Jeeves Stories · Chapter
Leave It to Jeeves explained
Bertie Wooster extols Jeeves's omniscience and recounts how he came to rely on his valet's advice.
What happens
Bertie Wooster extols Jeeves's omniscience and recounts how he came to rely on his valet's advice. He then tells the story of his friend Corky Corcoran, an artist who is engaged to Muriel Singer but fears telling his wealthy uncle, Alexander Worple. Bertie calls upon Jeeves to devise a scheme to introduce Miss Singer to Mr. Worple without revealing Corky's involvement.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Identity
Corky and Muriel seek to conceal their relationship from Mr. Worple, requiring a scheme to introduce them without revealing Corky's prior involvement.
Money and Dependence
Corky's fear of his uncle's disapproval is rooted in his financial dependence on Mr. Worple, who controls his allowance.
Intelligence and Incompetence
Bertie freely admits his own intellectual shortcomings and contrasts them with Jeeves's superior intelligence and problem-solving abilities.
Characters to notice
- Bertie Wooster
Narrator and protagonist, who relies heavily on Jeeves's judgment and advice.
- Jeeves
Bertie's valet, whose omniscience and sound advice are repeatedly demonstrated.
- Corky
An artist friend of Bertie's, engaged to Muriel Singer and worried about his uncle's reaction.
- Muriel Singer
Corky's quiet, appealing fiancée, who hopes Bertie can help break the news to Mr. Worple.
- Alexander Worple
Corky's wealthy uncle, who is expected to disapprove of Corky's engagement.
- Gussie Mannering-Phipps
Bertie's cousin, whose intended marriage prompted Bertie's exile in New York.
Key passages
“Jeeves gives you just the same impression of omniscience.”
Jeeves seems to know everything.
Bertie compares Jeeves's knowledge to that of an information desk clerk at a train station.
“I looked a cross between a music hall comedian and a cheap bookie.”
I looked like a blend of a stage performer and a disreputable gambler.
Bertie describes his disastrous appearance in the check suit Jeeves had advised against.
“The animal is not intended to win. Second place is what the stable is after.”
The horse is not meant to come first; the owners are aiming for second place.
Jeeves correctly predicts the outcome of a horse race, demonstrating his insider knowledge.
“I felt like a lost child who spots his father in the offing.”
I felt relieved, like a child seeing a parent approach.
Bertie describes his feeling of confidence upon seeing Jeeves enter the room.