# VI: The Bomb explained — Indiscretions of Archie

> Chapter companion for Indiscretions of Archie by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Archie, still in a bathing suit, is discovered by police officers Donahue and Cassidy in a studio. They mistake him for a wanted criminal, but a police captain arrives and corrects the error. After the police leave, Archie dresses in Mr. Moon's clothes, but is then caught by Officer Donahue, who calls for Cassidy. A bomb-like explosion occurs, caused by J. B. Wheeler's barrel, adding chaos to the scene.

## Themes in this chapter

### Comedy of Errors and Misunderstandings

Archie is mistaken for a wanted criminal by the police, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings and near-arrests.

### Work vs. Idleness

Archie's idle predicament contrasts with the police's diligent (if misguided) pursuit of duty.

## Character check-ins

### Archie Moffam

Archie is hiding from the police in a bathing suit, mistaken for a criminal, and later dresses in Mr. Moon's clothes before being caught.

### Officer Donahue

One of the police officers who discovers Archie and participates in the mistaken arrest.

### Cassidy

Officer Cassidy assists Donahue in the arrest and suggests hitting Archie and claiming he resisted.

### J. B. Wheeler

Mentioned as the owner of the barrel that caused the explosion, seeking quick results.

### Mr. Moon

The owner of the clothes Archie puts on; described as a snappy dresser.

## Key lines

> If ye plaze, sorr,” said Officer Cassidy, saluting. “Well?” “Something’s exploded, sorr!”

Officer Cassidy respectfully reports that an explosion has occurred.

_The explosion is a key event in the chapter, caused by Wheeler's barrel._

> Why couldn’t we hit him a lick,” he suggested, brightly, “an’ tell th’ Cap. he resisted us in th’ exercise of our jooty?”

Cassidy proposes they strike Archie and falsely claim he resisted arrest.

_Shows the officers' willingness to bend rules due to their frustration._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/indiscretions_of_archie_se/chapters/vi-the-bomb
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/indiscretions_of_archie_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/indiscretions_of_archie_se/chapters