Piccadilly Jim · Chapter
X: Instruction in Deportment explained
In the gymnasium, Jerry Mitchell exercises while Ogden Ford taunts him about his nose, leading Jerry to lose his temper and spank Ogden, which brings Mrs.
What happens
In the gymnasium, Jerry Mitchell exercises while Ogden Ford taunts him about his nose, leading Jerry to lose his temper and spank Ogden, which brings Mrs. Pett rushing upstairs.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
This is the story's dramatic climax because it forces the central emotional conflict—Ann’s hatred for Jimmy Cr…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Comedy of Manners and Satire
The chapter satirizes social pretensions and the absurdity of Ogden's spoiled behavior and Jerry's vain sensitivity about his nose.
- Family Dynamics and Obligation
Jerry's fear of Mrs. Pett's wrath highlights the power dynamics in the household and Ogden's protected status.
Characters to notice
- Jerry Mitchell
Exercising in the gymnasium, provoked by Ogden's taunts about his nose, eventually spanks Ogden.
- Ogden Ford
Observes Jerry, taunts him about his nose and appearance, gets spanked.
- Mrs. Pett
Hears Ogden's screams from the drawing-room and rushes upstairs to the gymnasium.
Key passages
“What are you doing?”
Ogden asks Jerry what he is doing.
Ogden's curiosity about Jerry's exercise.
“You’ve got a funny nose”
Ogden comments that Jerry's nose looks funny.
Ogden's taunt that provokes Jerry.
“I saw an advertisement in a magazine the other day of a sort of machine for altering the shape of noses.”
Ogden suggests Jerry buy a nose-straightening device from a magazine ad.
Ogden's insensitive suggestion adds to Jerry's irritation.
