Love Among the Chickens · Chapter
Mr. and Mrs. S. F. Ukridge explained
Jeremy Garnet reflects on the absence of Stanley Ukridge from Who's Who.
What happens
Jeremy Garnet reflects on the absence of Stanley Ukridge from Who's Who. Ukridge bursts in with his new wife, Millie, and enthusiastically pitches his scheme to run a large-scale chicken farm in Combe Regis. Despite Garnet's skepticism, Ukridge insists he join them, promising profits and a golf course nearby. Mrs. Ukridge supports her husband's plans, having bought a book on fowls and written letters to acquire hens. Garnet reluctantly agrees to go.
Themes in this chapter
Optimism vs. Reality
Ukridge's wildly optimistic financial calculations for the chicken farm contrast with Garnet's skepticism and Mrs. Ukridge's practical concerns.
Social Class and Financial Struggle
Ukridge's scheme to get hens on credit and his casual borrowing of money highlight the precarious financial situation of the characters.
Marriage and Domesticity
The dynamic between Ukridge and his wife is introduced, showing her supportive but quiet role in his ambitious plans.
Characters to notice
- Jeremy Garnet
The narrator and author, a former colleague of Ukridge, who is persuaded to join the chicken farm venture.
- Stanley Featherstonehaugh Ukridge
Energetic and impractical schemer, now married, who proposes a chicken farm with grandiose profit projections.
- Mrs. Stanley Ukridge
Ukridge's quiet, supportive wife, who has been writing letters to obtain hens and studying poultry-keeping.
Key passages
“I have often thought that Who's Who, though a bulky and well-meaning volume, omits too many of England's greatest men.”
Garnet muses that Who's Who leaves out many truly notable people, like Ukridge.
Opens the chapter with a wry observation about Ukridge's absence from the famous reference book.
“Laddie, we are going to keep fowls.”
Ukridge announces their plan to raise chickens.
Ukridge's enthusiastic declaration of the chicken farm scheme.
“I was thinking of going somewhere where I could get some golf.”
Garnet mentions he was planning a golf trip.
Garnet's initial reluctance to join the farm is tied to his desire for golf.