Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
An Offer of Marriage explained
Monty and his party travel to Egypt aboard the Flitter, where a sheik named Mohammed becomes infatuated with Peggy Gray and demands to marry her.
What happens
Monty and his party travel to Egypt aboard the Flitter, where a sheik named Mohammed becomes infatuated with Peggy Gray and demands to marry her. Monty initially treats the situation with amusement, allowing the sheik to come aboard to propose. Peggy, however, rejects the sheik's advances with cold dignity, while the crew and guests watch the spectacle unfold.
Themes in this chapter
- The Absurdity of Wealth
Monty's extravagant yacht journey and the sheik's lavish proposal highlight the ridiculous excesses of wealth.
- Social Class and Status
The contrast between the sheik's autocratic expectations and the American social norms of courtship underscores cultural and class differences.
- Love and Sacrifice
Peggy's rejection of the sheik's offer reflects her loyalty to her own values and possibly to Monty.
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
Hosts the party on the Flitter, treats the sheik's proposal as a joke, and encourages the spectacle.
- Peggy Gray
Object of the sheik's desire; she rejects his proposal with composure and indignation.
- Swearengen Jones
Mentioned as someone Monty frequently forgets as the deadline approaches.
- Joe Bragdon
Referred to as 'Rip' Van Winkle; shares the secret of the sheik's proposal and helps orchestrate the scene.
- Subway Smith
Accompanies Monty ashore and later describes the sheik's speech as a 'salad' of languages.
- Captain Abner Perry
Captain of the Flitter; initially irate at the sheik's boarding, but eventually restrains himself.
- Mrs. Dan DeMille
Present on deck; Monty whispers to her during the proposal scene.
- Mary Valentine
Told the secret of the sheik's proposal by 'Rip' and relays it to Peggy.
Key passages
“The summer is scarcely a good time to visit Egypt, but Monty and his guests had a desire to see even a little of the northern coast of Africa.”
Despite the heat, Monty and his party decided to visit Egypt's northern coast during summer.
Sets the scene for the Egyptian adventure.
“He fell desperately in love with Peggy Gray on sight, and with all the composure of a potentate who had never been crossed he sent for Brewster the next day and told him to 'send her around' and he would marry her.”
The sheik instantly became infatuated with Peggy and, accustomed to getting his way, ordered Monty to deliver her to him for marriage.
Illustrates the sheik's arrogance and the central conflict of the chapter.
“I appreciate this great honor, but I have a request to make.”
Peggy acknowledges the sheik's proposal but prepares to decline.
Shows Peggy's poise and control in a tense situation.
