Right Ho, Jeeves · Chapter
II explained
Bertie tries to dissuade Gussie Fink-Nottle from attending a fancy-dress ball as Mephistopheles, a scheme devised by Jeeves to embolden Gussie to propose to Madeline Bassett.
What happens
Bertie tries to dissuade Gussie Fink-Nottle from attending a fancy-dress ball as Mephistopheles, a scheme devised by Jeeves to embolden Gussie to propose to Madeline Bassett. Bertie criticizes Jeeves's elaborate approach, asserting his own simpler plan, but is distracted by telegrams. Gussie reveals Jeeves's psychological reasoning behind the costume choice, and Bertie reflects on his own irritation with Jeeves over the mess jacket incident.
Themes in this chapter
Futility of Planning
Bertie's attempt to dissuade Gussie and his own plan to take over from Jeeves are undermined by Gussie's stubbornness and the arrival of telegrams.
Appearance vs. Reality
Gussie hopes the Mephistopheles costume will transform his confidence, but he admits it hasn't emboldened him; the contrast between outward show and inner feeling is central.
The Role of the Servant
Bertie asserts his authority over Jeeves, criticizing his elaborate methods, yet Gussie values Jeeves's advice over Bertie's, highlighting the servant's influence.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Wooster
Narrates the chapter, attempts to advise Gussie, and confronts Jeeves about his methods.
- Gussie Fink-Nottle
Anxious about attending the fancy-dress ball as Mephistopheles, hoping to win Madeline Bassett.
- Jeeves
Devised the Mephistopheles costume plan for Gussie; is criticized by Bertie for being too elaborate.
- Madeline Bassett
The object of Gussie's affection; she is leaving for the country after the ball.
Key passages
“I feel a most frightful chump now, yes, but who can say whether that will not pass off when I get into a mob of other people in fancy dress.”
Gussie admits he feels foolish in the Mephistopheles costume but hopes the crowd at the ball will make him feel less self-conscious.
Gussie's rationalization for attending the ball despite his embarrassment.
“Your methods are not simple, not straightforward. You cloud the issue with a lot of fancy stuff that is not of the essence.”
Bertie accuses Jeeves of overcomplicating things instead of offering direct advice.
Bertie's criticism of Jeeves's elaborate approach to helping Gussie.
“He said that the costume of Pierrot, while pleasing to the eye, lacked the authority of the Mephistopheles costume.”
Jeeves believes the Mephistopheles costume has more psychological impact than a Pierrot costume.
Jeeves's reasoning for choosing the Mephistopheles costume over a Pierrot.