Indiscretions of Archie · Chapter
XVIII: The Sausage Chappie explained
Archie encounters the Sausage Chappie, a war veteran with amnesia who once gave him a bit of sausage during the war.
What happens
Archie encounters the Sausage Chappie, a war veteran with amnesia who once gave him a bit of sausage during the war. Archie brings him to the Hotel Cosmopolis, where Mr. Brewster initially refuses to help but eventually offers him a job as a waiter after Archie threatens to house him in his shop.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Archie feels obligated to help the Sausage Chappie because the Chappie gave him a bit of sausage during the war, demonstrating loyalty to a wartime comrade.
Comedy of Errors and Misunderstandings
Mr. Brewster's outrage at finding Archie and the Sausage Chappie in his bedroom, and the absurd negotiation over the Chappie's fate, drive the chapter's humor.
Work vs. Idleness
Mr. Brewster refuses to give 'loafers free board and lodging' and insists the Sausage Chappie must work as a waiter, contrasting Archie's earlier idleness.
Characters to notice
- Archie Moffam
Buys a book for Bill Brewster, encounters the Sausage Chappie on Broadway, and persuades Mr. Brewster to give the Chappie a job.
- Reggie van Tuyl
Meets Archie on Broadway and is horrified by the Sausage Chappie's mismatched clothing.
- Sausage Chappie
A war veteran with amnesia who gave Archie sausage during the war; accepts a waiter job at the Cosmopolis.
- Mr. Daniel Brewster
Furious to find Archie and the Sausage Chappie in his suite, but reluctantly offers the Chappie a waiter position.
- Bill Brewster
Mentioned as the recipient of the book Archie buys.
Key passages
“He gave me a bit of sausage outside St. Mihiel—”
He shared some sausage with me near St. Mihiel during the war.
Archie explains his bond with the Sausage Chappie to Mr. Brewster.
“I absolutely refuse to give any more loafers free board and lodging.”
I will not provide free room and board to any more lazy people.
Mr. Brewster's firm stance against supporting the Sausage Chappie without work.
“He can be a waiter if he likes.”
He can work as a waiter if he wants.
Mr. Brewster's grudging offer of employment to the Sausage Chappie.