Right Ho, Jeeves · Chapter
IV explained
Aunt Dahlia bursts into Bertie's bedroom early in the morning, demanding he get up and dress.
What happens
Aunt Dahlia bursts into Bertie's bedroom early in the morning, demanding he get up and dress. She reveals she has come to take him back to Brinkley Court, where he must give away prizes at Market Snodsbury Grammar School's summer prize-giving. Bertie protests, but Aunt Dahlia threatens to cut him off from Anatole's cooking if he refuses. Bertie is left in gloom, and Jeeves announces Gussie Fink-Nottle's arrival.
Themes in this chapter
The Role of the Servant
Jeeves appears as the quintessential butler, bringing tea and managing the household, while Anatole's culinary skills are used as a bargaining chip.
Futility of Planning
Bertie's plans for a quiet recovery are shattered by Aunt Dahlia's unexpected demand, and the vicar's injury disrupts the prize-giving arrangements.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Wooster
Narrator; recovering from Pongo Twistleton's birthday party; shocked by Aunt Dahlia's early visit and demand to give prizes.
- Aunt Dahlia
Bursts into Bertie's bedroom; insists he get up and dress; reveals she is a governor of Market Snodsbury Grammar School and needs Bertie to give away prizes.
- Jeeves
Enters with tea; announces Gussie Fink-Nottle's arrival at the end of the chapter.
- Gussie Fink-Nottle
Arrives to see Bertie, announced by Jeeves at the chapter's close.
- Anatole
Referenced as the superb chef whose cooking is used as leverage by Aunt Dahlia to persuade Bertie.
- Pongo Twistleton
Mentioned as the host of the birthday party Bertie attended the previous night.
Key passages
“I have the highest esteem for Aunt Dahlia, and have never wavered in my cordial appreciation of her humanity, sporting qualities and general good-eggishness.”
Bertie thinks highly of Aunt Dahlia and has always appreciated her kind and sporty nature.
Bertie reflects on his aunt's character before being shocked by her early visit.
“You will do it, young Bertie, or never darken my doors again. And you know what that means. No more of Anatole's dinners for you.”
Aunt Dahlia threatens to ban Bertie from her house and Anatole's cooking if he refuses to give the prizes.
Aunt Dahlia uses Bertie's love of Anatole's food as leverage.