# Friendship and Loyalty in Mike

> Theme guide for Mike by P. G. Wodehouse.

Deep bonds with friends like Wyatt and Psmith drive Mike's actions, including taking blame for others and making personal sacrifices, underscoring the importance of loyalty over self-interest.

## Where it surfaces

- [III: Mike Finds a Friendly Native](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/iii-mike-finds-a-friendly-native): Wyatt's immediate friendliness and guidance to Mike establishes a bond of loyalty and support in a new environment.
- [In Which a Tight Corner Is Evaded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/vi-in-which-a-tight-corner-is-evaded): Mike risks getting caught to warn Wyatt, and Wyatt supports Mike's story, showing mutual loyalty in a tight spot.
- [Mike Creates a Vacancy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xv-mike-creates-a-vacancy): Burgess struggles with loyalty to Bob versus his duty as captain; Bob shows loyalty by helping Mike despite his own disappointment.
- [Marching Orders](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xxv-marching-orders): Mike's silent distress and Wyatt's attempt to comfort him underscore the bond between the two friends in the face of adversity.
- [XXVI: The Aftermath](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xxvi-the-aftermath): Mike's loyalty to Wyatt drives him to seek help from his father, while Neville-Smith's guilt shows his sense of responsibility.
- [Psmith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xxxii-psmith): Mike and Psmith quickly form a bond as fellow newcomers, vowing to stick together and support each other in their new environment.
- [Staking Out a Claim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xxxiii-staking-out-a-claim): Psmith and Mike work as a team, with Psmith's schemes and Mike's practical support securing their shared study.
- [Guerilla Warfare](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xxxiv-guerilla-warfare): Psmith and Mike work together as a team, and Jellicoe provides support despite not being directly involved.
- [Achilles Leaves His Tent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xxxix-achilles-leaves-his-tent): Stone and Robinson's friendly intrusion and support, despite past dormitory tensions, show budding camaraderie and loyalty to Mike.
- [The Singular Behavior of Jellicoe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xli-the-singular-behavior-of-jellicoe): Mike, despite his exhaustion and the financial sacrifice, gives his brother's postal order to Jellicoe to help him avoid being sacked.
- [Mike Receives a Commission](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xliii-mike-receives-a-commission): Mike agrees to risk punishment to help Jellicoe, showing loyalty despite the inconvenience.
- [And Fulfils It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xliv-and-fulfils-it): Mike undertakes a risky night ride to help Jellicoe, showing loyalty despite the joke.
- [The Decoration of Sammy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xlvi-the-decoration-of-sammy): Mike's sympathy for Sammy and Jellicoe's gratitude toward Mike highlight bonds of loyalty among the boys.
- [A Check](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/xlix-a-check): Psmith protects Mike by subtly obstructing Mr. Downing's search and later cleaning the boot before it reaches the headmaster.
- [L: The Destroyer of Evidence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/l-the-destroyer-of-evidence): Psmith's actions are driven by loyalty to Mike, as he goes to great lengths to shield him from punishment.
- [Mr. Downing Moves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/lvii-mr-downing-moves): Psmith's decision to confess to a crime he did not commit to protect Mike demonstrates deep loyalty and self-sacrifice.
- [The Artist Claims His Work](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/lviii-the-artist-claims-his-work): Psmith sacrifices himself by confessing to protect Mike from expulsion.
- [Sedleigh v. Wrykyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/chapters/lix-sedleigh-v-wrykyn): Mike and Psmith's partnership on and off the field underscores their bond and shared success.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/themes/friendship_and_loyalty
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mike_se/themes