Right Ho, Jeeves · Chapter
I explained
Bertie returns to his flat and learns from Jeeves that Gussie Fink-Nottle has been seeking Jeeves' counsel rather than Bertie's.
What happens
Bertie returns to his flat and learns from Jeeves that Gussie Fink-Nottle has been seeking Jeeves' counsel rather than Bertie's. Jeeves explains that Gussie, like Old Sippy before him, suffers from a rooted diffidence that prevents him from proposing to Miss Madeline Bassett. Bertie recalls meeting Miss Bassett at Cannes and finds her overly sentimental, but believes she is a suitable match for the dreamy Gussie. After a brief victory over Jeeves regarding his jacket choice, Bertie dines at the Drones and returns home to find Gussie in a Mephistopheles costume.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Gussie's inability to propose to Madeline Bassett drives the chapter's central conflict, highlighting the difficulties of courtship.
The Role of the Servant
Jeeves acts as a trusted counsellor to Bertie's circle, with Gussie seeking his advice over Bertie's, underscoring the servant's influential role.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Wooster
Narrator and protagonist; returns to his flat, discusses Gussie's predicament with Jeeves, and later goes to the Drones.
- Jeeves
Valet and counsellor; reveals that Gussie Fink-Nottle has been consulting him about his romantic troubles.
- Gussie Fink-Nottle
A shy newt-fancier who seeks Jeeves' help to propose to Madeline Bassett; appears at the end in a Mephistopheles costume.
- Madeline Bassett
The object of Gussie's affections; described by Bertie as sentimental and dreamy, a girl who asks if the stars are God's daisy-chain.
- Pongo Twistleton
A friend of Bertie's encountered at the Drones; talks about his upcoming merrymaking.
Key passages
“Odd, his coming to me. Still, if he did, he did. No argument about that. It must have been a nasty jar for the poor perisher when he found I wasn't here.”
Bertie is surprised that Gussie would visit him, but accepts it as fact and feels sorry for Gussie's disappointment at not finding him home.
Bertie's initial confusion about Gussie's visit.
“It was I with whom he was desirous of establishing communication, sir.”
Jeeves clarifies that Gussie actually came to see him, not Bertie.
Jeeves reveals he is the one Gussie sought out.
“Each time he endeavours to formulate a proposal of marriage, his courage fails him.”
Gussie cannot bring himself to propose despite wanting to.
Jeeves explains Gussie's romantic predicament.
“I don't suppose he has spoken to a girl for years. What a lesson this is to us, Jeeves, not to shut ourselves up in country houses and stare into glass tanks.”
Bertie reflects that Gussie's reclusive lifestyle has left him unable to converse with women.
Bertie's commentary on Gussie's social ineptitude.
“She's just the type for him. And he's just the type for her. In fine, a good thing and one to be pushed along with the utmost”
Bertie believes Gussie and Madeline are perfectly suited and should be encouraged to marry.
Bertie's endorsement of the match.