The Final Gambit

The Inheritance Games’ primary thematic argument centers on the dangers of excessive wealth and power and the corrupting nature of both. Multiple characters exemplify this theme through their immoral actions; they stand in direct contrast to those who reject wealth and the corruption that that accompanies such power.

This theme is epitomized by Tobias Hawthorne and Vincent Blake. As Nan puts it, “No man has ever built an empire without doing a thing or two they aren’t proud of” (148). When Avery goes through the file folders of Tobias’s potential enemies, it becomes clear that Tobias has done many horrible things to attain his immense influence and riches—cheating, lying, and trampling over other people. One heartbreaking example is that of Tyler Seaton. Tyler lost his health insurance when Tobias fired him; his young daughter died of cancer shortly after. This implies that if Tyler had still had insurance, he could have afforded the doctor visits and treatments that could have saved, or at least extended, the girl’s life. Tobias is apathetic to such incidents; he merely writes a donation to a hospital, as if he can balance out the loss of life with money (in an act that improves his public image, to boot).