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The Westing Game

by Ellen Raskin

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Themes and Characters

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The initial title for The Westing Game was "Eight Imperfect Pairs of Heirs." In the story, sixteen heirs are grouped into pairs, each receiving $10,000 and a set of word clues. For instance, Chris Theodorakis, a young birdwatcher with a debilitating disease, is teamed up with Denton Deere, a young doctor engaged to Angela Wexler. Angela, a reluctant bride-to-be known for her beauty, is paired with Sydelle Pulaski, an eccentric secretary and publicity seeker. Judge J. J. Ford is paired with Sandy, the doorman, who pleads with her to remain in the game despite her disapproval because his family needs the money.

Each partner benefits from their relationship. Turtle arguably gains the most, as her partner, dressmaker Flora Baumbach, provides the affection that Turtle's mother has always withheld. Flora, in turn, finds solace in Turtle, who becomes a surrogate daughter, easing the pain of losing her own child. As they pursue the Westing fortune, each pair evolves into a partnership and eventually integrates into the community.

A central question in the novel is why Sam Westing—a man celebrated for his patriotism, love of theatrical disguises, and sharp business acumen—chose these particular heirs and designed the game. Though he communicates through a will, Sam Westing is a pivotal character, and his personality and motives are crucial to the plot.

While every character in The Westing Game plays a significant role, the three most important are Turtle Wexler, Angela Wexler, and Judge J. J. Ford. Turtle and Angela, sisters endowed with intelligence and determination, appear to be opposites in many respects. Angela, the beautiful and blonde eldest daughter of Gracie and Jake Wexler, is being pushed into an early marriage with young doctor Denton Deere. She wishes to attend college, but her mother, who has always doted on her, dismisses her objections and immerses her in a whirlwind of showers, trousseau gifts, and gowns. Angela drifts through this scene, clutching a large bag of embroidered household linens. Her experience in The Westing Game teaches her that a young woman must not let others strip away her identity and her right to make her own choices. Angela's journey to self-discovery, though unconventional, is both satisfying and successful.

In contrast, Turtle, who has been neglected and unloved, finds the love she needs through her intelligence and courage. The Westing Game offers Turtle the opportunity to play the stock market (she interprets the slogan at the end of the will, "Buy Westing Paper Products," as an investment tip), adopt Flora Baumbach as her grandmother, and maneuver the Westing heirs into treating an accused murderer with compassion. Raskin's conclusion in her first novel, The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel), states "some achieve fame, others love." In this novel, Turtle manages to attain both.

Josie-Jo Ford, a judge serving in the appellate division of the state supreme court, stands out as the most unlikely candidate to be Westing's heir. She is unique among the characters because she personally knew Sam Westing. She suspects that Westing is manipulating the heirs into a game that could harm someone—most likely his wife, who left him after their daughter's suicide. Judge Ford's aim isn't to win the game for the fortune but to outsmart Westing at his own game.

The lawyer stuttered an apology to the woman who remained standing. "I was only reading; I mean, those are Mr. Westing's words."
Judge Ford's belief that Sam Westing was a malevolent man might have some truth to it. Westing's success undoubtedly involved cunning and a ruthless nature. However, her suspicions are also fueled by a lack of self-confidence. Judge Ford was the daughter of a servant in Westing's household. She received an excellent education from Westing, who mentored her in chess when she was a young girl and ensured she had ample opportunities. Despite her impressive qualifications as a judge, she sometimes worries that she was appointed to her position because Westing wanted influence in the courts. One of the most gratifying outcomes of The Westing Game is that it alleviates Judge Ford's bitterness, transforming her into a contented benefactor.

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