The Informer · Chapter
IX explained
Gypo Nolan, flush with reward money, decides to indulge in a night of pleasure.
What happens
Gypo Nolan, flush with reward money, decides to indulge in a night of pleasure. He is tracked by Mulholland as he makes his way through a desolate street to a high-class brothel run by Aunt Betty. Despite the initial hostility due to his working-class appearance, Gypo's money wins over the women. He becomes fixated on a mysterious woman in a fur coat who ignores him, while the other patrons and women react with jealousy and hostility.
Themes in this chapter
Class Struggle and Poverty
Gypo's working-class clothes and demeanor mark him as an outsider in the 'upper-class' brothel, and the women's scorn shifts to avarice once they see his money.
Gender and Exploitation
The brothel setting highlights the commodification of women's bodies, with the women's reactions driven by money and class, and Gypo's pursuit of the indifferent woman in the fur coat.
Characters to notice
- Gypo Nolan
Gypo, flush with reward money, decides to visit a high-class brothel. He is tracked by Mulholland and spends lavishly, but becomes fixated on a mysterious woman in a fur coat who ignores him.
- Bartly Mulholland
Mulholland is seen tracking Gypo through the streets, peering around corners and following him as he heads toward the brothel.
- Betty
Aunt Betty is the proprietress of the high-class brothel. She initially tries to turn Gypo away due to his appearance, but changes her attitude when she sees his money.
- Maggie
Maggie Casey is briefly mentioned as a decrepit woman Gypo recognizes on the street; he mutters about her not being dead yet.
Key passages
“Why not,” he muttered aloud. “Why shouldn’t I go an’ have a bit o’ fun? Wha’? A few bob on the women an’ a few drinks to keep me supper warm.”
Gypo talks himself into seeking pleasure, deciding to spend his money on women and drinks.
Gypo rationalizes his decision to visit a brothel, driven by his newfound wealth.
“It was like the performance of a miracle. Aunt Betty’s eyes sparkled. She advanced almost unconsciously, laughing with her thin, hard lips, while her eyes gleamed with avarice.”
Aunt Betty's demeanor changes instantly when she sees Gypo's money, her greed overcoming her earlier disdain.
The transformative power of money is shown as Aunt Betty's hostility turns to eagerness.