Jeeves Stories · Chapter
The Inferiority Complex of Old Sippy explained
Bertie visits his friend Sippy, the editor of The Mayfair Gazette, and discovers that Sippy is in love with Miss Gwendolen Moon but feels too inferior to propose, partly due to his past and partly due to the intimidating presence of his old
What happens
Bertie visits his friend Sippy, the editor of The Mayfair Gazette, and discovers that Sippy is in love with Miss Gwendolen Moon but feels too inferior to propose, partly due to his past and partly due to the intimidating presence of his old head master, Mr. Waterbury, who still dominates him. Bertie tries to cheer Sippy up and later discusses the problem with Jeeves, eventually devising a plan to cure Sippy's inferiority complex by making him see Waterbury in an undignified light.
Themes in this chapter
Intelligence and Incompetence
Bertie's plan to cure Sippy's inferiority complex by psychological manipulation contrasts with his own lack of understanding of Jeeves's vase criticism.
Friendship and Loyalty
Bertie tries to cheer up Sippy by praising his magazine and later devises a scheme to help him overcome his inferiority complex.
Deception and Identity
Bertie lies about enjoying Sippy's magazine to boost his morale, and the plan to make Sippy see Waterbury undignified involves a form of deception.
Characters to notice
- Bertie Wooster
Narrator and protagonist; visits Sippy, argues with Jeeves about a vase, and devises a psychological plan to help Sippy.
- Jeeves
Bertie's valet; criticized for censoring the vase, later dusts it, and discusses Sippy's inferiority complex.
- Sippy
Editor of The Mayfair Gazette; in love with Miss Gwendolen Moon, feels inferior due to his past and his old head master Mr. Waterbury.
- Gwendolen Moon
Poetess; object of Sippy's affection, described as all soul and far above him.
- Waterbury
Old head master of Sippy's school; authoritative and intimidating, brings essays for publication and dominates Sippy.
- Aunt Agatha
Mentioned as an example of someone who gives Bertie an inferiority complex and once appeared foolish in a hotel incident.
Key passages
“I checked the man with one of my glances. I was astounded and shocked. “Not another word, Jeeves,” I said. “You have gone too far. Hats, yes. Socks, yes. Coats, trousers, shirts, ties, and spats, absolutely. On all these things I defer to your judgment. But when it comes to vases, no.””
Bertie firmly tells Jeeves that while he accepts his advice on clothing, he will not tolerate criticism of his new vase.
Shows Bertie's stubbornness and the limits of Jeeves's influence.
““Do you know what it is, Bertie, to feel the humility of a worm?” “Rather! I do sometimes with Jeeves. But today he went too far. You will scarcely credit it, old man, but he had the crust to criticize a vase which—””
Sippy asks Bertie if he knows what it's like to feel like a worm, and Bertie relates it to his own feelings of inferiority around Jeeves, but then digresses to complain about Jeeves's vase criticism.
Highlights the parallel inferiority complexes of both characters.
““I have brought you another little offering—ha! Look it over at your leisure, my dear fellow.” “Yes, sir,” said Sippy.”
Waterbury gives Sippy another essay to publish, and Sippy responds submissively.
Illustrates Waterbury's dominance and Sippy's continued deference to his old head master.
““The only way to remove that complex, Jeeves, is to arrange that Mr. Sipperley shall see this Waterbury in a thoroughly undignified position. This done, the scales will fall from his eyes.””
Bertie explains his plan to cure Sippy's inferiority complex by making him witness Waterbury in a humiliating situation.
Bertie's psychological reasoning and his attempt to solve the problem.
