# The Haunting of Mr. Bickersdyke explained — Psmith in the City > Chapter companion for Psmith in the City by P. G. Wodehouse. ## What happens Psmith patiently spends a fortnight building rapport with Mr. Rossiter through discussions of League football, securing peace in the Postage Department. He then turns his attention to haunting Mr. Bickersdyke at the Senior Conservative Club, using subtle, patronizing smiles and remarks to unsettle the bank manager. Psmith's presence causes Bickersdyke to revoke at bridge, leading to a public outburst. Psmith later recounts the evening to Mike, noting Bickersdyke's irritation, and proposes a supper at the Savoy. ## Themes in this chapter ### Authority and Rebellion Psmith subtly rebels against Mr. Bickersdyke's authority by haunting him at the club, using social norms to unsettle the bank manager. ### Humor and Absurdity The chapter is rich in comedic irony, from Psmith's exaggerated politeness to Bickersdyke's frustrated reactions and the bridge revoke incident. ### Social Performance and Identity Psmith performs the role of a friendly, well-bred clubman while deliberately provoking Bickersdyke, highlighting the performative nature of social interactions. ## Character check-ins ### Psmith Executes a calculated campaign to haunt Mr. Bickersdyke at the club, using patience and subtle psychological tactics. ### Mike Jackson Absent for most of the chapter, attending the Gaiety; returns to hear Psmith's account of the evening. ### Mr. Bickersdyke Becomes increasingly unsettled by Psmith's persistent, patronizing presence at the club, culminating in a bridge revoke and an outburst. ### Rossiter Gradually won over by Psmith's football talk, leading to a truce in the Postage Department. ## Key lines > Anything in the nature of a rash and hasty move was wholly foreign to Psmith's tactics. He had the patience which is the chief quality of the successful general. Psmith never acted impulsively; his strategy relied on careful patience, like a general planning a campaign. _Highlights Psmith's methodical approach to his scheme against Bickersdyke._ > I am Psmith,' he said simply. 'The member,' said Psmith. 'Surely you participated in the general rejoicings which ensued when it was announced that I had been elected? When asked if he was a member, Psmith replied with mock grandeur that he was 'the' member, implying his election was a celebrated event. _Illustrates Psmith's characteristic wit and self-assuredness._ > The rain keeps off,' said Psmith. Mr. Bickersdyke looked as if he wished his employee would imitate the rain, but he made no reply. Psmith made a trivial comment about the weather, and Bickersdyke's expression suggested he wished Psmith would stay away like the rain. _Shows Psmith's deliberate provocation and Bickersdyke's growing irritation._ > How can I keep my attention fixed on the game when you sit staring at me like a—like a—' 'I am sorry,' said Psmith gravely, 'if my stare falls short in any way of your ideal of what a stare should be' Bickersdyke complained that Psmith's staring distracted him, and Psmith responded with mock apology, questioning whether his stare met Bickersdyke's standards. _Demonstrates Psmith's deadpan humor and ability to turn Bickersdyke's anger back on him._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/ix-the-haunting-of-mr-bickersdyke - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters