Mike · Chapter
XI: The Conclusion of the Picnic explained
The chapter describes the aftermath of the Great Picnic, focusing on the headmaster's calm and methodical response to the mass absence.
What happens
The chapter describes the aftermath of the Great Picnic, focusing on the headmaster's calm and methodical response to the mass absence. He calls the roll in the nearly empty Great Hall, then dismisses the masters to enjoy the day while he supervises the remaining boys. The narrative also recounts the picnic itself: Wyatt's organization of the march to Worfield, the lunch for 550 at the inn, and the orderly return to school, with Bob Jackson meeting Wyatt at the gate.
Themes in this chapter
Rebellion Versus Authority
The mass absence of the school (the Great Picnic) is a direct act of rebellion, yet the headmaster responds with calm authority, turning the situation into a managed lesson.
Brotherhood and Rivalry
Wyatt's organization of the picnic and the orderly return highlight a sense of collective brotherhood among the boys, while the headmaster's roll call subtly reinforces the hierarchy.
Characters to notice
- The Headmaster
Remains calm and composed upon learning of the mass absence; calls the roll in the Great Hall and dismisses the masters to enjoy the day.
- Wyatt Burgess
Organizes the Great Picnic as generalissimo, arranges lunch for 550 at the 'Grasshopper and Ant,' and returns to school meeting Bob Jackson at the gate.
- Bob Jackson
Meets Wyatt at the school gate after the picnic, speechless at the scale of the event.
- Firby-Smith
Called by the headmaster to bring a school list; his squeaky boots are noted as he leaves and returns.
- Mr. Seymour
Comments approvingly on the headmaster's handling of the situation, calling him a 'genuine sportsman,' and plans to go on the river with Mr. Spence.
- Mr. Spence
Agrees with Mr. Seymour's praise of the headmaster and arranges to meet him at the boathouse.
Key passages
“You could ha' knocked me down with a feather!”
The landlord was utterly astonished when Wyatt asked for lunch for 550 people.
Captures the landlord's shock at the scale of the picnic order.
“That is what I call a genuine sportsman.”
Mr. Seymour praises the headmaster for his fair and clever handling of the situation.
Reflects the masters' approval of the headmaster's decision to give them the day off.