Psmith, Journalist · Chapter
XXVIII: Standing Room Only explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Wilberfloss returns to Cosy Moments and confronts Psmith about the changes made to the paper. Psmith reveals that he is the acting editor, appointed by Billy Windsor, who is now in prison for hitting a policeman. The office is crowded with Wilberfloss's supporters, Bat Jarvis, Long Otto, and their animals, leading to chaos. Psmith defends the new direction of the paper, citing increased circulation and the popularity of Kid Brady's boxing memoirs.
Themes in this chapter
Journalism and Power
The chapter highlights the struggle for control of Cosy Moments, with Psmith asserting his authority as acting editor and defending the paper's new sensationalist direction against the traditionalist Wilberfloss.
Humor and Absurdity
The chaotic office scene with cats, a dog, and the clash of personalities (including Psmith's witty remarks and Bat Jarvis's literal cat-handling) provides a comedic backdrop to the serious editorial conflict.
Courage and Risk
Psmith boldly claims the editorship and defends the controversial content, while Billy Windsor's imprisonment for hitting a policeman underscores the risks taken in the pursuit of their journalistic mission.
Characters to notice
- Psmith
Acting editor of Cosy Moments; calmly reveals his self-appointment and defends the paper's new direction against Wilberfloss.
- Mr. J. Fillken Wilberfloss
Returned editor who demands an explanation for the changes to the paper; confronts Psmith.
- Bat Jarvis
Brings his cats to the office; serves as acting fighting editor; gets into a minor altercation with Waterman.
- Long Otto
Accompanies Bat Jarvis with a yellow dog; silent but physically imposing; part of the 'fighting editors' team.
- Billy Windsor
Mentioned as being in prison on Blackwell's Island for hitting a policeman; appointed Psmith as acting editor.
- B. Henderson Asher
Present among Wilberfloss's supporters; offered a cigarette by Psmith.
Key passages
“I think it is practically a certainty that he has not the slightest inkling of any changes in the paper.”
Psmith suggests that Mr. White is completely unaware of the changes made to Cosy Moments.
Psmith uses this to mislead Wilberfloss about who really controls the paper.
“I am Psmith. There is a preliminary P before the name. This, however, is silent. Like the tomb. Compare such words as ptarmigan, psalm, and phthisis.”
Psmith introduces himself with his characteristic flourish, noting the silent 'P' in his name.
Psmith's trademark self-introduction, blending humor and erudition.
“It might be claimed that I appointed myself. You may say, however, that Comrade Windsor appointed me.”
Psmith admits he essentially appointed himself as acting editor, though he credits Billy Windsor with the authority.
Psmith's clever deflection of responsibility while asserting his control.
“Such is the generous impulsiveness of Comrade Windsor's nature that he hit a policeman, was promptly gathered in, and is now serving a sentence of thirty days on Blackwell's Island.”
Psmith explains that Billy Windsor is in prison for hitting a policeman, calling it a result of his impulsive generosity.
Psmith's ironic tone downplays the seriousness of Billy's situation.
