# II: Introduces an Unusual Uncle explained — A Prefect’s Uncle

> Chapter companion for A Prefect’s Uncle by P. G. Wodehouse.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> “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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_prefect_s_uncle_se/chapters/ii-introduces-an-unusual-uncle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_prefect_s_uncle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_prefect_s_uncle_se/chapters