Psmith in the City · Chapter
Sunday Supper explained
After the chaotic socialist meeting, Psmith insists they attend Mr.
What happens
After the chaotic socialist meeting, Psmith insists they attend Mr. Waller's Sunday supper despite Mike's reluctance. The meal is awkward: Mike is grilled by the insufferable Edward Waller, accidentally spills water into the jam tart, and witnesses a lovers' quarrel between Ada and Mr. Richards over Women's Suffrage. Psmith remains unruffled throughout.
Themes in this chapter
Social Performance and Identity
Mike feels deeply uncomfortable in a social setting outside his class, while Psmith adapts effortlessly, highlighting the contrast in their social performances.
Humor and Absurdity
The chapter's comedy arises from Mike's disastrous attempts to navigate the supper, Edward's relentless quiz questions, and the lovers' quarrel over Women's Suffrage.
Characters to notice
- Psmith
Insists on attending Mr. Waller's supper; remains composed and makes witty observations throughout the awkward meal.
- Mike Jackson
Reluctantly attends supper; feels out of place, is grilled by Edward Waller, and accidentally spills water into the jam tart, mortifying himself.
- Mr. Waller
Hosts the supper; is proud of his son Edward and tries to smooth over the awkwardness caused by the lovers' quarrel.
- Prebble
Present at supper; his speech impediment causes confusion when he asks for the mustard.
- Ada
Mr. Waller's niece; becomes upset with Mr. Richards over his remarks on Women's Suffrage and leaves the table in tears.
- Mr. Richards
Ada's fiancé; inadvertently offends her with his facetious comments on Women's Suffrage and later leaves to try to reconcile.
Key passages
“How pleasant, after strife is rest. We shouldn't have appreciated this simple cup of tea had our sensibilities remained unstirred this afternoon.”
Psmith remarks that the tea tastes better because of the excitement they just experienced.
Psmith's characteristic philosophical observation after the meeting.
“Noblesse oblige. The cry has gone round the Waller household, 'Jackson and Psmith are coming to supper,' and we cannot disappoint them now.”
Psmith insists they must attend the supper because they are expected.
Psmith uses a lofty phrase to justify a mundane social obligation.
“I always hold that much may be learned by casual chitchat across the dinner table. I owe much of my own grasp of—”
Psmith claims that casual conversation is educational, though he is interrupted.
Psmith's ironic defense of Edward's relentless questioning.
“Death, where is thy sting?”
Mike feels so miserable that he wishes he were dead.
Mike's internal despair at the height of his embarrassment.