# An Addition to the Staff explained — Psmith, Journalist

> Chapter companion for Psmith, Journalist by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Psmith and Billy Windsor visit Kid Brady after his boxing match to offer him the position of fighting editor at Cosy Moments, anticipating trouble from a gang hired by their adversary. Kid Brady accepts the offer, refusing any salary out of gratitude. After leaving, the trio gets lost in a dark alley and is ambushed by a group of men, but Kid Brady quickly disarms one of the attackers with a blackjack.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage and Risk

Kid Brady's willingness to face potential gang violence as fighting editor highlights the theme of courage in the face of danger.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Kid Brady's refusal of salary out of gratitude to Psmith and Billy underscores the bond of loyalty among the characters.

### Gang Violence and Corruption

The ambush with a blackjack and the threat from Comrade Parker's hired gang illustrate the pervasive gang violence and corruption.

## Character check-ins

### Kid Brady

Accepts the role of fighting editor for Cosy Moments, demonstrating loyalty and physical prowess.

### Psmith

Articulates the need for a fighting editor and leads the recruitment of Kid Brady.

### Billy Windsor

Explains the threat from Comrade Parker and the gang, and supports hiring Kid Brady.

### Comrade Parker

Mentioned as the antagonist who threatened the editors and hired the gang.

### Mr. Wolmann

Referenced as Kid Brady's recent boxing opponent, Cyclone Al Wolmann.

## Key lines

> He couldn't hit a hole in a block of ice-cream, not if he was to use a hammer.

He couldn't hit a target even with a hammer.

_Kid Brady's colorful dismissal of Al Wolmann's punching ability._

> I felt like some watcher of the skies when a new planet swims into his ken; or like stout Cortez when with eagle eyes he stared at the Pacific.

I felt awe and wonder, like an astronomer discovering a new planet or Cortez gazing at the Pacific.

_Psmith's poetic praise of Kid Brady's fighting skills, referencing Keats and exploration._

> Next time we three go on a little jaunt anywhere, it would be as well to take a map and a corps of guides with us.

Next time we go out, we should bring a map and guides.

_Psmith's humorous remark after getting lost in a blind alley._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xv-an-addition-to-the-staff
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_journalist_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters