Right Ho, Jeeves · Chapter
XIII explained
Bertie Wooster devises a plan to reunite Tuppy Glossop and his cousin Angela by roasting Tuppy to her, expecting her maternal instincts to defend him.
What happens
Bertie Wooster devises a plan to reunite Tuppy Glossop and his cousin Angela by roasting Tuppy to her, expecting her maternal instincts to defend him. He also decides to lace Gussie Fink-Nottle's orange juice with gin to embolden him to propose to Madeline Bassett and perform well at the Market Snodsbury prize distribution. Jeeves refuses to cooperate with the latter scheme, citing risks based on a past incident with a parrot.
Themes in this chapter
Futility of Planning
Bertie's elaborate plans to roast Tuppy and lace Gussie's juice are met with Jeeves' resistance and potential unforeseen consequences, highlighting the theme.
Comedy of Errors
The chapter is filled with humorous misunderstandings and misadventures, such as Tuppy's larder incident and the parrot anecdote, contributing to the comedic tone.
The Role of the Servant
Jeeves exercises his moral and practical judgment by refusing to carry out Bertie's scheme, asserting his role beyond mere obedience.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Wooster
Devises plans to roast Tuppy to Angela and lace Gussie's orange juice with gin; discusses strategies with Jeeves.
- Jeeves
Advises against lacing Gussie's juice, citing a parrot incident; refuses to cooperate with Bertie's scheme.
- Tuppy Glossop
Described as having a face 'sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought' after being caught by Angela in the larder.
- Angela
Found Tuppy in the larder with a steak-and-kidney pie and made caustic remarks; Bertie plans to roast Tuppy to her to trigger her maternal instincts.
- Gussie Fink-Nottle
An orange-juice addict; Bertie plans to lace his juice with gin to embolden him for proposing and the prize distribution.
- Madeline Bassett
The object of Gussie's affections; Bertie's scheme aims to help Gussie propose to her.
Key passages
“It seemed to me that Mr. Glossop’s face was sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought.”
Mr. Glossop looked troubled and pensive.
Jeeves observes Tuppy's worried expression after the larder incident.
“You feel that Miss Angela’s strictures should not be taken too much au pied de la lettre, sir?”
You believe Miss Angela's criticisms should not be taken literally?
Jeeves clarifies Bertie's interpretation of Angela's harsh words.
“I am sorry, but I am afraid I must enter an unequivocal nolle prosequi.”
I regret that I must formally decline to proceed with this matter.
Jeeves uses a legal term to refuse Bertie's request to lace Gussie's juice.