A Prefect’s Uncle · Chapter
II: Introduces an Unusual Uncle explained
The first day of term at Beckford begins with a half holiday.
What happens
The first day of term at Beckford begins with a half holiday. Cricket nets are set up, and Norris, Gosling, Gethryn, and the professional practice. Marriott befriends young Wilson, offering him a fagging role. Gethryn leaves the nets to meet his uncle at the station, only to discover the uncle is a small, top-hatted boy named Farnie.
Themes in this chapter
Sportsmanship and Competition
The chapter opens with cricket practice, highlighting the competitive spirit and the pressure on the captain, Norris, to perform.
Family and Obligation
Gethryn feels obliged to meet his uncle at the station, despite the inconvenience, reflecting family duty.
Friendship and Loyalty
Marriott takes on the role of looking after Wilson, showing loyalty to a family connection and fostering a new friendship.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Gethryn
Bowls at the nets, then walks to Horton station to meet his uncle, who turns out to be a young boy named Farnie.
- Norris
Captain of the cricket team, bats at the nets but is out of form; discusses captaincy anxieties with Gethryn.
- Gosling
Bowls fast at the nets, takes a hat-trick against Norris, then goes for refreshment with Pringle.
- Marriott
Spends the day on the river, befriends Wilson, and informs him he will be his fag for the term.
- Wilson
Meets Marriott, who offers him a fagging role; Wilson accepts gratefully.
- Farnie
Arrives at Horton station as a small boy in a top hat and Etons, revealing himself to be Gethryn's uncle.
Key passages
““I tell you what it is, Bishop,” said Norris, “I believe I’m going to be a rank failure this season. Being captain does put one off.””
Norris confides in Gethryn that he fears he will fail as captain because the responsibility unsettles him.
Norris expresses anxiety about his captaincy role affecting his cricket performance.
““My name’s Farnie. I’m your uncle, you know.” “My what?” gurgled the Bishop. “Your uncle. U-n, un; c-l-e—kul. Uncle. Fact, I assure you.””
A small boy in a top hat introduces himself as Farnie, claiming to be Gethryn's uncle, to Gethryn's astonishment.
The unexpected revelation that Gethryn's uncle is a young boy creates a humorous and surprising moment.