Right Ho, Jeeves · Chapter
XIX explained
Bertie attempts to reason with Angela about her engagement to Gussie, but she reveals it was a gesture to spite Tuppy.
What happens
Bertie attempts to reason with Angela about her engagement to Gussie, but she reveals it was a gesture to spite Tuppy. Later, he dines with Aunt Dahlia, who is in high spirits after Anatole withdraws his notice, though the chapter ends with Seppings reporting that Gussie is making faces at Anatole through a skylight.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Angela's engagement to Gussie is revealed as a manipulative gesture to provoke Tuppy, highlighting the complications and gamesmanship in romantic relationships.
Comedy of Errors
Bertie's earnest but ineffective attempt to reason with Angela, and the absurd situation of Gussie making faces at Anatole, drive the chapter's comedic misunderstandings.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Wooster
Tries to persuade Angela to break off her engagement to Gussie, then dines with Aunt Dahlia.
- Angela
Reveals her engagement to Gussie was a gesture to make Tuppy jealous; refuses to end it.
- Aunt Dahlia
Cheerful after Anatole withdraws his notice; dines with Bertie and discusses Gussie's speech.
- Gussie Fink-Nottle
Mentioned as the subject of Angela's engagement and as making faces at Anatole through the skylight.
- Tuppy Glossop
Referenced as the target of Angela's gesture; his reaction to the engagement is discussed.
- Seppings
Appears to inform Aunt Dahlia about Gussie making faces at Anatole.
Key passages
“What was needed to straighten matters out, I perceived, was a heart-to-heart talk with Angela.”
Bertie decides that a sincere conversation with Angela is the solution.
Bertie's plan to resolve the engagement issue.
“You got engaged to Gussie just to score off Tuppy?”
Bertie asks if Angela's engagement was only to spite Tuppy.
Angela confirms her engagement was a gesture.
“Anatole has withdrawn his notice.”
Anatole has decided to stay after all.
Aunt Dahlia's good news about the chef.
“Is it by your wish, madam, that Mr. Fink-Nottle is making faces at Monsieur Anatole through the skylight of his bedroom?”
Seppings asks if Aunt Dahlia authorized Gussie's behavior.
The chapter ends with a new absurd complication.