Chapter 91: Eddie – Summary and Analysis
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Eddie finds Nathan Tate and his friend Gaz near the Solstice party grounds. Nathan is wearing a black hoodie despite the heat and is hiding three jerry cans of petrol. Ruby, who was with Eddie, leaves them alone but offers to help if needed. Nathan greets Eddie mockingly, but his eyes reveal anger and pain. Eddie notices Nathan trying to hide the petrol cans and shines his torch on them. Nathan claims he and Gaz stumbled upon the cans and wanted to prevent misuse, but Eddie sees through the lie. Nathan reveals his motive: he believes the resort has essentially killed his father, who is now a mess. He wants to burn the place down. Eddie tries to talk him out of it, warning that innocent people could be hurt. Nathan picks up a can and asks Gaz for the lighter. Eddie then accuses Nathan of spiking the cider at the party and of supplying drugs to Eddie's brother Jake back in the day. Nathan mocks Jake, prompting Eddie to punch him in the face. The punch shocks Eddie (his first fight) but also gives him release. As Eddie stumbles away, Nathan shouts that they will keep coming for “her” like the tide.
Key Events
- Eddie discovers Nathan and Gaz with three jerry cans of petrol.
- Nathan expresses hatred for the resort, blaming it for his father’s decline.
- Nathan intends to set the resort on fire.
- Eddie accuses Nathan of spiking the cider and supplying Jake with drugs.
- Eddie punches Nathan, drawing blood and shocking himself.
- Eddie retreats; Nathan vows to keep coming after whoever “she” is.
Character Development
- Eddie: Shows protective instincts by confronting Nathan. He admits he has always suspected Nathan’s role in Jake’s downfall. Punching Nathan is an uncharacteristic act of violence that gives him a sense of release, revealing his buried anger and loyalty to his brother.
- Nathan (Tate): Revealed as vengeful and deceptive. He blames the resort for his father’s state and shows no remorse for supplying Jake. His mockery of Jake exposes his cruelty. He is determined to destroy the resort.
- Gaz: A silent accomplice, seemingly impressed by Eddie’s punch. His loyalty remains with Nathan.
- Ruby: Brief appearance; she offers to help Eddie but leaves. She acts as a witness to the start of the confrontation.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Revenge and Destruction: Nathan’s plan to burn the resort symbolizes his desire to destroy what he perceives as the source of his family’s suffering.
- Class Conflict: Nathan’s resentment toward “rich wankers” highlights the tension between locals and the resort’s wealthy guests.
- Family Loyalty: Eddie’s anger stems from Nathan’s role in his brother’s destruction. His punch is a visceral defense of family.
- Cycle of Violence: Nathan wants to burn the resort because he feels wronged; Eddie responds with physical violence. The chapter suggests that revenge breeds more violence.
- Petrol and Fire: The jerry cans and lighter are immediate symbols of potential destruction, foreshadowing the threat of arson.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter dramatically escalates the novel’s tension. The arson plot moves from threat to near-execution. Nathan’s admission about supplying Jake clarifies a key backstory mystery and strengthens Eddie’s personal stake. Eddie’s physical confrontation marks a turning point in his character, as he moves from passive observer to active defender. The chapter also sets the stage for the climax: Nathan’s vow to keep coming for “her” (likely Francesca or Bella) raises the stakes for the finale.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Eddie punch Nathan?
Eddie punches Nathan because Nathan mocks Eddie’s brother Jake, whom Nathan supplied with drugs. Eddie has long suspected Nathan’s role in Jake’s downfall, and the taunt triggers his pent-up anger and grief. The punch is an impulsive release of those emotions.
2. What does Nathan plan to do with the petrol cans?
Nathan intends to set the resort on fire. He believes the resort has ruined his father (a former employee, likely Tome) and wants to destroy the property and everything it represents. Eddie’s intervention delays but does not stop him.
3. What does Eddie accuse Nathan of beyond the petrol theft?
Eddie accuses Nathan of spiking the cider at the Solstice party and of being the person who supplied Jake with drugs years ago. Nathan does not deny the cider spiking and mocks Jake, confirming his callous indifference.