Psmith in the City · Chapter
Psmith Explains explained
Psmith and Mike take a break from their bank duties to visit the post office and then a tea shop, where Psmith explains why he is working at the bank: his father, inspired by commerce, arranged for him to work under Mr.
What happens
Psmith and Mike take a break from their bank duties to visit the post office and then a tea shop, where Psmith explains why he is working at the bank: his father, inspired by commerce, arranged for him to work under Mr. Bickersdyke, who holds a grudge against Psmith. Psmith reveals he has been elected to the Senior Conservative Club, where Bickersdyke also belongs, and plans to haunt him there to get his own back.
Themes in this chapter
Work vs. Idleness
Psmith contrasts his brief period of intense work with his leisurely stroll and tea shop visit, highlighting the tension between duty and leisure.
Authority and Rebellion
Psmith's plan to haunt Bickersdyke at the club is a subtle rebellion against the authority figure who tried to suppress him.
Social Performance and Identity
Psmith performs the role of a model bank clerk while secretly plotting his social revenge, illustrating the performative nature of identity.
Characters to notice
- Psmith
Explains his presence at the bank and his plan to haunt Mr. Bickersdyke at the Senior Conservative Club.
- Mike Jackson
Listens to Psmith's explanation and expresses concern about Bickersdyke's hostility.
- Rossiter
Mentioned as the head of the Postage Department; Psmith and Mike worry about his reaction to their extended absence.
- Mr. Bickersdyke
Referenced as the bank manager who holds grudges against both Psmith and Mike.
Key passages
“A commercial crisis has passed. The job of work which Comrade Rossiter indicated for me has been completed with masterly skill. The period of anxiety is over. The bank ceases to totter.”
Psmith announces he has finished his assigned task and the bank is no longer in danger.
Psmith's characteristic humor downplays his minimal effort.
“I shall mix freely with Comrade Bickersdyke at the Senior Conservative Club. I shall be his constant companion. I shall, in short, haunt the man.”
Psmith plans to spend time with Bickersdyke at the club to annoy him.
This reveals Psmith's strategy for revenge outside the bank.