Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
XI: Coals of Fire explained
Monty Brewster's successful stock market venture brings him both acclaim and despair, as he must now find ways to lose $50,000 to meet his inheritance challenge.
What happens
Monty Brewster's successful stock market venture brings him both acclaim and despair, as he must now find ways to lose $50,000 to meet his inheritance challenge. He struggles with the moral cost of his actions, including injuring workmen in a car crash and selling puppies. At a charity bazaar, he fends off rival Rodney Grimes for Barbara Drew's affections, but his erratic attention and domineering attitude lead to a bitter quarrel with Barbara, who accuses him of living an imitation life.
Themes in this chapter
- Wealth and Extravagance
Monty's deliberate attempts to lose money—through a car crash, selling puppies cheaply, and lavish spending at the bazaar—highlight the absurdity of his wealth challenge.
- Moral Dilemmas and Restrictions
Monty grapples with guilt after injuring workmen and the moral cost of his actions, such as wanting to kill puppies to avoid profit.
- Love and Sacrifice
Monty's possessive love for Barbara leads to conflict; he sacrifices his time and attention to win her back, but his gentleness fails to appease her.
- Identity and Self-Worth
Barbara's accusation that Monty's life is 'only an imitation' challenges his sense of self, while Monty asserts he is 'too big to be played with and thrown aside.'
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
Struggles with the moral and financial consequences of his stock market success; tries to lose money through a car crash and selling puppies; quarrels with Barbara over her attention to Rodney Grimes.
- Barbara Drew
Runs a booth at the charity bazaar; is courted by Rodney Grimes; becomes resentful of Monty's possessiveness and accuses him of living an imitation life.
- Rodney Grimes
A wealthy Californian who aggressively pursues Barbara; Monty views him as an impostor and eventually drives him away.
- Nopper Harrison
Shows worry and anxiety after Monty confides his plans for spending money.
- Joe Bragdon
Helps Monty sell the Boston terrier puppies; present during the inspection of the litter.
- Subway Smith
Accompanies Monty on the car ride that ends in the subway excavation crash.
- Rawles
Brings news of the Boston terrier puppies, adding to Monty's despair.
Key passages
“Some day, perhaps, you’ll find out that there is not much besides. I am just a little too big, for one thing, to be played with and thrown aside. I won’t stand it.”
Monty warns Barbara that she will eventually realize there is little else of value besides his love, and he refuses to be treated as a toy.
Monty's defiant declaration after their quarrel, asserting his self-worth.
“His life has been real, Monty Brewster, and yours is only an imitation.”
Barbara tells Monty that Rodney Grimes has lived a genuine, adventurous life, while Monty's existence is artificial.
Barbara's cutting remark that stings Monty and reveals her frustration with his pampered lifestyle.
“I guess we’ll be satisfied,” chuckled the man with the revolver. “You’re awful nice and kind, mister, and maybe you wouldn’t object to tellin’ us when you’ll be up dis way ag’in.””
The holdup man sarcastically thanks Monty for his cooperation and asks when he might return for another robbery.
The ironic exchange during the mugging, showing Monty's unusual calmness.
