Psmith in the City · Chapter
First Steps in a Business Career explained
Mike Jackson begins his first day at the New Asiatic Bank, navigating the unfamiliar environment.
What happens
Mike Jackson begins his first day at the New Asiatic Bank, navigating the unfamiliar environment. He is guided by the benevolent Mr. Waller, has an awkward reunion with Mr. Bickersdyke (the manager), and is assigned to the postage department under the fussy Mr. Rossiter, learning the ropes from the cheerful Bannister.
Themes in this chapter
Work vs. Idleness
The chapter contrasts the apparent bustle of the bank with the reality that little work is done early, and employees like Bannister advise Mike on how to appear busy.
Authority and Rebellion
Mike's awkward encounter with Mr. Bickersdyke and Bannister's casual defiance of Rossiter's fussiness highlight tensions between employees and management.
Characters to notice
- Mike Jackson
Mike starts his first day at the bank, feeling lost and awkward, especially when he recognizes Mr. Bickersdyke as the man from the park.
- Mr. Waller
A benevolent, White Knight-like figure who kindly directs Mike to the manager's office.
- Mr. Bickersdyke
The bank manager who recognizes Mike from their earlier encounter but treats him coldly and impersonally.
- Bannister
A cheerful youth who shows Mike the ropes in the postage department, explaining the work and the quirks of the staff.
- Rossiter
The fussy head of the postage department, who is anxious about work and quick to correct his subordinates.
Key passages
“The City received Mike with the same aloofness with which the more western portion of London had welcomed him on the previous day.”
London's financial district was just as indifferent to Mike as the rest of the city had been.
Highlights Mike's sense of isolation in the city.
“Mike merely stood wrapped in silence, as in a garment.”
Mike stood silently, unable to think of what to say.
Emphasizes Mike's discomfort and lack of social ease with Bickersdyke.
“I pity you going into the postage. There's one thing, though. If you can stick it for about a month, you'll get through all right.”
Bannister sympathizes with Mike's assignment but assures him it gets easier after a month.
Reflects the transient nature of bank jobs and the hope of future advancement.