# The Brave Preserver explained — Love Among the Chickens

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

## What happens

Jeremy Garnet, feeling guilty about his staged rescue plan, endures the overly secretive behavior of Harry Hawk. The plan is executed when Professor Derrick goes out in Hawk's boat, which Hawk capsizes. Garnet dives in and 'rescues' the professor, who is grateful and reconciles with him. The professor visits the farm, befriends Ukridge, and they bond over golf, leaving Garnet relieved but slightly guilty about the deception.

## Themes in this chapter

### Comedy of Misadventure

The elaborate and farcical staged rescue, with Hawk's secretive behavior and the professor's obliviousness, creates a comedic tone.

### Optimism vs. Reality

Garnet's optimistic plan succeeds, but the reality includes guilt and the moral ambiguity of the deception.

### Social Class and Financial Struggle

Garnet's financial arrangement with Hawk (ten shillings down and ten later) highlights the economic pressures underlying the scheme.

## Character check-ins

### Jeremy Garnet

Executes the staged rescue of Professor Derrick, feeling nervous and guilty about the deception but relieved by its success.

### Stanley Featherstonehaugh Ukridge

Hosts the professor after the rescue, showing friendliness and sympathy, and helps with dry clothes and drinks.

### Phyllis Derrick

Not directly present, but the rescue is motivated by Garnet's desire to reconcile with her family.

### Professor Derrick

Is rescued by Garnet, reconciles with him, and bonds over golf, showing a forgiving and friendly demeanor.

### Harry Hawk

Executes the boat capsizing as part of the staged rescue, but is blamed by the professor and the crowd for the accident.

### Mrs. Beale

Provides hot water and a lunch of roast chicken, contributing to the hospitality for the professor.

## Key lines

> I could have wished, during the next few days, that Mr. Harry Hawk’s attitude towards myself had not been so unctuously confidential and mysterious.

Garnet wishes Hawk would stop acting so secretive and smug about their plan.

_Garnet's irritation with Hawk's behavior sets the tone for the chapter._

> I was merely an ordinary well-meaning man, forced by circumstances into doing the work of Providence.

Garnet sees himself as a decent person pushed by events to act like fate.

_Garnet rationalizes his deception as a necessary intervention._

> My scheme had been so successful that its iniquity did not worry me. I have noticed that this is usually the case in matters of this kind. It is the bungled crime that brings remorse.

Garnet feels no guilt because the plan worked perfectly; only failed schemes cause regret.

_A reflection on the psychology of successful deception._

> We must go round the links together one of these days, Mr. Garnet. I have noticed you there on several occasions, playing a strong game.

The professor invites Garnet to play golf, having observed his skill.

_Golf serves as a bridge for reconciliation between Garnet and the professor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/love_among_the_chickens_se/chapters/xi-the-brave-preserver
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/love_among_the_chickens_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/love_among_the_chickens_se/chapters