Psmith in the City · Chapter
Psmith in the City explained
Mike Jackson, after scoring 98 in a cricket match, receives news that his father has lost money and he must leave school to work at the New Asiatic Bank.
What happens
Mike Jackson, after scoring 98 in a cricket match, receives news that his father has lost money and he must leave school to work at the New Asiatic Bank. There, he encounters his old friend Psmith, who has also joined the bank. Psmith explains his presence and begins to haunt Mr. Bickersdyke, the bank manager, at the club. The chapter follows their early days at the bank, including Psmith's humorous interactions and Mike's transfer to the cash department. Psmith discovers Mr. Waller's socialism and attends a Clapham Common socialist meeting. Mike plays for his county at Lord's, confesses to Bickersdyke, and ultimately Psmith plans a new future, leading to their resignation from the bank.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Psmith and Mike's bond is central; Psmith supports Mike through bank life and they resign together.
Class and Social Mobility
Mike's fall from school to bank work due to family financial trouble highlights class precariousness.
Characters to notice
- Psmith
Joins the bank, haunts Bickersdyke, discovers Waller's socialism, plans future, resigns.
- Mike Jackson
Scores 98, learns of financial trouble, starts at bank, transferred to cash department, plays for county, confesses to Bickersdyke, resigns.
- Mr. Bickersdyke
Bank manager, addressed constituents, confronted by Psmith at club, receives Mike's confession.
- Mr. Waller
Socialist discovered by Psmith, hosts Clapham Common meeting.
- Rossiter
Present at the Clapham Common socialist meeting.
Key passages
“Psmith in the City”
Psmith works in the financial district of London.
Title of the chapter, indicating Psmith's new urban banking environment.