# How does Psmith in the City develop the theme of Social Performance and Identity?

> Psmith in the City by P. G. Wodehouse

## Answer

Psmith in the City by P. G. Wodehouse develops Social Performance and Identity across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Psmith deliberately crafts his persona through dress, speech, and mannerisms (e.g., monocle, 'Comrade' address), using performance to navigate and manipulate social and professional situations.

Psmith performs the role of a model bank clerk while secretly plotting his social revenge, illustrating the performative nature of identity.

Psmith performs the role of a diligent worker while subtly mocking bank discipline; Rossiter's unexpected defense shows the complexity of social roles.

Psmith deliberately performs a role to ingratiate himself with Rossiter, using conversation about hobbies as a social strategy.

## Evidence

- [vi-psmith-explains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/vi-psmith-explains.md): Psmith performs the role of a model bank clerk while secretly plotting his social revenge, illustrating the performative nature of identity.
- [vii-going-into-winter-quarters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/vii-going-into-winter-quarters.md): Psmith performs the role of a diligent worker while subtly mocking bank discipline; Rossiter's unexpected defense shows the complexity of social roles.
- [viii-the-friendly-native](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/viii-the-friendly-native.md): Psmith deliberately performs a role to ingratiate himself with Rossiter, using conversation about hobbies as a social strategy.
- [ix-the-haunting-of-mr-bickersdyke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/ix-the-haunting-of-mr-bickersdyke.md): Psmith performs the role of a friendly, well-bred clubman while deliberately provoking Bickersdyke, highlighting the performative nature of social interactions.
- [x-mr-bickersdyke-addresses-his-constituents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/x-mr-bickersdyke-addresses-his-constituents.md): Mr. Bickersdyke performs as a politician, but Psmith's interruptions expose the fragility of his public persona. The audience's rowdy behavior highlights the performative nature of political meetings.
- [xi-misunderstood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xi-misunderstood.md): Psmith maintains a facade of cultured detachment and good intentions even as he recounts his role in the brawl, highlighting the performative nature of his social interactions.
- [xii-in-a-nutshell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xii-in-a-nutshell.md): Psmith performs the role of a calm, witty gentleman while Bickersdyke loses his composure, illustrating how social performance can shift power dynamics.
- [xiii-mike-is-moved-on](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xiii-mike-is-moved-on.md): Psmith's tactful management of Mr. Rossiter and the social dynamics among bank employees highlight the performance of roles within the workplace.

## Links

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