# I: The Phillimore Pearls explained — The Chinese Parrot

> Chapter companion for The Chinese Parrot by Earl Derr Biggers.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chinese_parrot_se/chapters/i-the-phillimore-pearls
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chinese_parrot_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_chinese_parrot_se/chapters