The Chinese Parrot · Chapter
I: The Phillimore Pearls explained
Alexander Eden recalls the history of the Phillimore pearls, which Sally Jordan now wishes to sell because she is broke due to her son Victor's poor investments.
What happens
Alexander Eden recalls the history of the Phillimore pearls, which Sally Jordan now wishes to sell because she is broke due to her son Victor's poor investments. Eden values the necklace at $300,000. Sally reveals she has arranged for a Chinese detective, Charlie Chan, to bring the pearls from Honolulu. P. J. Madden arrives with his daughter Evelyn and secretary Martin Thorn to negotiate the purchase, offering $220,000. Madden insists the pearls be delivered to him in New York, not to his daughter in Pasadena. Eden tasks his son Bob with meeting the messenger.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Corruption
Madden's aggressive bargaining and insistence on a bargain price reflect greed and the corrupting influence of wealth.
Class and Power Dynamics
The power imbalance between Madden and Eden, and the generational tensions between parents and children, underscore class and power dynamics.
Youth and Experience
The contrast between the experienced older generation (Eden, Sally) and the careless youth (Victor, Bob) is a central theme.
Characters to notice
- Alexander Eden
The jeweller and old friend of Sally Jordan; he recalls the history of the pearls and negotiates the sale.
- Sally Jordan
The owner of the Phillimore pearls; she is broke and decides to sell the necklace to help her son Victor.
- Bob Eden
Alexander Eden's son; he is asked to meet the messenger bringing the pearls.
- P. J. Madden
The wealthy buyer who negotiates a bargain price for the pearls and insists on delivery in New York.
- Evelyn Madden
Madden's daughter; she is cold and bored, and wishes to wear the pearls in Pasadena.
- Martin Thorn
Madden's secretary; he is pale and disconcerting, and suggests the pearls be delivered to Pasadena.
- Charlie Chan
The Chinese detective from Honolulu who is entrusted to bring the pearls.
Key passages
“the big lustrous pearls that lay on her breast, reflecting the light with a warm glow.”
The large, shiny pearls on her chest glowed warmly in the light.
Describes the beauty of the Phillimore pearls.
“I've made up my mind to sell the Phillimore pearls.”
I have decided to sell the Phillimore pearls.
Sally Jordan announces her decision to sell the necklace.
“I'd trust him with the life of the one I loved dearest in the world.”
I would trust him with the life of my most beloved person.
Eden expresses his trust in Charlie Chan.
“I always get a great bargain, or I don't buy.”
I always get a good deal, or I don't purchase at all.
Madden's uncompromising attitude in negotiations.