Interesting, I'd not really seen the theme of slamming others interests though with it pointed out I can see how one could read that. Myself the entire story, with its excellent narration, had a humerous tone. Especially the bemonocled monster, left me in the end amused, even with it munching down on the our poorrich protagonist. I too saw the monster as a beholder, but I don't think that is quite a bad thing, in a way you might be able even pin this on that race, within their vanity I could totally see them not being willing to put up with anyone appreciating ANYTHING, much less a book, more than themselves!
