Right Ho, Jeeves · Chapter
XVI explained
Bertie wakes to a new day at Brinkley Court, reflecting on the previous night's events: Tuppy and Angela's rift has worsened, while Gussie's prize-giving looms.
What happens
Bertie wakes to a new day at Brinkley Court, reflecting on the previous night's events: Tuppy and Angela's rift has worsened, while Gussie's prize-giving looms. Bertie has secured gin to lace Gussie's orange juice, but discovers that Gussie has already drunk the laced jug, leaving him intoxicated. Bertie tries to reassure Gussie about his speech and his chances with Madeline Bassett, but Gussie remains despondent, haunted by the memory of General Bosher's trousers splitting at a similar event.
Themes in this chapter
Comedy of Errors
The chapter is built around a series of misunderstandings and mishaps: Gussie unknowingly drinks the laced orange juice, Bertie's plans go awry, and Gussie's anxiety about his speech mirrors the Bosher incident.
Futility of Planning
Bertie's careful scheme to lace Gussie's orange juice backfires when Gussie drinks it prematurely, and his attempts to reassure Gussie about Madeline and the speech prove ineffective.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Wooster
Narrator; wakes to a new day, reviews the Tuppy-Angela situation and Gussie's prize-giving, and tries to reassure Gussie.
- Jeeves
Discusses Gussie's visit to Bertie's room; reveals he did not dispose of the laced orange juice, leading to the realization that Gussie drank it.
- Gussie Fink-Nottle
Intoxicated from drinking the laced orange juice; anxious about his prize-giving speech and his relationship with Madeline Bassett.
- Tuppy Glossop
Mentioned in Bertie's reflections; his rift with Angela has worsened after the ham sandwich incident.
- Angela
Mentioned in Bertie's reflections; her relationship with Tuppy is strained.
- Madeline Bassett
Mentioned in Bertie's conversation with Gussie; Bertie tries to convince Gussie that Madeline still loves him.
Key passages
“I very much fear, sir—”
Jeeves expresses concern that Gussie has drunk the laced orange juice.
Bertie and Jeeves realize the gravity of the situation.
“It seems to me, Jeeves, that the ceremony may be one fraught with considerable interest.”
Bertie predicts the prize-giving will be eventful due to Gussie's intoxication.
Bertie's understatement highlights the impending chaos.
“I've a good mind to take that tip of yours and have a drink.”
Gussie considers drinking alcohol to calm his nerves.
Gussie's desperation leads him to consider Bertie's earlier advice.