Humor and Absurdity

Where it surfaces

• Archibald's Benefit

  The chapter satirizes the earnestness of amateur golfers and the absurdity of a terrible player winning a championship through sheer luck and opponent distraction.

• The Clicking of Cuthbert

  Comic situations such as the golf ball nearly hitting Devine, Brusiloff's preference for golf over literature, and the naming of Cuthbert's son.

• A Woman Is Only a Woman

  The exaggerated horror of the characters upon hearing Grace's blasphemy against golf, and the comedic comparison of their escape to a golf shot, highlight the absurdity of their priorities.

• A Mixed Threesome

  The comedic depiction of Mortimer's golf obsession, including his late-night phone calls about putting solutions and his collection of clubs and golf literature.

• Sundered Hearts

  The dramatic revelation of Mary's croquet championship and Mortimer's overwrought reaction provide comedic absurdity.

• The Salvation of George Mackintosh

  The absurdity of George's non-stop lecturing and the reactions of those around him provide comic relief.

• Ordeal by Golf

  The absurdity of Mitchell's outburst over an apple-crunching caddie and his destruction of the self-help book provides comic relief.

• The Long Hole

  The absurdity of a sixteen-mile golf match involving boats, cars, and rulebook pedantry is central to the chapter's comedy.

• The Heel of Achilles

  The absurdity of a man achieving scratch golf on his first morning through sheer will, and the comedic tension of a fiancée begging for a 'Boo!' to disrupt his concentration, highlight the chapter's humorous tone.

• The Rough Stuff

  The absurdity of Ramsden's transformation and his stern treatment of Eunice and Wilberforce on the course provides comic contrast to his earlier timidity.

• The Coming of Gowf

  The comedic exaggeration of the king's golf obsession and the reactions of his court.

• Prologue

  The prologue is a satirical, absurd depiction of a writer's submission to an editor, complete with crawling on all fours, a kick in the face, and exaggerated descriptions of the editor's opulent accessories.

• The Story

  The exaggerated reactions to golf—treating it as a new religion, courtiers' titles, and the minstrels' song—create comedic effect.

• The Heart of a Goof

  The exaggerated descriptions of bad golfers and the absurdity of Ferdinand's condition are central to the chapter's comedy.

• High Stakes

  The absurdity of cheating with a bribed caddie, betting a butler and railroads, and Fisher's exaggerated golf techniques.

• Keeping in with Vosper

  The comedic situations of Bradbury's lies, his mother-in-law's sniffs, and the exaggerated importance of golf.

• Chester Forgets Himself

  The Wrecking Crew's ineptitude and Chester's forced giggle highlight the absurdity of social and sporting pretensions.

• The Magic Plus Fours

  Wallace's disastrous shots and his comical belief that garish Plus Fours hold magical powers highlight the absurdity of golf superstitions and the humor in human vanity.

• The Awakening of Rollo Podmarsh

  The contrast between Rollo's coddled lifestyle (arrowroot, flannel next to skin) and his sudden burst of golfing prowess is played for comedic effect.

• Rodney Fails to Qualify

  Rodney's obliviousness and poetic interruptions during Jane's critical putt create a comedic contrast between golf's seriousness and his romantic detachment.

• Jane Gets Off the Fairway

  The misunderstanding over the anniversary and Jane's dramatic reaction, including her son's incorrect golf grip, provide comedic elements.

• The Purification of Rodney Spelvin

  The chapter is filled with comedic misunderstandings, such as the detectives' golf anecdotes interrupting the confrontation, and Rodney's earnest but misguided golf attempts.

• Those in Peril on the Tee

  The absurd premise of two men trying to lose a golf match to avoid marriage, with their subconscious minds and clothing conspiring against them.