Right Ho, Jeeves · Chapter
Chapter XII explained
Tuppy Glossop recounts to Bertie the humiliating scene in the larder where he was caught by Aunt Dahlia, Uncle Tom, and Angela while trying to eat a steak-and-kidney pie.
What happens
Tuppy Glossop recounts to Bertie the humiliating scene in the larder where he was caught by Aunt Dahlia, Uncle Tom, and Angela while trying to eat a steak-and-kidney pie. Angela's mocking remarks convince Tuppy she no longer loves him, but Bertie tries to reassure him that Angela's behavior is just girlish banter and that she still cares. Bertie also reveals that during their time in Cannes, Angela was practically inseparable from him, dispelling Tuppy's belief that she fell for another man there. The chapter ends with Bertie feeling optimistic about his plans to resolve the romantic entanglements.
Themes in this chapter
Comedy of Errors
The larder scene is a classic farcical misunderstanding, with Tuppy caught red-handed, Uncle Tom's burglar paranoia, and the women's mockery.
Appearance vs. Reality
Angela's harsh words and mockery conceal her true feelings, as Bertie insists she still loves Tuppy despite her behavior.
Love and Marriage
Tuppy's anguish over Angela's supposed loss of love and Bertie's efforts to reunite them drive the romantic subplot.
Characters to notice
- Tuppy Glossop
Visits Bertie's room to recount the humiliating larder incident and express his despair over Angela's apparent disdain.
- Bertram Wooster
Listens to Tuppy's story, offers reassurance, and reveals his own close companionship with Angela in Cannes to dispel Tuppy's jealousy.
- Angela
Present in the larder scene, she mocks Tuppy's appetite and compares him to a python, deeply wounding his pride.
- Aunt Dahlia
Catches Tuppy in the larder and engages in a discussion with Angela about whether Tuppy resembles a boa constrictor or a python.
- Uncle Tom
Appears in the larder wearing mauve pyjamas and carrying a pistol, suspecting burglars due to the noises Tuppy made.
- Jeeves
Mentions that Bertie was about to describe his plan to Jeeves when Tuppy interrupted; he later enters to remove the tea tray.
Key passages
“I expect it was Mr. Glossop eating.”
Angela suggests that the noise Uncle Tom heard was Tuppy eating.
Angela's remark humiliates Tuppy in front of the others.
“That was what hurt, Bertie. That was what stung. I hadn't so much as started on that pie.”
Tuppy explains that Angela's accusation was especially painful because he hadn't even begun to eat the pie.
Highlights Tuppy's sense of injustice and wounded pride.
“Girlish banter, what?”
Bertie suggests that Angela's teasing is just playful flirting.
Bertie tries to reassure Tuppy by downplaying Angela's harshness.
“I don't suppose she said two words to anybody else, except, of course, idle conv. at the crowded dinner table or a chance remark in a throng at the Casino.”
Bertie claims that Angela spent almost all her time with him in Cannes, barely speaking to anyone else.
Bertie uses this to disprove Tuppy's belief that Angela met another man.