The Queen's Gambit: The final scene at Rosengarten Square

"The Queen's Gambit" captivated audiences worldwide with its compelling narrative and complex characters. The series not only delved into the world of competitive chess but also provided a powerful glimpse into Beth Harmon's journey of self-discovery. One of the series' most memorable and emotional scenes is the final scene, where Beth, brilliantly portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy, competes in the world chess championship as the only woman in the competition.

After the result, she walks through the streets and encounters fellow chess players in the beautiful Rosengarten Square. In this article, we will explore the significance of this scene and the importance of Rosengarten Square after Beth's story.

The Final Scene (contains spoilers)

In the series' final episode, Beth Harmon travels to Moscow, Russia, to face the great Soviet chess champion, Vasily Borgov. After an intense match, Beth finally defeats Borgov and becomes one of the greatest chess players in the world. However, another highlight of the scene is Beth's walk through the streets of Moscow after her victory.

Rosengarten Square

Rosengarten Square is located in Berlin, on Karl-Marx-Allee, and is an iconic spot in the city. Surrounded by historic buildings and a vibrant atmosphere, the square is a popular meeting place for chess enthusiasts. During the series' final scene, Rosengarten Square captures the beauty and energy of this location exceptionally well.

Karl-Marx-Allee boasts a rich history and impressive architecture that reflect the political and social changes the city has undergone throughout the 20th century. Here are some additional details:

History and origin of the name: The avenue was originally built in the late 1940s and early 1950s under the name Stalinallee, in honor of Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union. After Stalin died in 1953, the avenue was renamed Karl-Marx-Allee, in honor of Karl Marx, the German philosopher and economist.

Socialist Architecture: Karl-Marx-Allee is renowned for its Soviet-inspired socialist architecture, featuring imposing buildings and impressive facades. During the era of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), the avenue was a showcase of socialist architecture and a symbol of the communist regime's power and progress.

Urban Development: The construction of Karl-Marx-Allee was part of an ambitious urban development project aimed at rebuilding East Berlin after World War II. The avenue was designed to reflect the socialist urban planning vision and serve as an example of modern housing and infrastructure.

Significant Events: Over the years, Karl-Marx-Allee has witnessed important events in East German history, including political demonstrations and parades. It was also a central location during the 1953 East German protests and the 1989 demonstrations that preceded the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Central Location: The avenue is located in the eastern part of Berlin, connecting Alexanderplatz, an important square, with Frankfurter Tor, another iconic square. It plays a crucial role in the city's urban landscape and is one of the main public transport arteries.

Cultural Heritage: Karl Marx-Allee and its socialist architecture are now considered part of Berlin's cultural heritage and are valued for their historical and architectural significance. Many of the buildings have undergone renovations and preservation efforts over the years.

Today, Karl-Marx-Allee is a vibrant avenue that blends historical elements with modern urban life. It remains a point of interest for both Berliners and visitors looking to explore its unique history and influence on the city.

Symbolism

The choice of Moscow (even though the scenes were filmed in Berlin) in the final scene is rich with symbolism. The city played a central role in the history of the Cold War, and Beth's victory on Russian soil is a powerful representation of her journey and triumph over adversity.

Rosengarten Square symbolizes Beth's acceptance and recognition as one of the greatest chess players in the world, and her interaction with other older chess players is an emotionally poignant moment of closure for her character.

"The Queen's Gambit" is a series that transcends chess to tell a story of self-discovery, overcoming challenges, and triumph. The final scene at Rosengarten Square perfectly encapsulates this message. Beth Harmon, a captivating and complex character, finally finds her place in chess and her community of players. The series leaves a lasting impact by celebrating not only chess as an intellectually challenging game but also the human journey of perseverance and success.

Where to watch: Netflix.