Psmith, Journalist · Chapter
The Knockout for Mr. Waring explained
Psmith reveals to Mr.
What happens
Psmith reveals to Mr. Wilberfloss and the assembled contributors that he is the new proprietor of Cosy Moments, having purchased it from Mr. White. He then confronts Mr. Stewart Waring, the owner of the Pleasant Street Tenements, who threatens legal action but ultimately capitulates. Psmith outlines a plan to restore the paper to its original harmless format and secures Mr. Wilberfloss's cooperation.
Themes in this chapter
Journalism and Power
Psmith's acquisition of Cosy Moments demonstrates how ownership of a newspaper can shift power dynamics and influence reform.
Courage and Risk
Psmith boldly confronts the powerful Mr. Waring, risking retaliation to uphold the paper's exposé.
Humor and Absurdity
Psmith's witty remarks and the absurdity of Waring threatening libel after his own violent tactics highlight the chapter's comedic tone.
Characters to notice
- Psmith
Reveals himself as the new proprietor of Cosy Moments and orchestrates the confrontation with Mr. Waring.
- Mr. J. Fillken Wilberfloss
Returns to find Psmith as owner; initially shocked but agrees to help restore the paper.
- Stewart Waring
Confronts Psmith and Wilberfloss, threatens libel suit, but eventually surrenders.
- Pugsy Maloney
Announces Mr. Waring's arrival and delivers his card.
- Bat Jarvis
Present during the revelation; tickles a cat and whistles, later invited to visit his zoo.
Key passages
“To start ballyragging a seeming nonentity and then to discover he is the proprietor of the paper to which you wish to contribute is like kicking an apparently empty hat and finding your rich uncle inside it.”
It is embarrassing to insult someone you think is unimportant, only to find out they own the publication you want to work for.
Psmith's humorous analogy underscores the irony of the contributors' situation.
“I'll sue you for libel.”
Mr. Waring threatens legal action against the paper.
Waring's threat is ironic given his previous violent attempts to silence the editors.