Right Ho, Jeeves · Chapter
XVII explained
Bertie drives Jeeves to Market Snodsbury Grammar School for the prize-giving, where Gussie Fink-Nottle, intoxicated after Bertie laced his orange juice with gin, delivers a rambling and embarrassing speech, personally attacking Bertie and l
What happens
Bertie drives Jeeves to Market Snodsbury Grammar School for the prize-giving, where Gussie Fink-Nottle, intoxicated after Bertie laced his orange juice with gin, delivers a rambling and embarrassing speech, personally attacking Bertie and later accusing a student of cheating. After the event, Jeeves informs Bertie that Gussie has become engaged to Madeline Bassett. Bertie returns to Brinkley Court, rests, and later learns from Jeeves the full extent of Gussie's disastrous behavior, including accusations against the headmaster and a student's mother, which led to the early termination of the proceedings.
Themes in this chapter
Comedy of Errors
Gussie's drunken speech and accusations create a series of farcical misunderstandings and public embarrassment.
Futility of Planning
Bertie's plan to boost Gussie's confidence with gin backfires spectacularly, leading to chaos at the prize-giving.
Appearance vs. Reality
Gussie appears as a respectable prize-giver but is actually intoxicated; Bertie's calm exterior hides his inner turmoil.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Wooster
Narrator and driver to the prize-giving; reflects on the bright side of Gussie's intoxication; later rests and discusses the day's events with Jeeves.
- Jeeves
Accompanies Bertie to Market Snodsbury; informs Bertie of Gussie's engagement to Madeline Bassett; later reports the chaotic end of the prize-giving.
- Gussie Fink-Nottle
Intoxicated at the prize-giving; delivers a bizarre speech, accuses a student of cheating, and becomes engaged to Madeline Bassett.
- Aunt Dahlia
Present at the prize-giving; reacts with dismay to Gussie's behavior.
- Madeline Bassett
Sits with Aunt Dahlia; becomes engaged to Gussie after his proposal.
- P. K. Purvis
Young student who wins the spelling and dictation prize; receives a book from Gussie.
Key passages
“And yet, Jeeves, there is always the bright side.”
Bertie tries to find a positive angle despite the chaotic situation.
Bertie's optimism contrasts with the unfolding disaster.
“I tell you I despise that man. And why do I despise him? Because, boys and ladies and gentlemen, he is a pessimist.”
Gussie publicly denounces Bertie as a pessimist during his speech.
Gussie's drunken rant targets Bertie directly, causing embarrassment.
“Get married, P. K. Purvis. It's the only life.”
Gussie advises the young student to get married.
Gussie's inappropriate advice reflects his intoxicated state.
“He said that he could see it all now, and hinted at a guilty liaison between Master Simmons's mother and the head master.”
Gussie accuses the head master of cheating in favor of a student's mother.
Gussie's accusations escalate the chaos at the prize-giving.