Golf Stories · Chapter
The Purification of Rodney Spelvin explained
The Oldest Member tells a third story about Jane Packard, William Bates, and Rodney Spelvin.
What happens
The Oldest Member tells a third story about Jane Packard, William Bates, and Rodney Spelvin. Years after their marriage, Jane suspects her sister-in-law Anastatia is falling under the poet's spell. She, William, and two detectives hide in Rodney's rooms to catch them in wrongdoing, only to discover Anastatia is simply giving Rodney a golf lesson. Rodney confesses his conversion to golf and his desire to improve, leading to a humorous resolution.
Themes in this chapter
Humor and Absurdity
The chapter is filled with comedic misunderstandings, such as the detectives' golf anecdotes interrupting the confrontation, and Rodney's earnest but misguided golf attempts.
Self-Improvement and Confidence
Rodney Spelvin's transformation from a poet to a golfer, his determination to improve his handicap, and his humble acceptance of instruction highlight the theme of self-improvement.
Gender Roles and Relationships
Jane's protective maternal role, Anastatia's expertise as a teacher, and the men's detective work all reflect and subvert traditional gender roles.
Characters to notice
- Jane Packard
Now married to William Bates, she is a devoted mother and golfer who fears her sister-in-law is being seduced by Rodney Spelvin.
- William Bates
Jane's husband, a golfer who joins the scheme to confront Rodney Spelvin, but ends up misunderstanding the situation.
- Rodney Fails
The poet who has reformed and taken up golf, receiving lessons from Anastatia; he is earnest but clumsy in his new passion.
- Anastatia
William's younger sister, a skilled golfer who patiently teaches Rodney the proper grip and swing.
- Mr. Reginald Brown
A detective who eagerly contributes golf anecdotes and takes notes during the confrontation.
- Mr. Delancey
Another detective who interrupts with his own golf stories and supports the scheme.
Key passages
“I am not a golfer. But with the help of this splendid girl here, I hope humbly to be one some day.”
Rodney admits he is not a golfer but aspires to become one with Anastatia's help.
Rodney's confession of his non-golfer status and his ambition to learn.
“I brought off a perfect snifter. Two hundred yards and as straight as a whistle. And, as I stood there gazing after the ball, something seemed to run up my spine and bite me in the neck. It was the golf-germ.”
Rodney describes his first successful drive and the instant addiction to golf.
Rodney's dramatic account of catching the 'golf-germ' after a perfect drive.
“If you grip the shaft as if you were a drowning man clutching at a straw and keep your fingers under like that, you'll pull like the dickens and probably land out of bounds or in the rough.”
Anastatia explains that a death grip on the club causes the ball to go off course.
Anastatia's practical golf instruction to Rodney about proper grip.