Psmith, Journalist · Chapter
The Honeyed Word explained
Psmith faces a delegation of disgruntled contributors—including B.
What happens
Psmith faces a delegation of disgruntled contributors—including B. Henderson Asher, Mr. Waterman, and the Rev. Edwin T. Philpotts—who have been dismissed by Billy Windsor. With charm and flattery, Psmith deflects their anger, explains that Wilberfloss is unreachable on holiday, and advises them to wait for his return. He then smooths tensions by inviting them all to lunch at the Knickerbocker.
Themes in this chapter
Journalism and Power
Psmith's diplomatic handling of the contributors' revolt illustrates the behind-the-scenes maneuvering and authority struggles in a newspaper office.
Humor and Absurdity
Psmith's exaggerated descriptions of Wilberfloss's holiday adventures and his mock reverence for Asher's 'Moments of Mirth' inject comedy into a tense situation.
Characters to notice
- Psmith
Acts as acting subeditor, defuses the contributors' revolt with diplomacy and wit, then hosts a reconciliatory lunch.
- Billy Windsor
Absent from the meeting; his dismissal letters have provoked the contributors' anger; Psmith portrays him as a fierce, unbrooking editor.
- B. Henderson Asher
Author of 'Moments of Mirth'; leads the delegation demanding to see Windsor; eventually mollified by Psmith's flattery and lunch invitation.
- Mr. J. Fillken Wilberfloss
The absent editor-in-chief; his holiday location is unknown, leaving Psmith and Windsor in charge.
- Luella Granville Waterman
Her husband, Mr. Waterman, represents her; she is a longtime contributor who received a dismissal letter from Windsor.
- Rev. Edwin T. Philpotts
Contributor of 'Moments of Meditation'; initially frosty but thawed by Psmith's praise.
Key passages
“I have read your page with the keenest interest. I may be wrong, but yours seems to me work which the world will not willingly let die.”
Psmith flatters the Rev. Philpotts by claiming his 'Moments of Meditation' is timeless and valuable.
Psmith uses exaggerated praise to disarm a disgruntled contributor.
“It is unusual for the substitute-editor of a weekly paper to do a Captain Kidd act and take entire command of the journal on his own account; but is it impossible? Alas no.”
Psmith explains that while it's rare for a temporary editor to seize full control, Billy Windsor has done exactly that.
Psmith frames Windsor's takeover as an unexpected but real power shift.
“You may rely on me to keep a watchful eye upon your interests. When your thoughts tend to take a gloomy turn, say to yourselves, 'All is well. Psmith is keeping a watchful eye upon our interests.'”
Psmith reassures the contributors that he will protect their interests while they wait for Wilberfloss's return.
Psmith positions himself as a benevolent guardian to calm the revolt.