Psmith in the City · Chapter
Mr. Bickersdyke Walks Behind the Bowler's Arm explained
Mike Jackson is playing in a cricket match during Ilsworth cricket week when Mr.
What happens
Mike Jackson is playing in a cricket match during Ilsworth cricket week when Mr. Bickersdyke walks behind the bowler's arm, causing Mike to be bowled for 98. The chapter introduces Mike's friendship with Psmith and his family, and sets up Bickersdyke as a future figure in Mike's life. Psmith discusses his uncertain future and his father's shifting plans, including a potential career in commerce inspired by Bickersdyke.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Mike and Psmith's bond is established through cricket and shared experiences at Ilsworth.
Ambition and Career
Psmith's father's shifting plans for his son's future and Bickersdyke's commercial and political ambitions highlight career uncertainty.
Humor and Absurdity
Psmith's witty commentary and his father's frenetic behavior add comedic elements to the chapter.
Characters to notice
- Mike Jackson
Star batsman who scores 98 before being bowled due to Bickersdyke's distraction.
- Psmith
Mike's friend and host; discusses his uncertain future and his father's plans.
- Mr. Bickersdyke
Manager of a bank and aspiring politician; walks behind the bowler's arm, causing Mike's dismissal.
- Father
Psmith's father, a man of many hobbies who is enthusiastic about cricket and advises Mike.
- Bagley
Ilsworth Hall ground-man, briefly mentioned in discussion with Mr. Smith.
Key passages
“idiot walked across the screen just as the ball was bowled.” “What!” shouted Mr. Smith. “Who was the fool who walked behind the bowler’s arm?” he yelled appealingly to Space.”
Mr. Smith angrily demands to know who walked behind the bowler's arm and distracted the batsman.
Highlights the disruption caused by Bickersdyke's action.
“I am practically a human three-shies-a-penny ball. My father is poising me lightly in his hand, preparatory to flinging me at one of the milky cocos of Life.”
Psmith compares himself to a ball being tossed by his father toward various career options.
Illustrates Psmith's humorous view of his uncertain future.