Piccadilly Jim · Chapter
XII: Jimmy Catches the Boss’s Eye explained
Jimmy arrives at Mr.
What happens
Jimmy arrives at Mr. Pett's office on Pine Street, expecting a cold reception but instead receives a warm welcome. Mr. Pett, delighted to see him, offers Jimmy a job in his office. Jimmy is initially resistant to the idea of work but agrees for Ann's sake. Their conversation reveals Jimmy's past indiscretions, including a breach-of-promise case, and Mr. Pett expresses relief that Jimmy is more human than the literary crowd at home.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Jimmy's reluctance to work contrasts with Mr. Pett's expectation that he should settle down and make good, highlighting class and ambition tensions.
Family Dynamics and Obligation
Jimmy's agreement to work for Ann's sake and Mr. Pett's relief at having a human relative reflect family obligations and dynamics.
Reputation and Redemption
Jimmy's past breach-of-promise case and his attempt to present himself as reformed touch on themes of reputation and redemption.
Characters to notice
- Jimmy Crocker
Arrives at Mr. Pett's office, receives a warm welcome, and reluctantly agrees to work for Ann's sake.
- Mr. Peter Pett
Welcomes Jimmy warmly, offers him a job, and expresses relief that Jimmy is more human than the literary crowd.
- Ann Chester
Mentioned as the reason Jimmy agrees to work; Jimmy muses on her understanding of his sacrifice.
Key passages
““My dear boy!” he cried. “My dear boy! I’m delighted to see you!””
Mr. Pett warmly welcomes Jimmy, expressing genuine delight at his arrival.
Mr. Pett's unexpected warmth surprises Jimmy, who had anticipated a cold reception.
““Work!” said Jimmy blankly. “I shall be able to make a place for you in my office. That was my promise to your stepmother, and I shall fulfil it.””
Jimmy is shocked at the prospect of work, but Mr. Pett insists on fulfilling his promise to give Jimmy a job.
Jimmy's aversion to work is clear, but he agrees for the sake of Ann's plans.
““You’re human! I don’t see that we’re going to make much of you now that you’re here, but I’m darned glad you’ve come, Jimmy!””
Mr. Pett appreciates Jimmy's humanity compared to the literary crowd at home, despite doubts about his potential.
Mr. Pett values Jimmy's down-to-earth nature over the pretentious poets in his household.