Jeeves Stories · Chapter
Bertie Changes His Mind explained
Jeeves reflects on his motto of 'Resource and Tact' and recounts the episode where Bertie Wooster, recovering from influenza and feeling lonely, contemplates adopting a child or having his sister's three daughters live with him.
What happens
Jeeves reflects on his motto of 'Resource and Tact' and recounts the episode where Bertie Wooster, recovering from influenza and feeling lonely, contemplates adopting a child or having his sister's three daughters live with him. Jeeves, fearing matrimony or domestic upheaval, subtly orchestrates a visit to a school for young ladies in Brighton. There, Bertie is subjected to a terrifying ordeal of giving a speech to the students, which cures him of his domestic ambitions. The chapter ends with Bertie contentedly returning to his bachelor routine, appreciating the soothing monotony of Jeeves's service.
Themes in this chapter
Comedy of Manners
The chapter satirizes Bertie's domestic aspirations and his awkwardness in social situations, particularly his failed speech at the school.
Family and Obligation
Bertie's desire to take in his sister's children reflects themes of family duty, though he ultimately abandons the idea.
Characters to notice
- Jeeves
Narrator of the chapter; demonstrates resource and tact in managing Bertie's whims.
- Bertie Wooster
Feeling lonely and contemplating domestic changes; later cured of his ambitions after a traumatic school visit.
- Miss Tomlinson
Headmistress of the school for young ladies; described as having 'grip' and authority.
Key passages
“Resource and Tact—that is my motto. Tact, of course, has always been with me a sine qua non, while as for resource, I think I may say that I have usually contrived to show a certain modicum of what I might call finesse in handling those little contretemps which inevitably arise from time to time in the daily life of a gentleman's personal gentleman.”
Jeeves explains that his guiding principles are resourcefulness and tact, which he uses to manage the minor crises that occur in his work as a valet.
Jeeves introduces his professional philosophy.
“I have heard gentlemen in whose employment I've been talk in very much the same way before, and it had almost invariably meant that they were contemplating matrimony.”
Jeeves recognizes from past experience that when his employers complain about monotony, they are usually thinking of getting married.
Jeeves interprets Bertie's mood as a sign of potential marriage.
“I wish I had a daughter. I wonder what the procedure is?”
Bertie expresses a desire to have a child and asks how one goes about it.
Bertie's naive inquiry about fatherhood.
“Marriage is, I believe, considered the preliminary step, sir.”
Jeeves dryly notes that marriage typically comes before having children.
Jeeves's deadpan response to Bertie's question.
“Well, I'll tell you what I could do, then. My sister will be back from India next week with her three little girls. I'll give up this flat and take a house and have them all to live with me.”
Bertie decides instead to have his sister and her three daughters move in with him, planning to rent a larger house.
Bertie's alternative plan to fill his empty life.
“Jeeves, this is dashed jolly. ... Gives you a sort of safe, restful feeling. Soothing! That's the word. Soothing!”
Bertie expresses contentment with his routine, finding comfort in the predictability of Jeeves's service.
Bertie's return to appreciating his bachelor life.