Jeeves Stories · Chapter
Jeeves and the Impending Doom explained
Bertie Wooster dreads a three-week visit to his Aunt Agatha's country house, suspecting a sinister motive.
What happens
Bertie Wooster dreads a three-week visit to his Aunt Agatha's country house, suspecting a sinister motive. Upon arrival, he discovers she wants him to impress Cabinet Minister Mr. Filmer, forcing him to abstain from smoking and drinking. He also finds his friend Bingo Little there, tutoring Bertie's young cousin Thomas under threat of losing his job if Bertie is caught smoking. Bingo reveals he stole Filmer's boat to impress his wife Rosie, and Jeeves devises a plan: he convinces Filmer that Bertie stole the boat, which saves Bingo's job and also thwarts Aunt Agatha's scheme to make Bertie Filmer's private secretary. Bertie escapes via a water pipe.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Obligation
Bertie is compelled to visit Aunt Agatha despite her hostility, and Bingo is forced to tutor young Thomas under threat of losing his job.
Deception and Identity
Jeeves falsely accuses Bertie of stealing the boat to protect Bingo, and Bertie must hide his smoking and drinking to maintain a false impression for Mr. Filmer.
Characters to notice
- Bertie Wooster
Narrator and protagonist, dreading his visit to Aunt Agatha's and struggling with the imposed restrictions.
- Jeeves
Bertie's valet, who devises a clever solution to save Bingo's job and thwart Aunt Agatha's plans.
- Bingo Little
Bertie's friend, tutoring young Thomas under duress and in trouble for stealing Filmer's boat.
- Aunt Agatha
Bertie's domineering aunt, who invited him to impress Mr. Filmer and secure him a secretary position.
- Sir Roderick Glossop
Mentioned as a specialist in sanity, referenced in Bingo's story about his uncle.
Key passages
“Remember when you come here absolutely vital meet perfect strangers.”
It is essential that you meet people you don't know when you arrive.
The cryptic telegram from Bingo Little, warning Bertie to avoid being recognized as a friend.
“I have already attended to the matter, sir.”
I have already taken care of the problem.
Jeeves reveals he has already solved Bingo's dilemma by framing Bertie for the boat theft.