# Mr. Bickersdyke Walks Behind the Bowler's Arm explained — Psmith in the City

> Chapter companion for Psmith in the City by P. G. Wodehouse.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/i-mr-bickersdyke-walks-behind-the-bowler-s-arm
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters