Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
IX: Love and a Prizefight explained
Montgomery Brewster, frustrated by Swearengen Jones's telegram criticizing his spending, vents his anger and then places bets on a prizefight, confident of the outcome.
What happens
Montgomery Brewster, frustrated by Swearengen Jones's telegram criticizing his spending, vents his anger and then places bets on a prizefight, confident of the outcome. He visits Barbara Drew and confesses his love, but she hesitates, wanting to be sure of her feelings. Later, Brewster learns from Harrison that his bet lost, as the underdog he backed was knocked out.
Themes in this chapter
- Love and Sacrifice
Monty confesses his love to Barbara, risking emotional vulnerability and acknowledging her happiness as paramount.
- The Absurdity of Wealth
Brewster's extravagant betting on a prizefight and his dismissive telegram to Jones highlight the absurd lengths of his spending.
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
Places bets on a prizefight and confesses his love to Barbara Drew.
- Barbara Drew
Receives Monty's love confession but hesitates to commit.
- Swearengen Jones
Sends telegrams criticizing Brewster's spending, prompting a sharp reply.
- Nopper Harrison
Places bets for Brewster and later reports the fight result.
- Grant & Ripley
Receive Jones's telegram and facilitate Brewster's reply.
Key passages
“It is best not to repeat the expressions Brewster used regarding one S. Jones, after reading his telegram.”
Brewster cursed Swearengen Jones upon reading his telegram.
Shows Monty's immediate anger at Jones's criticism.
“I love you, Babs,” he cried. “I thought you knew about it all along or I should have told you before.”
Monty confessed his love to Barbara, assuming she already knew.
Key moment of romantic confession.
“Haven’t you heard? Your man knocked him out in the fifth round—surprised everybody.”
Harrison told Brewster that the underdog he bet on had won the fight.
Reveals the unexpected outcome of the prizefight bet.
