Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
XXVII: A Fair Traitor explained
Monty's guests mutiny and imprison him in his stateroom, planning to sail the yacht to Boston against his wishes.
What happens
Monty's guests mutiny and imprison him in his stateroom, planning to sail the yacht to Boston against his wishes. After days of confinement, Peggy Gray defies the mutineers and frees Monty, finding him calmly reading.
Themes in this chapter
- Friendship and Loyalty
Peggy's loyalty to Monty leads her to betray the mutineers and free him, highlighting the tension between friendship and group solidarity.
- The Absurdity of Wealth
Monty's imprisonment by his own guests and his nonchalant reading during the crisis underscore the absurdity of his extravagant situation.
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
Imprisoned in his stateroom by his guests; remains calm and reads during the mutiny.
- Peggy Gray
Defends Monty, grows bitter toward the mutineers, and ultimately rescues him from his stateroom.
- Dan DeMille
Leads the mutiny, proposes sailing to Boston, and bets Monty he cannot escape on his own.
- Subway Smith
Active mutineer; guards Monty and suggests hanging him to the yard arm.
- Captain Abner Perry
Reluctantly cooperates with the mutineers, giving orders to sail for Boston while feeling guilty.
- Joe Bragdon
Guards Monty but abandons his post due to seasickness and smoke.
Key passages
“Now will you be good?”
Reggie Vanderpool taunts DeMille after Monty leaves, implying the mutiny is succeeding.
Reflects the mutineers' confidence and the shift in power aboard the yacht.
“There must be a method in his madness.”
Mrs. Dan suggests Monty's extravagance is deliberate and not mindless.
Highlights the theme of the absurdity of wealth and the mystery behind Monty's actions.
“I have a thousand dollars which says you can’t.”
DeMille bets Monty he cannot escape the stateroom on his own.
Illustrates the ongoing bet motif and Monty's strategic decision to remain imprisoned for profit.
