Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
Prince and Peasants explained
Monty Brewster, driven by a sense of duty and the need to continue his extravagant spending, leaves the idyllic villa and moves his party to Milan.
What happens
Monty Brewster, driven by a sense of duty and the need to continue his extravagant spending, leaves the idyllic villa and moves his party to Milan. He orders a fleet of automobiles from Paris, hires the La Scala opera house for a private performance of Aida, and later, inspired by Peggy's concern for the poor, arranges a second public performance for the peasants. Amidst the lavish spending, Peggy worries about Monty's future, but he reassures her. The chapter ends with a cryptic cablegram from Swearengen Jones referencing the parable of the ten talents.
Themes in this chapter
- Wealth and Extravagance
Monty orders five automobiles from Paris, hires La Scala for a private performance, and later fills the house with peasants, demonstrating his unrestrained spending.
- The Absurdity of Wealth
The lavish private opera performance and the subsequent public performance for peasants highlight the absurd lengths Monty goes to in spending his inheritance.
- Love and Sacrifice
Peggy's concern for Monty's future and his reassurance to her show a deepening bond, with Monty hinting at a hidden purpose behind his spending.
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
Plans a coaching party in Italy, orders automobiles from Paris, hires La Scala for a private performance, and later arranges a public performance for the peasants. Receives a cablegram from Jones.
- Peggy Gray
Walks with Monty during the opera intermission, expresses worry about his future, and helps plan the public performance for the peasants.
- Bertier
Monty's courier who arranges the automobile order, the private opera performance, and the public performance for the peasants.
- Paul Pettingill
Assists Bertier with the decoration of the opera house for the private performance.
- Mrs. Dan DeMille
Hosts a simple dinner for the group at the Cova, which is well-received, and receives a testimonial from the guests.
- Subway Smith
Jokes about Monty's potentate act and suggests a testimonial for Mrs. Dan after her simple dinner.
- Swearengen Jones
Sends a cablegram to Monty containing the parable of the ten talents.
Key passages
“The peacefulness of fairyland was something which Brewster could not afford to continue, and with Bertier he was soon planning to invade it.”
Monty could not stay in the idyllic villa any longer and began planning a new adventure with Bertier.
Monty's restlessness and need to keep spending drive him to leave the peaceful villa.
“I thought we had given up fairyland when we left the lakes, but I believe you carry it with you.”
Peggy remarks that Monty seems to bring a magical, extravagant atmosphere wherever he goes.
Peggy observes that Monty's lifestyle creates a fairy-tale-like environment.
“You are wasting your substance, and you are not making any life for yourself that opens out.”
Peggy worries that Monty is squandering his money and not building a sustainable future.
Peggy expresses concern about Monty's long-term prospects.
