutality underscores the high stakes, leaving the reader anticipating the next move in this dangerous confrontation.
FAQs
1. What was the nature of Tobias Hawthorne’s relationship with Vincent Blake, and why did it sour?
Answer:
Tobias Hawthorne initially worked as a protégé under Vincent Blake in the early 1970s, brought into Blake’s inner circle due to his potential. However, the relationship deteriorated when Blake’s nephews harassed and assaulted Hawthorne’s fiancée, Alice, as a way to assert dominance. Blake, who believed “boys will be boys,” failed to intervene, prompting Hawthorne to betray Blake by filing a superior patent independently. This act marked Hawthorne’s transition from follower to rival, as he sought to surpass Blake’s power and wealth (Chapter 55, pp. 220–223).2. How does Nan’s personal history influence her perspective on Vincent Blake and his nephews?
Answer:
Nan’s past experiences—particularly her violent first husband, who broke her fingers—shape her fierce protectiveness and disdain for abusive men. She implies she would have retaliated violently against Blake’s nephews for their treatment of Alice. Her warning to the protagonist (“Men like Vincent Blake… will break every one of those fingers”) reflects her belief that power must be actively defended against oppressive figures. This context underscores her approval of Hawthorne’s defiance (Chapter 55, pp. 221–223).3. Why might Vincent Blake have targeted Toby Hawthorne now, decades after the conflict with Tobias?
Answer:
Blake’s abduction of Toby represents a delayed retaliation, exploiting Tobias Hawthorne’s absence. Nan suggests Blake was previously “held at bay” by Tobias’s power but now sees an opportunity to settle old scores or reclaim dominance. The metallic disk (possibly a symbolic token of their past conflict) hints at unresolved grievances. Additionally, Blake’s fondness for games and rivalry aligns with the calculated timing, as Tobias’s death removes his primary obstacle (Chapter 55, pp. 222–223).4. Analyze the significance of the “boys will be boys” mentality in the chapter. How does it drive the plot?
Answer:
This mentality excuses the nephews’ harassment of Alice, revealing Blake’s toxic culture of entitlement and misogyny. It directly motivates Hawthorne’s betrayal: his decision to outmaneuver Blake stems from a desire to create a fairer system (“a better man”). The phrase also foreshadows the ongoing conflict, as Blake’s worldview likely justifies his current manipulation of Toby. The theme underscores how patriarchal power structures perpetuate cycles of violence and retaliation (Chapter 55, pp. 221–222).5. How does the chapter reframe the “games” motif in the context of Vincent Blake’s influence?
Answer:
Initially, the Hawthorne family’s puzzles are attributed to Tobias’s ingenuity. This chapter reveals Blake as the probable originator of such games, as he pitted protégés against each other for power. The protagonist realizes Tobias may have been a player before becoming the “orchestrator,” suggesting Blake’s methods inspired the family’s later challenges. This reframing positions Toby’s abduction as part of a broader, decades-long power struggle rooted in Blake’s manipulative tactics (Chapter 55, p. 221).
Quotes
1. “Vincent Blake was rich and fancied himself more powerful than God. He took a liking to Tobias, brought him into the fold.”
This quote introduces the power dynamic between Vincent Blake and Tobias Hawthorne, establishing Blake’s arrogance and influence. It sets the stage for understanding their relationship and the betrayal that followed.
2. “Mr. Blake liked to pit his protégés against each other… Power had to be earned. It had to be won.”
This reveals the competitive, ruthless environment Blake cultivated, which shaped Tobias Hawthorne’s worldview. The concept of power as something to be “won” becomes central to understanding both characters’ motivations.
3. “Tobias stopped dreaming of working for Blake and set his sights on becoming him. A better version. A better man.”
This marks the pivotal moment when Tobias transforms from protégé to rival. It shows his ambition and moral stance, contrasting his values with Blake’s, while foreshadowing his eventual surpassing of Blake’s wealth and influence.
4. “Men like Vincent Blake and Tobias—they’re always dangerous.”
Nan’s blunt assessment captures the essential nature of both powerful men. This quote serves as a warning about the high-stakes world the characters inhabit and foreshadows the coming confrontation.
5. “You’re the one playing the piano now, girl. Men like Vincent Blake—they’ll break every one of those fingers of yours if you let them.”
This powerful metaphor concludes the chapter with Nan’s warning to the protagonist. It connects past violence to present danger while emphasizing the stakes of confronting powerful adversaries like Blake.