Psmith in the City · Chapter
Mike Is Moved On explained
Mike begins to settle into bank life, finding camaraderie among fellow employees and enjoying London with Psmith.
What happens
Mike begins to settle into bank life, finding camaraderie among fellow employees and enjoying London with Psmith. However, the hostility of Mr. Bickersdyke persists, and a new arrival at the bank leads to Mike being transferred to another department.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Mike and Psmith's bond deepens as Psmith supports Mike financially and socially, and they navigate bank life together.
Work vs. Idleness
Mike balances his duties with surreptitious reading and extended tea breaks, illustrating the tension between work and leisure in the bank.
Social Performance and Identity
Psmith's tactful management of Mr. Rossiter and the social dynamics among bank employees highlight the performance of roles within the workplace.
Characters to notice
- Mike Jackson
Mike grows accustomed to the bank, finds old schoolmates, and enjoys evenings with Psmith, but faces occasional reprimands from Mr. Bickersdyke.
- Psmith
Psmith continues to befriend Mike, pays for their outings, and uses tact to improve relations with Mr. Rossiter.
- Mr. Bickersdyke
Mr. Bickersdyke remains hostile toward Mike, reprimanding him for minor infractions like posting unstamped letters.
- Rossiter
Mr. Rossiter becomes more agreeable under Psmith's influence, no longer reporting subordinates to the manager.
- Bannister
Bannister, Mike's predecessor in the Postage Department, is mentioned as amazed by the change in Rossiter's behavior.
Key passages
“This episode may be said to have concluded the first act of the commercial drama in which Mike and Psmith had been cast for leading parts.”
This chapter marks the end of the first phase of Mike and Psmith's banking adventure.
The narrator signals a turning point in the story.
“By kindness, said Psmith to Mike, after one of these expeditions. By tact and kindness. That is how it is done.”
Psmith explains that treating Rossiter with kindness and tact has improved their relationship.
Psmith's method of handling difficult people is revealed.
“I need you, Comrade Jackson, he said, when Mike lodged a protest on finding himself bound for the stalls for the second night in succession. We must stick together.”
Psmith insists that Mike accompany him to the theater, claiming he needs Mike's company for inspiration.
Psmith humorously justifies his generosity and desire for Mike's companionship.