Psmith in the City · Chapter
VII: Going Into Winter Quarters explained
Mike and Psmith finish their first day at the bank.
What happens
Mike and Psmith finish their first day at the bank. Psmith invites Mike to share his flat at Clement's Inn, and Mike accepts, moving out of his Dulwich lodgings. The next day, Mr. Rossiter confronts them about their prolonged absence, but Psmith deflects with humor. Mr. Bickersdyke appears and questions Psmith's work ethic, but Rossiter surprisingly defends Psmith, earning Psmith's goodwill.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Psmith offers Mike a place to stay without hesitation, and Mike accepts, recognizing the value of having an ally in a difficult situation.
Work vs. Idleness
Psmith's banter about being a 'bee, not a drone' contrasts with Bickersdyke's suspicion of idling, highlighting the tension between appearance and actual work.
Social Performance and Identity
Psmith performs the role of a diligent worker while subtly mocking bank discipline; Rossiter's unexpected defense shows the complexity of social roles.
Characters to notice
- Psmith
Invites Mike to share his flat; deflects Rossiter's and Bickersdyke's inquiries with wit; decides to cultivate Rossiter after his unexpected defense.
- Mike Jackson
Endures his first day at the bank; accepts Psmith's invitation to move into the flat; feels less lonely with an ally.
- Mr. Bickersdyke
Questions Psmith's work ethic; receives Psmith's father's regards without comment; accepts Rossiter's assurance about Psmith's work.
- Rossiter
Confronts Psmith and Mike about their absence; surprisingly defends Psmith to Bickersdyke, earning Psmith's gratitude.
Key passages
“I have acquired a quite snug little flat in Clement’s Inn. There is a spare bedroom. It shall be yours.”
Psmith tells Mike he has a flat with a spare room and offers it to him.
Psmith's invitation solidifies their partnership and provides Mike with a home.
“His action shone like a good deed in a wicked world. Which it was, of course. From today onwards I take Comrade Rossiter under my wing.”
Psmith praises Rossiter for not reporting him to Bickersdyke and decides to be kind to him.
Psmith's unexpected respect for Rossiter shows his appreciation for loyalty.
“I am a worker. A bee, not a drone. A Lusitania , not a limpet.”
Psmith claims he is industrious and productive, not lazy.
Psmith's humorous self-description deflects Bickersdyke's criticism.