# Out of School explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

James Datchett, an assistant-master at Harrow House, receives an acceptance for a short story and, in a moment of elation, kisses housemaid Violet. The act is witnessed by Adolf, a Swiss servant who blackmails James into teaching him English and running errands. Meanwhile, Mr. Blatherwick, the school's proprietor, broods over his brother-in-law Bertie Baxter's borrowing habits, only to receive a letter containing a cheque and a recommendation that sends three new pupils his way. In his gratitude, Mr. Blatherwick kisses Violet over the coffee tray, just as James walks in, creating an awkward silence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Secrets

James's secret kiss with Violet is witnessed by Adolf, leading to blackmail; Mr. Blatherwick's own kiss creates an awkward secret between him and James.

### Comedy and Misunderstanding

The blackmail scenario and the coincidental kiss by Mr. Blatherwick are played for comedic effect, with misunderstandings driving the plot.

### Money and Financial Struggle

James's low salary and reliance on writing income, Adolf's pursuit of tips, and Mr. Blatherwick's financial worries over his brother-in-law highlight monetary concerns.

## Character check-ins

### James Datchett

An assistant-master at Harrow House who writes stories in his spare time; he kisses Violet and is subsequently blackmailed by Adolf.

### Adolf

A Swiss servant at Harrow House who blackmails James after witnessing the kiss, demanding language lessons and errand tips.

### Mr. Blatherwick

The proprietor of Harrow House; he broods over his brother-in-law's borrowing but is elated by a letter that brings new pupils, leading him to kiss Violet.

### Violet

A housemaid at Harrow House who is kissed by both James and Mr. Blatherwick; she remains unmoved by the incidents.

## Key lines

> has a story rejected he should send that story to another editor, but that when he has one accepted he should send another story to that editor.

James follows the advice that a rejected story should be submitted elsewhere, while an accepted one should be followed by another submission to the same editor.

_James's strategy for managing his writing submissions._

> Anysing vrom dze fillage, sare?

Adolf asks if James needs anything from the village, a pretext for errands that yield tips.

_Adolf's recurring question as part of his blackmail scheme._

> In dze garten zis morning, I did zee you giss Violed. Zo!

Adolf reveals he saw James kissing Violet in the garden and uses this as leverage.

_The blackmail threat that drives the chapter's tension._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_42_se/chapters/out-of-school
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_42_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_42_se/chapters