Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
V: The Message from Jones explained
Montgomery Brewster grapples with the daunting challenge of spending one million dollars in a year to inherit seven million more.
What happens
Montgomery Brewster grapples with the daunting challenge of spending one million dollars in a year to inherit seven million more. After receiving a telegram from executor Swearengen Jones outlining strict rules—no reckless gambling, no excessive charity, no endowments—Brewster accepts the gamble. He hires his friends as staff, begins an extravagant lifestyle, and rushes to meet his attorneys after a joyride with Barbara Drew.
Themes in this chapter
- Wealth and Extravagance
Monty's struggle to spend a million dollars in a year highlights the absurdity and burden of extreme wealth.
- Family Legacy and Feuds
The inheritance conditions stem from a long-standing family feud between Monty's grandfather and uncle.
- Moral Dilemmas and Restrictions
Jones's rules—no reckless gambling, no excessive charity—create a moral maze for Monty as he tries to spend money without violating ethical boundaries.
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
Struggles with the enormity of spending a million dollars in a year; calculates daily expenditure; accepts the challenge despite the risks.
- Swearengen Jones
Sends a detailed telegram outlining the spending rules and conditions for the inheritance.
- Barbara Drew
Accompanies Monty on a reckless drive; amused by his urgency and driving skill.
- Nopper Harrison
Hired as 'superintendent of affairs' to help Monty spend his fortune.
- Elon Gardner
Appointed as financial secretary in Monty's new spending scheme.
- Joe Bragdon
Hired as private secretary to assist with Monty's spending plans.
Key passages
“All his life had been spent in wondering how to get enough money to pay his bills, and it had not occurred to him that it might be as difficult to spend as to acquire wealth.”
Monty had always worried about earning money, but now he realizes spending it can be just as hard.
Highlights the central irony of the chapter: spending a fortune is a new kind of challenge.
“It's a gamble, and a big one, but I'll take it.”
Monty decides to accept the risky challenge of spending the million.
Marks the pivotal moment when Monty commits to the inheritance test.
