# Appearance vs. Reality in Mr. Mulliner Stories

> Theme guide for Mr. Mulliner Stories by P. G. Wodehouse.

Characters frequently misjudge others based on surface impressions—such as a doctor mistaken for a fisherman, or a meek curate who becomes assertive—revealing the gap between how people seem and who they truly are.

## Where it surfaces

- [The Story of William](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mr_mulliner_stories_se/chapters/the-story-of-william): Franklyn's exaggerated stories of bravery contrast with William's genuine but unglamorous steadiness; William's drunken hallucinations are mistaken for courage during the earthquake.
- [The Romance of a Bulb-Squeezer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mr_mulliner_stories_se/chapters/the-romance-of-a-bulb-squeezer): Clarence's professional duty to photograph beautiful women contrasts with his personal disdain for them, and the masked visitor's claim of being handsome is undercut by his need for secrecy.
- [Honeysuckle Cottage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mr_mulliner_stories_se/chapters/honeysuckle-cottage): The cottage appears to be a peaceful country home but is actually a haunted place exerting a malign influence; James's gruff exterior hides his growing romantic feelings.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mr_mulliner_stories_se/themes/appearance_vs_reality
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mr_mulliner_stories_se/themes