# IV explained — Leave It to Psmith

> Chapter companion for Leave It to Psmith by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Freddie Threepwood, having agreed to steal his Aunt Constance's diamond necklace for a reward of two thousand pounds from his Uncle Joseph, experiences a severe attack of cold feet as he contemplates the risks. While pacing restlessly, he stumbles upon a newspaper advertisement from Psmith offering to handle any job (except fish-related ones). Seeing it as a direct answer to his prayers, Freddie decides to hire Psmith as a partner to take over the perilous enterprise.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Manipulation

Freddie plans to deceive his aunt by stealing her necklace, and he intends to manipulate Psmith into taking on the risky task.

### Adventure and Enterprise

Freddie's scheme to steal the necklace and his decision to hire Psmith represent a daring and risky enterprise.

## Character check-ins

### Freddie Threepwood

Freddie is in a state of exhilaration followed by doubt and self-mistrust after agreeing to steal the necklace. He discovers Psmith's advertisement and decides to hire him.

### Joseph Keeble

Uncle Joe has offered Freddie two thousand pounds to steal the necklace, though he is not present in the chapter.

### Psmith

Psmith is introduced through his advertisement in the Morning Globe, offering to handle any job (except fish). Freddie decides to contact him.

### Lady Constance

Aunt Constance is the owner of the diamond necklace that Freddie plans to steal.

### Beach

Beach the butler is mentioned as the tidy soul who arranges the newspapers on the table.

## Key lines

> Exhilaration is a heady drug; but, like other drugs, it has the disadvantage that its stimulating effects seldom last for very long.

Excitement is intoxicating but short-lived.

_Freddie's initial thrill at the plan quickly fades into doubt._

> He was suffering from an exceedingly severe attack of cold feet.

He became extremely nervous and hesitant.

_Freddie's fear of being caught stealing the necklace._

> Leave it to Psmith! Psmith Will Help You Psmith Is Ready For Anything

Psmith offers to handle any task, no matter how unusual.

_The advertisement that catches Freddie's attention._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leave_it_to_psmith_se/chapters/iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leave_it_to_psmith_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leave_it_to_psmith_se/chapters