# XII explained — Something New

> Chapter companion for Something New by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Lord Emsworth, moved by Freddie's recent shock, visits his bedside and decides to renew his allowance and allow him to return to London, acknowledging that Freddie is not happy in the country. Freddie, overjoyed, expresses his gratitude and promises to try not to make a fool of himself.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Obligation

Lord Emsworth's paternal concern and decision to renew Freddie's allowance despite his disappointment reflect the theme of family duty and obligation.

### Wealth and Its Discontents

Freddie's joy at the renewal of his allowance highlights the importance of wealth and the discontent that arises from its lack.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Emsworth

Sits by Freddie's sick bed, shows tenderness, and decides to renew Freddie's allowance and let him return to London.

### Freddie Threepwood

Recovering from a shock, overjoyed at his father's decision to renew his allowance and allow him to return to London, promises to try not to make a fool of himself.

## Key lines

> I have been thinking it over, my boy, and perhaps I have been a little hard on you. When your ankle is better I have decided to renew your allowance; and you may return to London, as you do not seem happy in the country.

Lord Emsworth tells Freddie that after reflection, he thinks he has been too strict, and plans to restore his allowance and let him go back to London since he is clearly unhappy in the countryside.

_Lord Emsworth's decision to relent and show leniency toward Freddie._

> Gov'nor, I'll have a jolly good stab at it!

Freddie promises his father that he will sincerely try to avoid making a fool of himself.

_Freddie's earnest but characteristically lighthearted vow to improve his behavior._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/something_new_se/chapters/xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/something_new_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/something_new_se/chapters