Uneasy Money · Chapter
V explained
Nutty Boyd is devastated upon learning that his uncle Ira Nutcombe has left him only a hundred dollars, with the bulk of the fortune going to Lord Dawlish.
What happens
Nutty Boyd is devastated upon learning that his uncle Ira Nutcombe has left him only a hundred dollars, with the bulk of the fortune going to Lord Dawlish. Elizabeth Boyd, his sister, feels a surge of anger toward this unknown Lord Dawlish, whom she imagines as a crafty fortune hunter. The chapter also provides background on Elizabeth's life at Flack's bee farm in Brookport, Long Island, where she struggles to make a living and care for her alcoholic brother Nutty. After the news, Nutty's despair deepens, and he eventually slips away to New York.
Themes in this chapter
Money and Social Class
The inheritance dispute highlights the transformative power of money and the class tensions between an English lord and the Boyd family.
Honesty and Deception
Elizabeth immediately suspects Lord Dawlish of being a crafty fortune hunter, reflecting themes of perceived deception and trust.
Appearance vs. Reality
Elizabeth's imagined image of Lord Dawlish as a sinister figure contrasts with his actual character, which is later revealed.
Characters to notice
- Nutty Boyd
Devastated by the inheritance news; he is only left a hundred dollars while Lord Dawlish inherits the rest. He later escapes to New York.
- Elizabeth Boyd
Runs the bee farm at Brookport, cares for Nutty, and feels rage toward Lord Dawlish upon learning of the will.
- Lord Dawlish
Mentioned as the beneficiary of Ira Nutcombe's will; Elizabeth imagines him as a sinister fortune hunter.
- Ira J. Nutcombe
Recently deceased; his will leaves most of his fortune to Lord Dawlish and only a hundred dollars to Nutty.
- Claude Nutcombe Boyd
Mentioned in the encyclopedia comparison as having a fondness for liquid food; also referenced as the uncle who left money to Nutty and Elizabeth.
- John Prescott
A neighbor who brings mail to Flack's farm, including the letter from the London lawyers.
Key passages
“It was as if one of the heroes of Greek drama, in the middle of his big scene, had been asked to run round the corner to a delicatessen store.”
Nutty's tragic moment is interrupted by a mundane chore, highlighting the absurdity of life.
This simile underscores the contrast between Nutty's emotional turmoil and the trivial demands of daily life.
“Thrifty, plodding young men, who get up early, and do it now, and catch the boss’ eye, and save half their salaries, have sisters who never speak civilly to them except when they want to borrow money. To the Claude Nutcombes of the world are vouchsafed the Elizabeths.”
Undeserving brothers often have the most devoted sisters, while hardworking men are neglected by their own.
This observation reflects the ironic justice of family dynamics, where Elizabeth's loyalty is to her flawed brother.
“She had never hated anyone in her life before, but as she stood there at that moment she felt that she loathed and detested William, Lord Dawlish—unhappy, well-meaning Bill, who only a few hours back had set foot on American soil in his desire to nose round and see if something couldn’t be arranged.”
Elizabeth's sudden hatred for Lord Dawlish is ironic because he is actually a well-meaning man trying to help.
This dramatic irony sets up future misunderstandings and character development.