# The Prodigal's Return explained — Brewster’s Millions

> Chapter companion for Brewster’s Millions by George Barr McCutcheon.

## What happens

Monty and his party return to New York after a disastrous yacht cruise, facing financial ruin and social scorn. He sells his belongings, pays off debts, and prepares for the final collapse of his fortune, while clinging to hope from Peggy's affection.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wealth and Extravagance

Monty's final spending spree in England and New York, including subsidizing a hotel for a week and selling all his possessions, epitomizes the absurdity of his challenge.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Bragdon and the 'Little Sons of the Rich' stand by Monty, while Dan DeMille offers money and employment, contrasting with fair-weather friends who snub him.

### Love and Sacrifice

Monty's hope is sustained by Peggy's silent affection, and he avoids visiting Mrs. Gray out of shame, showing love intertwined with personal sacrifice.

## Character check-ins

### Montgomery Brewster

Returns to New York nearly penniless, haggard and despairing, but determined to complete the spending challenge.

### Peggy Gray

Grieving over Monty's situation, her happiness and vivacity puzzle him, but he cherishes hope from her actions during the storm.

### Swearengen Jones

Remains silent and unreachable, with no word or assurance about Monty's progress.

### Joe Bragdon

Left to repair the Flitter and arrange its return; later lives with Monty in a small hotel and steals the Boston terriers at Monty's request.

### Elon Gardner

Helps Monty settle accounts after the cruise, lamenting the extravagance and the near-total loss of fortune.

### Mrs. Dan DeMille

Tactfully arranges the division of the party for the two sailings and chaperones the first group.

## Key lines

> The price was fifty thousand dollars, and the young man believed more than ever that everything was ruled by a wise Providence, which had not deserted him.

Monty paid $50,000 for the tow and felt that divine providence was still on his side.

_Highlights Monty's irrational optimism despite financial ruin._

> He was still game, and he prepared for the final plunge with grim determination.

Monty remained resolute and steeled himself for the last stage of his spending spree.

_Shows Monty's stubborn commitment to the challenge._

> The doggedness of despair kept him up, but the strain that pulled down on him was so relentless that the struggle was losing its equality.

Desperation gave him the strength to continue, but the constant pressure was overwhelming him.

_Captures Monty's mental and emotional exhaustion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters/xxix-the-prodigal-s-return
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brewster_s_millions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/brewster_s_millions_se/chapters