# The Purification of Rodney Spelvin explained — Golf Stories

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/the-purification-of-rodney-spelvin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/golf_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters