# Mendoza Makes a Fight explained — The Avenger

> Chapter companion for The Avenger by Edgar Wallace.

## What happens

Stella Mendoza confronts Adele Leamington over her replacement role, then argues with Jack Knebworth about her dismissal. Lawley Foss is also fired after being implicated in a kidnapping plot.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearances

Mendoza feigns friendliness to Adele while plotting to undermine her, and Foss's betrayal is revealed.

### Class and Social Hierarchy

Mendoza's rise from nothing and her fear of losing status, contrasted with Knebworth's absolute authority.

## Character check-ins

### Jack Knebworth

Confronts Stella Mendoza and fires Lawley Foss, asserting his authority as director.

### Stella Mendoza

Fights to keep her position, confronts Adele Leamington, and argues with Jack Knebworth.

### Adele Leamington

Defends her new role against Mendoza's intimidation and learns of the kidnapping plot.

### Lawley Foss

Fired by Knebworth for his involvement in the attempted kidnapping of Adele.

### Mike Brixan

Mentioned as having identified Foss's role in the kidnapping plot.

## Key lines

> She had fought her way up from nothing, and was not prepared to forfeit her position without a struggle.

Mendoza had clawed her way to success and would not give up her job easily.

_Highlights Mendoza's determination and fear of losing her hard-won status._

> I’ve handled a good many women in my time, and I’ve never had to fire one but she didn’t produce the President, Vice-President or Treasurer and hold them over my head with their feet ready to kick out my brains!

Knebworth says every woman he fired tried to use powerful connections to threaten him.

_Shows Knebworth's experience with studio politics and his confidence in his own authority._

> The idea of a man of my genius truckling hat in hand to this damned old Yankee is very humiliating.

Foss feels degraded by having to beg Knebworth, a crude American, for money.

_Reveals Foss's resentment and sense of superiority despite his dependence on Knebworth._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se/chapters/xiv-mendoza-makes-a-fight
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_avenger_se/chapters