# Pastures New explained — The Coming of Bill

> Chapter companion for The Coming of Bill by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

Steve Dingle arrives at a Connecticut shack with the sleeping William Bannister. After making do with makeshift beds, they wake and seek breakfast at a farm. Steve tries to adapt William to country life, countering the germ-phobic teachings of Lora Delane Porter, and plans to send a telegram to Kirk Winfield.

## Themes in this chapter

### Parenthood and Child Rearing

Steve's improvised care for William Bannister contrasts with Lora Delane Porter's strict germ-phobic regimen, highlighting different approaches to raising a child.

### Individualism vs. Interference

Steve's spontaneous, unplanned expedition and his rejection of Lora's rules embody a clash between personal freedom and external control.

## Character check-ins

### Steve Dingle

Arrives at the Connecticut shack with William Bannister, manages the journey and breakfast, and plans to send a telegram to Kirk.

### William Bannister Winfield

The White Hope, brought to Connecticut by Steve; sleeps through most of the journey and shows confusion about country life and food.

### Mamie

Mentioned by Steve as someone who would understand William's needs; associated with the crinkly-paper routine.

### Mrs. Lora Delane Porter

Referenced as 'Aunty Lora' whose germ-phobic rules about wrapped bread are challenged by Steve.

### Kirk Winfield

Steve plans to send him a telegram about the expedition.

## Key lines

> For the dormouse act, that kid certainly stands alone. You got to hand it to him.

Steve marvels at William's ability to sleep soundly through any situation.

_Steve's admiration for William's deep sleep._

> You want to forget all the dope they shot into you back in New York and start fresh.

Steve tells William to ignore the germ-phobic teachings he received in New York and adapt to country life.

_Steve challenges Lora Delane Porter's influence on William._

> I guess I'll have to get out to the nearest village in the bubble... And while I'm there maybe I'd better send Kirk a wire.

Steve plans to drive to the nearest town to send a telegram to Kirk Winfield.

_Steve intends to inform Kirk of their whereabouts._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coming_of_bill_se/chapters/xiii-pastures-new
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coming_of_bill_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coming_of_bill_se/chapters