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Beauchamp’s Fear and Power

The Tiger Rising

Beauchamp’s bravado conceals fear of the tiger while his ownership gives him power over Rob and the animal.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Motel OwnerThe Motel Owner from "The Tiger Rising". The Motel Owner Public Authority Beauchamp jokes with Rob while reminding him that he is the boss.
The Motel Owner Public Authority Beauchamp jokes with Rob while reminding him that he is the boss. His easy manner can turn abruptly angry when Rob says he is supposed to be sweeping. Power on the Property He controls the motel and surrounding woods, and Rob’s father works for him. That authority makes Beauchamp’s later requests difficult for Rob to refuse.
A Tiger as a DealA Tiger as a Deal from "The Tiger Rising". A Tiger as a Deal Ownership Boasted Beauchamp says a man who owed him money paid him with the tiger.
A Tiger as a Deal Ownership Boasted Beauchamp says a man who owed him money paid him with the tiger. He treats the transaction as proof of how business is done among “real men.” Animal Reduced to Asset He considers using the tiger to attract motel guests or killing it for a coat. The animal’s life is secondary to Beauchamp’s possible profit or display.
Fear Beneath the BoastFear Beneath the Boast from "The Tiger Rising". Fear Beneath the Boast The Tiger Lunges Beauchamp throws meat through the small door, and the tiger leaps toward it.
Fear Beneath the Boast The Tiger Lunges Beauchamp throws meat through the small door, and the tiger leaps toward it. Beauchamp stumbles backward, sweating and trembling. A Contradiction Revealed His claim to own the animal coexists with visible fear. Rob begins to understand that Beauchamp’s confidence does not mean he feels safe.
Control Through SecrecyControl Through Secrecy from "The Tiger Rising". Control Through Secrecy An Unequal Bargain Beauchamp tells Rob to hide the meat and keep the arrangement secret.
Control Through Secrecy An Unequal Bargain Beauchamp tells Rob to hide the meat and keep the arrangement secret. He frames the task as a private business deal that concerns nobody else. Responsibility Shifted Downward The adult owner places dangerous work and moral pressure on a child. Secrecy protects Beauchamp’s control while making Rob feel increasingly responsible for the tiger.
The Coward NamedThe Coward Named from "The Tiger Rising". The Coward Named A New Judgment After the shooting, Rob thinks of Beauchamp’s shaking hands and recognizes him as the coward.
The Coward Named A New Judgment After the shooting, Rob thinks of Beauchamp’s shaking hands and recognizes him as the coward. The judgment reverses the authority Beauchamp had projected. Power Reconsidered Beauchamp remains capable of anger and consequences, but Rob no longer mistakes dominance for courage. His moral understanding has shifted through what he has witnessed.
during Rob’s early days at the motel
the afternoon Beauchamp takes Rob into the woods
during the first feeding demonstration
as Beauchamp drives Rob back to the motel
after the tiger is killed