Right Ho, Jeeves · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
Bertie and Aunt Dahlia deal with the fallout from Gussie's antics, including Anatole's outrage at being spied on through the skylight, Gussie's engagement to Angela, and Madeline Bassett's unexpected letter announcing her intention to marry
What happens
Bertie and Aunt Dahlia deal with the fallout from Gussie's antics, including Anatole's outrage at being spied on through the skylight, Gussie's engagement to Angela, and Madeline Bassett's unexpected letter announcing her intention to marry Bertie.
Themes in this chapter
Comedy of Errors
Gussie's mistaken attempt to enter through the skylight and Anatole's exaggerated outrage create a farcical misunderstanding.
Futility of Planning
Aunt Dahlia's efforts to keep Anatole happy are undone by Gussie's antics, and Bertie's schemes lead to more chaos.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Wooster
Bertie narrates the chaos, tries to mediate between Anatole and Gussie, and receives a shocking letter from Madeline Bassett.
- Aunt Dahlia
Aunt Dahlia is distraught over Anatole's threat to leave, Angela's engagement to Gussie, and Bertie's involvement in the mess.
- Gussie Fink-Nottle
Gussie appears on the skylight, alarming Anatole, and later reveals he is engaged to Angela.
- Anatole
Anatole is furious at Gussie for making faces at him through the window and threatens to leave Brinkley Court.
- Angela
Angela is mentioned as being engaged to Gussie, planning an October wedding.
- Madeline Bassett
Madeline sends Bertie a note stating she intends to marry him.
Key passages
“Hot dog! You ask me what is it? Listen. Make some attention a little. Me, I have hit the hay, but I do not sleep so good, and presently I wake and up I look, and there is one who make faces against me through the dashed window.”
Anatole complains that he woke up to find someone making faces at him through the window.
Anatole's mixed English and French rant about Gussie's intrusion.
“I’ve lost the best cook in England. My husband, poor soul, will probably die of dyspepsia. And my only daughter, for whom I had dreamed such a wonderful future, is engaged to be married to an inebriated newt fancier.”
Aunt Dahlia laments that Anatole is leaving, her husband will suffer, and her daughter is engaged to a drunk newt enthusiast.
Aunt Dahlia's summary of the disasters caused by Gussie's visit.
“Madeline Bassett says she's going to marry me!”
Bertie exclaims that Madeline Bassett has declared her intention to marry him.
Bertie's shock upon reading Madeline's note.