# Chapter IX explained — Right Ho, Jeeves

> Chapter companion for Right Ho, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Bertie coaches Gussie on how to woo Madeline Bassett, suggesting he talk about the sunset and use romantic phrases. He then confronts Jeeves, who criticizes his plan, but Bertie defends his scheme to make Tuppy skip dinner to prove his love for Angela. Later, Gussie confesses his fear of proposing, so Bertie decides to soften up Madeline first by taking her for a stroll.

## Themes in this chapter

### Futility of Planning

Bertie's elaborate schemes to manipulate romantic outcomes are met with skepticism and likely to fail.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Gussie is coached to feign romantic melancholy and use poetic phrases that do not reflect his true feelings.

### Love and Marriage

The chapter revolves around romantic pursuits and proposals, with characters strategizing to win affection.

## Character check-ins

### Bertram Wooster

Coaches Gussie on romantic strategy and defends his plan against Jeeves' skepticism.

### Gussie Fink-Nottle

Receives advice from Bertie on how to propose to Madeline, but remains nervous.

### Jeeves

Criticizes Bertie's plan and suggests an alternative involving a fire alarm.

### Madeline Bassett

The object of Gussie's affection; Bertie plans to take her for a stroll to soften her up.

### Tuppy Glossop

Bertie advises him to skip dinner to show his love for Angela.

### Angela

Mentioned as the one Tuppy loves; Bertie plans to roast Tuppy to her.

## Key lines

> Now fades the glimmering landscape on the sight, sir, and all the air a solemn stillness holds.

The landscape is fading as twilight falls, and everything becomes quiet and still.

_Bertie suggests Gussie use this poetic line from Jeeves to impress Madeline._

> I shall talk to her of hearts that yearn, intimating that there is one actually on the premises.

I will hint to her that someone nearby is longing for her love.

_Bertie outlines his plan to soften up Madeline by suggesting Gussie's feelings._

> It will be like leaping on to a moving bus.

It will be easy to take over once she is emotionally prepared.

_Bertie compares Gussie's opportunity to jumping onto a bus that is already in motion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/right_ho_jeeves_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/right_ho_jeeves_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/right_ho_jeeves_se/chapters