# Psmith in the City explained — Psmith in the City

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> Psmith in the City

Psmith works in the financial district of London.

_Title of the chapter, indicating Psmith's new urban banking environment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/psmith-in-the-city
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters