Right Ho, Jeeves · Chapter
Chapter XXIII explained
Bertie learns that Jeeves' fire bell scheme was only a preliminary to a psychological plan that united the quarreling couples through their mutual dislike of Bertie.
What happens
Bertie learns that Jeeves' fire bell scheme was only a preliminary to a psychological plan that united the quarreling couples through their mutual dislike of Bertie. After Bertie's bicycle ride, the animosity turned to amusement, and all relationships are restored: Tuppy and Angela are betrothed, Gussie and Madeline are together, Uncle Tom funds the magazine, and Anatole stays. Madeline releases Bertie from their engagement, calling him a 'parfait knight,' and Bertie, though sore, is overjoyed.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
Jeeves' fire bell scheme appears to fail but is actually a deliberate psychological setup to create a mutual dislike of Bertie, leading to reconciliation.
Futility of Planning
Bertie's attempts to avoid engagement and manage relationships are overturned by Jeeves' hidden plan, showing the futility of his own schemes.
Love and Marriage
All romantic entanglements are resolved: Tuppy and Angela, Gussie and Madeline are reunited; Bertie is freed from his unwanted engagement.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Wooster
Narrator and protagonist; learns of Jeeves' psychological scheme, is released from engagement to Madeline, and feels bucked despite physical discomfort.
- Jeeves
Reveals his true plan: using Bertie as a mutual dislike to reunite the couples; admits to ruining Bertie's mess-jacket but secures happy endings.
- Madeline Bassett
Walks with Bertie in the twilight, compares him to a Knight of the Round Table, and releases him from their engagement to return to Gussie.
- Gussie Fink-Nottle
Reunited with Madeline Bassett; mentioned as telling stories about Bertie's schooldays during the garden reconciliation.
- Tuppy Glossop
Betrothed again to Angela; walked with her beneath the trees exchanging anecdotes about Bertie.
- Angela
Reconciled with Tuppy Glossop; shared stories of Bertie's childhood with Tuppy in the garden.
Key passages
“One cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs, sir.”
Jeeves justifies his rough methods by noting that achieving a good result sometimes requires causing some harm.
Jeeves uses this proverb to explain his psychological scheme that temporarily made Bertie the target of everyone's dislike.
“A very parfait knight!”
Madeline praises Bertie for his chivalry in releasing her from their engagement.
Madeline compares Bertie to a perfect knight from Tennyson's Idylls of the King as she ends their engagement.
“All's well that ends well.”
Bertie concludes that despite the chaos, the final outcome is satisfactory.
Bertie reflects on the happy resolutions after Jeeves explains his scheme.