Jeeves Stories · Chapter
The Aunt and the Sluggard explained
Bertie Wooster recounts the affair of Rockmetteller Todd, a lazy poet whose wealthy aunt from Illinois threatens to cut him off unless he writes lively letters about New York nightlife.
What happens
Bertie Wooster recounts the affair of Rockmetteller Todd, a lazy poet whose wealthy aunt from Illinois threatens to cut him off unless he writes lively letters about New York nightlife. Jeeves devises a plan to have himself sent out to observe the cabaret scene and produce notes for Rocky's letters, satisfying the aunt while allowing Rocky to remain idle. The scheme succeeds, bringing contentment to all involved.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Identity
Rocky pretends to be a socialite through fabricated letters, with Jeeves acting as his secret observer.
Family and Obligation
Rocky's aunt pressures him to conform to her expectations, threatening his inheritance.
Intelligence and Incompetence
Jeeves's clever plan contrasts with Rocky's and Bertie's initial helplessness.
Characters to notice
- Bertie Wooster
Narrator and friend of Rocky Todd; relies on Jeeves for guidance.
- Jeeves
Bertie's valet; devises the plan to write letters for Rocky based on his own observations of New York nightlife.
- Rocky Todd
A lazy poet who lives on Long Island; his aunt's visit forces him to pretend to be a socialite.
- Miss Rockmetteller
Rocky's wealthy aunt from Illinois; demands lively letters about New York society.
Key passages
“Jeeves is my man, you know. Officially he pulls in his weekly wages for pressing my clothes and all that sort of thing; but actually he’s more like what the poet Johnnie called some bird of his acquaintance who was apt to rally round him in times of need—a guide, don’t you know; philosopher, if I remember rightly, and—I rather fancy—friend.”
Jeeves is officially my valet, but he's really a guide, philosopher, and friend.
Bertie describes Jeeves's true role in his life.
“Constitutionally the laziest young devil in America, he had hit on a walk in life which enabled him to go the limit in that direction. He was a poet.”
Rocky is the laziest person in America, and being a poet allows him to be as lazy as he wants.
Bertie explains Rocky's profession and character.
“All you’ve got to do is to get somebody to go round the town for you and take a few notes, and then you work the notes up into letters.”
The plan is to have someone else observe the nightlife and take notes, which Rocky can then turn into letters.
Jeeves's solution to Rocky's problem.