Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
A Lesson in Tact explained
Monty's butler Rawles tries to prevent the servants from striking for higher wages, but Monty rebukes him and supports the servants' right to ask for raises.
What happens
Monty's butler Rawles tries to prevent the servants from striking for higher wages, but Monty rebukes him and supports the servants' right to ask for raises. Later, Monty visits Mrs. Dan DeMille to plan another dinner, where they discuss society gossip and compile a guest list. Monty suggests inviting Barbara Drew again, but Mrs. Dan subtly discourages him by pointing out a newspaper column that hints at a romantic connection between Monty and Barbara. The next day, Monty thrashes the columnist, earning public praise.
Themes in this chapter
- Social Class and Status
Monty's interaction with Rawles highlights class dynamics and the role of servants, while his dinner planning with Mrs. DeMille shows the social maneuvering among the elite.
- The Absurdity of Wealth
Monty's casual approach to spending on lavish dinners and his indifference to the guest list underscore the absurdity of his wealth and social obligations.
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
Rebukes his butler for interfering with the servants' wage demands, then visits Mrs. DeMille to plan a dinner and later thrashes a newspaper columnist who wrote about him.
- Rawles
Monty's butler who tries to prevent the servants from striking for higher wages, but is sharply told not to meddle.
- Mrs. Dan DeMille
Helps Monty plan his next dinner and subtly discourages him from inviting Barbara Drew again by pointing out a gossip column.
- Barbara Drew
Mentioned as a potential dinner guest; Mrs. DeMille hints that inviting her might cause gossip.
Key passages
“Rawles, that'll do!”
Monty sharply tells Rawles to stop speaking.
Monty asserts his authority and rejects Rawles's interference with the servants.
“It was to have been a sort of Fall of Babylon effect, you know.”
Monty jokes that he planned the glass screen to fall dramatically, like the fall of Babylon.
Shows Monty's theatrical and careless attitude toward his extravagant spending.
“If Brewster Drew a diamond flush, do you suppose he'd catch the queen? And if he caught her, how long do you think she'd remain Drew?”
The newspaper columnist hints that Monty is romantically pursuing Barbara Drew.
This gossip column provokes Monty to physically attack the writer.
