# IX: Dies Irae explained — Love Among the Chickens

> Chapter companion for Love Among the Chickens by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Garnet reflects on the unfairness of retribution when he, not Ukridge, suffers the consequences of Ukridge's tactless behavior toward Professor Derrick. He laments the barrier this creates between him and Phyllis, as the professor cuts him off. Garnet spends his days playing golf and making furtive nighttime visits to the Derrick grounds, listening to Phyllis sing. Ukridge remains oblivious to Garnet's distress, focusing on farm work. A brief encounter with Tom Chase offers little hope of reconciliation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Courtship

Garnet's growing love for Phyllis is central, as he laments the barrier created by Ukridge's actions and makes secret visits to hear her sing.

### Comedy of Misadventure

Garnet reflects on the ironic unfairness of retribution, comparing himself to a 'young copper' hit by a stray orange, as Ukridge escapes the consequences.

### Optimism vs. Reality

Ukridge's unfounded optimism about farm work and social relations contrasts sharply with Garnet's realistic despair over the romantic setback.

## Character check-ins

### Jeremy Garnet

Narrator and protagonist, deeply frustrated by Ukridge's tactlessness and the resulting rift with Phyllis. He makes secret nightly visits to the Derrick property.

### Stanley Featherstonehaugh Ukridge

Remains cheerfully oblivious to Garnet's distress, focusing on farm work and dismissing the professor's anger as a minor issue.

### Phyllis Derrick

Seen briefly on the beach with her father and sister; she gives Garnet a subtle look of acknowledgment despite being cut off.

### Professor Derrick

Persists in cutting Garnet after the dinner incident, both on the beach and on the golf links, showing no sign of relenting.

### Tom Chase

Meets Garnet in the village, acknowledges the trouble, and offers to help but says the time is not yet ripe for reconciliation.

### Mrs. Stanley Ukridge

Mentioned briefly as nursing Edwin in the evenings while Ukridge smokes.

## Key lines

> Why is it, I wonder, that stories of Retribution calling at the wrong address, strike us as funny instead of pathetic?

Garnet muses on why people find it amusing when punishment hits the wrong person, now that he is the one unfairly suffering.

_Opens the chapter with a reflection on the irony of misdirected retribution._

> Absence—I do not claim the thought as my own—makes the heart grow fonder.

Garnet notes that his love for Phyllis has grown during the times they are apart.

_Explains the intensification of Garnet's feelings despite limited interaction._

> Golf is the game of disappointed lovers.

Garnet observes that golf is a suitable pastime for those unlucky in love.

_Highlights Garnet's attempt to distract himself from his romantic woes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/love_among_the_chickens_se/chapters/ix-dies-irae
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/love_among_the_chickens_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/love_among_the_chickens_se/chapters