Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
Christmas Despair explained
Monty Brewster is summoned to police headquarters to identify suspects in his recent robbery, where he unexpectedly encounters Bill, the man who robbed him.
What happens
Monty Brewster is summoned to police headquarters to identify suspects in his recent robbery, where he unexpectedly encounters Bill, the man who robbed him. Monty vouches for Bill and later returns his stolen money, earning Bill's gratitude. Monty then visits Mrs. Dan DeMille to discuss plans for a grand ball and yachting cruise, expressing his weariness with repetitive social dinners. As Christmas approaches, Monty grapples with the obligation of gift-giving, consulting Swearengen Jones for approval before embarking on a spending spree. He sends expensive gifts to friends, but Barbara Drew returns his pearls, deepening his heartbreak. Monty confides in Peggy Gray about his despair and his plan to charter a yacht and leave New York, which alarms her.
Themes in this chapter
- Wealth and Extravagance
Monty's lavish Christmas spending spree at Tiffany's and antiquities dealers, along with plans for a grand ball and yachting cruise, underscores the theme of extravagant wealth.
- Friendship and Loyalty
Monty's loyalty to Bill, Mrs. Dan's steadfast support, and Peggy's comforting presence highlight the theme of friendship and loyalty.
- Love and Sacrifice
Monty's unrequited love for Barbara and his willingness to give her expensive pearls, as well as Peggy's selfless encouragement, reflect the theme of love and sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
Monty shows compassion by helping Bill, the thief, and later confides in Mrs. Dan and Peggy about his social fatigue and heartbreak over Barbara.
- Mrs. Dan DeMille
Mrs. Dan offers Monty friendship and support, helping him plan a grand ball and yachting cruise while providing a sympathetic ear.
- Peggy Gray
Peggy comforts Monty after Barbara rejects his gift, encouraging him despite her own difficulty in advising him to pursue Barbara.
- Barbara Drew
Barbara coldly ignores Monty after Christmas and returns his gift of pearls, deepening his despair.
- Swearengen Jones
Jones responds to Monty's telegram with irascible approval, giving Monty the go-ahead to give Christmas presents.
- Bill
Bill, the thief who robbed Monty, is grateful when Monty vouches for him at the police station and returns the stolen money, vowing to reform.
Key passages
“Know Bill? Of course I do, Captain.”
Monty lies to the police captain, claiming he knows Bill to protect him from being charged with the robbery.
Monty's quick thinking and compassion save Bill from legal trouble.
“I'm tired of those confounded dinners. You know yourself that they are all alike—the same people, the same flowers, the same things to eat, and the same inane twaddle in the shape of talk.”
Monty expresses his boredom with the repetitive and superficial social dinners he attends.
Monty's dissatisfaction with high society life motivates his desire for new adventures.
“I think you'll end in the poorhouse, Montgomery Brewster.”
Peggy jokingly warns Monty that his extravagant spending will lead to financial ruin.
Peggy's comment reflects her concern about Monty's reckless spending habits.
