# How does Psmith in the City develop the theme of Humor and Absurdity?

> Psmith in the City by P. G. Wodehouse

## Answer

Psmith in the City by P. G. Wodehouse develops Humor and Absurdity across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Wodehouse uses Psmith's eccentric dialogue and absurd situations (e.g., the Clapham Common speech, the Turkish bath confrontation) to satirize the pomposity of banking and politics.

Psmith's witty commentary and his father's frenetic behavior add comedic elements to the chapter.

Psmith's letter humorously critiques Bickersdyke's bridge and attire, and the landlady's deadpan, theatrical manner adds a comic tone to Mike's lodging search.

Psmith's elaborate, mock-serious introduction to Mr. Rossiter, complete with invented family history and grandiose promises of work, injects absurdist comedy into the otherwise dreary office setting.

## Evidence

- [i-mr-bickersdyke-walks-behind-the-bowler-s-arm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/i-mr-bickersdyke-walks-behind-the-bowler-s-arm.md): Psmith's witty commentary and his father's frenetic behavior add comedic elements to the chapter.
- [iii-the-new-era-begins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/iii-the-new-era-begins.md): Psmith's letter humorously critiques Bickersdyke's bridge and attire, and the landlady's deadpan, theatrical manner adds a comic tone to Mike's lodging search.
- [v-the-other-man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/v-the-other-man.md): Psmith's elaborate, mock-serious introduction to Mr. Rossiter, complete with invented family history and grandiose promises of work, injects absurdist comedy into the otherwise dreary office setting.
- [ix-the-haunting-of-mr-bickersdyke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/ix-the-haunting-of-mr-bickersdyke.md): The chapter is rich in comedic irony, from Psmith's exaggerated politeness to Bickersdyke's frustrated reactions and the bridge revoke incident.
- [x-mr-bickersdyke-addresses-his-constituents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/x-mr-bickersdyke-addresses-his-constituents.md): Psmith's absurd question about burning boats to strengthen the Navy and the audience's chaotic behavior inject humor into the political setting.
- [xi-misunderstood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xi-misunderstood.md): The chapter is dominated by Psmith's comedic retelling of the meeting chaos, including physical comedy and ironic misunderstandings.
- [xii-in-a-nutshell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xii-in-a-nutshell.md): Psmith's deadpan delivery of the Agesilaus and the pterodactyl story, along with his mock-serious tone, highlights the absurdity of the confrontation.
- [xiv-mr-waller-appears-in-a-new-light](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xiv-mr-waller-appears-in-a-new-light.md): Psmith's exaggerated complaints about Bristow's waistcoat and his melodramatic lamentations over Mike's transfer provide comic relief.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/questions/how-humor-and-absurdity
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se
- All questions: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/questions