Family Dynamics and Obligation

Where it surfaces

• I: A Red-Haired Girl

  The Pett family grapples with obligations toward troublesome relatives like Jimmy Crocker and Ogden Ford, highlighting tensions between duty and personal preference.

• II: The Exiled Fan

  The strained relationship between Mrs. Crocker and her sister Nesta, as well as her control over Bingley and Jimmy, illustrate family obligations and conflicts.

• III: Family Jars

  The strained visit between the Pett and Crocker families highlights unresolved familial tensions and obligations.

• The Morning After

  Jimmy's affection for his father and his remorse over jeopardizing the peerage plan underscore the theme of family obligation.

• VI: Jimmy Abandons Piccadilly

  Jimmy's concern for his father's happiness and peerage ambitions drives him to sacrifice his own comfort and leave for America.

• X: Instruction in Deportment

  Jerry's fear of Mrs. Pett's wrath highlights the power dynamics in the household and Ogden's protected status.

• XII: Jimmy Catches the Boss’s Eye

  Jimmy's agreement to work for Ann's sake and Mr. Pett's relief at having a human relative reflect family obligations and dynamics.

• XIII: Slight Complications

  Jimmy's arrival and his treatment of Ogden strain family relations; Mrs. Pett's protective attitude toward Ogden contrasts with Jimmy's casual teasing.

• Lord Wisbeach

  Jimmy's father, Bingley Crocker, unexpectedly appears as the butler and supports his son's deception, highlighting familial loyalty.

• Mrs. Pett Takes Precautions

  Mrs. Pett's maternal worry for Ogden and her protective actions underscore family obligations amidst external threats.

• Between Father and Son

  The father-son reunion and Jimmy's recruitment of his father into the kidnapping plot underscore themes of familial loyalty and obligation.

• Chapter XXI: Chicago Ed.

  Jimmy enlists his father's help in the scheme, showing familial loyalty and the lengths they go to for each other.

• XXIII: Stirring Times for the Petts

  Jimmy's loyalty to his father (Mr. Crocker) and Ann's confession to protect Jerry Mitchell illustrate family bonds and obligations.

• Sensational Turning of a Worm

  Mr. Pett's rebellion against his wife's coddling of Ogden and his demand for Willie to work highlight the tensions and obligations within the family structure.

• XXV: Nearly Everybody Happy

  Mr. Crocker's internal conflict between his love of baseball and his wife's emotional plea highlights the tension between personal desire and family duty.