The Avenger · Chapter
XXXII: Gregory's Way explained
Stella Mendoza visits Sir Gregory Penne at Griff Towers to negotiate financial support for her new company, but the encounter takes a dark turn.
What happens
Stella Mendoza visits Sir Gregory Penne at Griff Towers to negotiate financial support for her new company, but the encounter takes a dark turn. Penne, drunk and menacing, reveals his obsession with Adele Leamington and demands Stella's help in luring her to Griff. When Stella refuses and attempts to leave, Penne imprisons her in a barred room. After overcoming her fear, Stella retrieves a hidden Browning pistol, but her resolve is shaken when a terrifying tramp's face appears at the window.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and the 'Other'
Penne's use of Malayan dancers and his 'second home' in the jungles highlight the exploitation and exoticization of colonized peoples.
Deception and Appearances
Stella's false confidence in her chauffeur and Penne's deceptive friendliness mask the true danger of the situation.
Obsession and Madness
Penne's drunken obsession with Adele and his irrational behavior demonstrate his descent into madness.
Characters to notice
- Stella Mendoza
Visits Penne to secure funding but is imprisoned; arms herself with a Browning pistol.
- Sir Gregory Penne
Drunk and menacing, he reveals his obsession with Adele and imprisons Stella.
- Adele Leamington
Mentioned as the object of Penne's obsessive desire.
- Bhag
Mentioned as Penne's violent enforcer, kept downstairs.
Key passages
“Stella had left a note to the same effect on her table. If she did not return by a certain hour, the police were to read the letter they would find on her mantelpiece.”
Stella had prepared a contingency plan: a note instructing the police to open a letter on her mantelpiece if she failed to return by a specified time.
Shows Stella's foresight and the danger she anticipated.
“Sir Gregory Penne was no less and no more than a slave to his appetites.”
Penne was completely controlled by his desires, with no self-restraint.
Highlights Penne's hedonistic and corrupt nature.
“A gross bully, an equally gross coward, he could not or would not argue a theme to its logical and unpleasant conclusion.”
Penne was both a bully and a coward, avoiding any confrontation that might force him to face unpleasant truths.
Reveals Penne's character flaws and his reliance on money to solve problems.
“She had bearded the beast in his den once too often.”
She had confronted the dangerous man in his own territory one time too many.
Foreshadows the dire consequences of Stella's overconfidence.