Right Ho, Jeeves · Chapter
Chapter XI explained
Bertie learns from Jeeves that Gussie's proposal to Madeline failed because he nervously talked about newts instead of proposing.
What happens
Bertie learns from Jeeves that Gussie's proposal to Madeline failed because he nervously talked about newts instead of proposing. Aunt Dahlia confronts Bertie about the disastrous dinner scheme, revealing that Anatole has given notice due to the insult of untouched food, causing Uncle Tom great distress. Later, Tuppy confides in Bertie his belief that Angela has fallen for someone else during her Cannes trip, threatening violence against the supposed rival.
Themes in this chapter
Comedy of Errors
Gussie's nervous newt lecture instead of a proposal, and Bertie's well-intentioned scheme backfiring with Anatole's resignation, exemplify the chapter's comedic mishaps.
Futility of Planning
Bertie's elaborate plans to help Gussie and to manage the dinner both collapse disastrously, highlighting the theme.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Wooster
Narrator; learns of Gussie's failed proposal, faces Aunt Dahlia's wrath over Anatole's resignation, and listens to Tuppy's suspicions about Angela.
- Jeeves
Reports to Bertie the details of Gussie's nervous newt monologue to Madeline.
- Gussie Fink-Nottle
Failed to propose to Madeline due to a nervous spasm, instead delivering a lecture on newts.
- Aunt Dahlia
Furious with Bertie for the dinner scheme that led to Anatole giving notice; informs Bertie of Uncle Tom's distress.
- Tuppy Glossop
Confronts Bertie with his theory that Angela fell for someone else in Cannes, vowing violence against the rival.
- Angela
Mentioned as the object of Tuppy's suspicions; Bertie plans to speak with her.
Key passages
“I regret to say, sir, that there was a slight hitch.”
Jeeves informs Bertie that Gussie's proposal did not go as planned.
Jeeves understates the disaster of Gussie's newt monologue.
“Newts, sir.”
Jeeves reveals that Gussie talked about newts instead of proposing.
The absurd topic of Gussie's nervous rambling.
“Anatole, God's gift to the gastric juices, gone like the dew off the petal of a rose, all through your idiocy.”
Aunt Dahlia blames Bertie for Anatole's resignation due to the dinner scheme.
Aunt Dahlia's dramatic lament over the loss of the chef.
“If ever I find this slimy, slithery snake in the grass, he had better make all the necessary arrangements at his favourite nursing-home without delay, because I am going to be very rough with him.”
Tuppy threatens violence against the man he believes stole Angela's affections.
Tuppy's jealous rage over Angela's supposed new love.