Beauchamp’s Deal

The Tiger Rising

Beauchamp’s exploitation of Rob turns the tiger’s upkeep into a secret bargain with escalating danger.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Offer of Money The Offer of Money from "The Tiger Rising". The Offer of Money A Convenient Recruit Beauchamp finds Rob sweeping and offers him spending money for caring for a wild animal.

The Offer of Money from "The Tiger Rising". The Offer of Money A Convenient Recruit Beauchamp finds Rob sweeping and offers him spending money for caring for a wild animal.

The Offer of Money A Convenient Recruit Beauchamp finds Rob sweeping and offers him spending money for caring for a wild animal. He uses friendly teasing before asserting that he is the boss. Unequal Power Rob is a child working on property where his father depends on Beauchamp’s employment. His agreement is shaped by pressure as much as curiosity.

The Meat Bag The Meat Bag from "The Tiger Rising". The Meat Bag A Disturbing Errand Beauchamp gives Rob a heavy grocery bag that smells of meat and leaves blood on his hands.

The Meat Bag from "The Tiger Rising". The Meat Bag A Disturbing Errand Beauchamp gives Rob a heavy grocery bag that smells of meat and leaves blood on his hands.

The Meat Bag A Disturbing Errand Beauchamp gives Rob a heavy grocery bag that smells of meat and leaves blood on his hands. He demonstrates feeding the tiger through its small door. Fear Made Routine The practical task brings Rob close to the animal’s hunger and power. Beauchamp’s casual manner cannot hide his own trembling when the tiger lunges.

Keys and Warning Keys and Warning from "The Tiger Rising". Keys and Warning Access Granted Beauchamp gives Rob a ring of keys, including those for the cage’s main locks.

Keys and Warning from "The Tiger Rising". Keys and Warning Access Granted Beauchamp gives Rob a ring of keys, including those for the cage’s main locks.

Keys and Warning Access Granted Beauchamp gives Rob a ring of keys, including those for the cage’s main locks. He warns that opening them will let the tiger out and could get Rob eaten. A Moral Burden The keys create an option Beauchamp expects Rob never to use. Rob’s secret now carries both responsibility and the means to challenge the arrangement.

The Secret Tested The Secret Tested from "The Tiger Rising". The Secret Tested Sistine’s Demand Sistine arrives ready to free the tiger, and Rob reveals that he has the keys.

The Secret Tested from "The Tiger Rising". The Secret Tested Sistine’s Demand Sistine arrives ready to free the tiger, and Rob reveals that he has the keys.

The Secret Tested Sistine’s Demand Sistine arrives ready to free the tiger, and Rob reveals that he has the keys. He initially refuses, citing the dangers of release and Willie May’s story. Pressure Builds Sistine says she will act without him if necessary. Beauchamp’s secret bargain now collides directly with the children’s opposing ideas about responsibility.

The Deal Ends The Deal Ends from "The Tiger Rising". The Deal Ends Accountability Required Rob’s father tells him he must admit to Beauchamp that he released the tiger.

The Deal Ends from "The Tiger Rising". The Deal Ends Accountability Required Rob’s father tells him he must admit to Beauchamp that he released the tiger.

The Deal Ends Accountability Required Rob’s father tells him he must admit to Beauchamp that he released the tiger. He will take responsibility for firing the shot, but Rob cannot hide his own part. A Changed Balance Rob offers to work to pay for what he did, knowing Beauchamp may refuse. The secret bargain ends with an expectation of honest accountability rather than concealment.

the day Rob begins motel work

during the first trip to the cage

at the end of the first feeding lesson

the next afternoon

after the tiger’s burial