Brewster’s Millions · Chapter
The Last Word explained
Monty and Peggy are married in a small ceremony, but their joy is interrupted by the arrival of a letter from Swearengen Jones.
What happens
Monty and Peggy are married in a small ceremony, but their joy is interrupted by the arrival of a letter from Swearengen Jones. The letter reveals that Jones has returned with the full inheritance, having followed the terms of the will, and that Monty is now a multimillionaire. Jones also clears Monty's reputation with the press and offers a wedding gift of the restored fortune. The chapter ends with Monty's redemption and the promise of a new life with Peggy.
Themes in this chapter
- Wealth and Extravagance
Monty's inheritance of seven million dollars is revealed, restoring his wealth and enabling a lavish future.
- Love and Sacrifice
Peggy marries Monty despite his apparent poverty, demonstrating her love and willingness to sacrifice for him.
- Identity and Self-Worth
Monty resolves to prove himself worthy of Peggy's faith, facing the new day with determination and a sense of purpose.
Characters to notice
- Montgomery Brewster
Marries Peggy, receives the letter from Swearengen Jones, and learns he has inherited the full fortune.
- Peggy Gray
Marries Monty, supports him despite his apparent poverty, and is overjoyed by the news of the inheritance.
- Swearengen Jones
Returns to New York, delivers the inheritance to Monty, and clears his name with the press.
- Nopper Harrison
Delivers the letter from Swearengen Jones and is warmly welcomed by Monty and the group.
- Joe Bragdon
Attends the wedding and reads Jones's letter aloud to the group.
- Mrs. Dan DeMille
Helps Peggy dress for the wedding and offers advice about beauty sleep.
Key passages
“The new era had begun, dawning bright and clear to disperse the gloom in his soul.”
A fresh start had arrived, bringing hope and clarity to lift Monty's despair.
Monty's emotional shift from despair to determination as he faces his new life.
“Any man who can spend a million a year and have nothing to show for it, don’t need a recommendation from anybody.”
Someone who can waste a million dollars annually without any assets to show for it is in a league of his own.
Swearengen Jones's ironic praise of Monty's spending ability, highlighting the absurdity of his year.
