# Mr. Bickersdyke Makes a Concession explained — Psmith in the City

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

## What happens

In a Turkish bath, Psmith confronts Mr. Bickersdyke with old radical speeches from the Tulse Hill Parliament, threatening to send them to the Clarion unless he spares Mike Jackson. Bickersdyke, fearing political ruin, concedes and agrees not to dismiss Mike.

## Themes in this chapter

### Authority and Rebellion

Psmith rebels against Bickersdyke's authority by blackmailing him with his radical past, subverting the power dynamic.

### Social Performance and Identity

Bickersdyke's past socialist speeches contrast with his current conservative persona, highlighting the performative nature of identity.

### Humor and Absurdity

The absurdity of Psmith's calm blackmail in a Turkish bath, with Bickersdyke's futile attempts to escape, drives the chapter's comedy.

## Character check-ins

### Psmith

Confronts Mr. Bickersdyke in the Turkish bath, using blackmail to secure Mike's job.

### Mr. Bickersdyke

Reluctantly concedes to Psmith's demands, agreeing not to dismiss Mike Jackson.

### Mike Jackson

Referenced as the employee whose dismissal is at stake; Psmith negotiates on his behalf.

### Strowther

Mentioned as a former member of the Tulse Hill Parliament who criticized Bickersdyke's speech.

### young Tom Barlow

Recalled as the Speaker of the Tulse Hill Parliament during Bickersdyke's radical speech.

## Key lines

> It is a quiet backwater in the rushing river of Life. I like to sit and think in a Turkish Bath. Except, of course, when I have a congenial companion to talk to. As now.

Psmith describes the Turkish bath as a peaceful retreat from life's hustle, but prefers chatting with a companion.

_Psmith's characteristic blend of whimsy and persistence as he corners Bickersdyke._

> I forbid you to send those speeches to the papers.

Bickersdyke orders Psmith not to publish his old radical speeches.

_Bickersdyke's desperation as Psmith's blackmail takes effect._

> Very well. Jackson shall stop.

Bickersdyke agrees not to dismiss Mike Jackson.

_The pivotal concession that resolves the chapter's conflict._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxiii-mr-bickersdyke-makes-a-concession
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters