Psmith in the City · Chapter
And Mike's explained
Mike plays a brilliant innings of 148 for his county at Lord's, finding his form after lunch and sharing a massive partnership with his brother Joe.
What happens
Mike plays a brilliant innings of 148 for his county at Lord's, finding his form after lunch and sharing a massive partnership with his brother Joe. After the match, Psmith reveals that he has arranged for Mike to join him at Cambridge as his confidential secretary and adviser, with expenses covered by Psmith's father, and announces his own resignation from the bank.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Psmith arranges a future for Mike at Cambridge, demonstrating deep loyalty and generosity.
Ambition and Career
Mike's cricket success and Psmith's plan to study law highlight their aspirations beyond the bank.
Resilience and Adaptation
Mike overcomes his initial nervousness to play a match-winning innings, adapting to the demands of first-class cricket.
Characters to notice
- Mike Jackson
Scores 148 for his county, feels exhausted but triumphant; accepts Psmith's offer to go to Cambridge.
- Psmith
Arranges for Mike to accompany him to Cambridge as secretary; announces he is leaving the bank.
- Joe Jackson
Scores 189, runs himself out; plays brilliantly alongside Mike.
- Mr. Bickersdyke
Mentioned as the target of Psmith's impending resignation announcement at the club.
Key passages
“I can offer you a not entirely scaly job, if you feel like taking it. In the course of conversation with my father during the match this afternoon, I gleaned the fact that he is anxious to secure your services as a species of agent.”
Psmith tells Mike that his father wants to hire Mike as an agent for the Psmith estates.
Psmith reveals the job offer to Mike after the cricket match.
“Do you suggest that I should go to the University without a confidential secretary and adviser?”
Psmith jokingly insists that he needs Mike as his secretary at Cambridge.
Psmith uses humor to make the offer of financial support more palatable to Mike.
“The time has come to part. It has served its turn. The startled whisper runs round the City. 'Psmith has had sufficient.'”
Psmith announces his decision to leave the bank, implying his time there is over.
Psmith declares his resignation from the bank in a dramatic, theatrical manner.