# Chester Forgets Himself explained — Golf Stories

> Chapter companion for Golf Stories by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Chester Meredith, having been rejected by Felicia Blakeney due to his affected behavior and association with her brother Crispin, resolves to dedicate himself to golf. Later, while playing, he encounters the slow-playing Wrecking Crew and becomes infatuated with Felicia upon seeing her again, though he fears his lack of intellectual refinement will ruin his chances.

## Themes in this chapter

### Obsession and Devotion

Chester's dedication to golf after rejection and his intense focus on the game reflect a near-obsessive devotion.

### Humor and Absurdity

The Wrecking Crew's ineptitude and Chester's forced giggle highlight the absurdity of social and sporting pretensions.

### Social Class and Status

Chester's insecurity about his intellectual status versus Felicia's literary family underscores class and cultural divides.

## Character check-ins

### Chester Meredith

Rejected by Felicia, he commits to golf mastery; later becomes infatuated with her upon seeing her at the club.

### Felicia Blakeney

Disgusted by Chester's affected manner and his friendship with her brother Crispin; she rejects his proposal.

### Crispin Blakeney

Felicia's brother, a reviewer and essayist; Chester's friendship with him contributes to Felicia's rejection.

### The First Gravedigger

A member of the Wrecking Crew; accidentally hits a brilliant brassie shot while Chester is about to play.

## Key lines

> Tee-hee! simpered Chester, reaching for his niblick. Too bad, too bad!

Chester let out a forced, girlish giggle and said 'Too bad' as he picked up his club.

_Chester's affected behavior to avoid swearing repulses Felicia._

> I am sorry, my boy, I said, sympathetically, when he had told me the painful news. It can’t be helped, he replied, bravely.

I offered sympathy after Chester shared his rejection, and he responded with brave resignation.

_Chester's stoic acceptance of Felicia's refusal._

> She is the alligator’s Adam’s apple, said Chester, simply.

Chester declared that she was absolutely essential to him, using a folksy expression.

_Chester's colorful way of expressing his infatuation with Felicia._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/chester-forgets-himself
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/golf_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters