# Humor and Absurdity in Psmith in the City

> Theme guide for Psmith in the City by P. G. Wodehouse.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [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): Psmith's witty commentary and his father's frenetic behavior add comedic elements to the chapter.
- [The New Era Begins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/iii-the-new-era-begins): 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.
- [The Other Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/v-the-other-man): 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.
- [The Haunting of Mr. Bickersdyke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/ix-the-haunting-of-mr-bickersdyke): 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): Psmith's absurd question about burning boats to strengthen the Navy and the audience's chaotic behavior inject humor into the political setting.
- [Misunderstood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xi-misunderstood): The chapter is dominated by Psmith's comedic retelling of the meeting chaos, including physical comedy and ironic misunderstandings.
- [In a Nutshell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xii-in-a-nutshell): Psmith's deadpan delivery of the Agesilaus and the pterodactyl story, along with his mock-serious tone, highlights the absurdity of the confrontation.
- [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): Psmith's exaggerated complaints about Bristow's waistcoat and his melodramatic lamentations over Mike's transfer provide comic relief.
- [Stirring Times on the Common](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xv-stirring-times-on-the-common): The absurdity of the meeting—with Prebble's unintelligible speech and Waller's hopping—is played for comic effect.
- [Further Developments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xvi-further-developments): Psmith's witty commentary and the farcical chase scene highlight the absurdity of the situation.
- [Sunday Supper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xvii-sunday-supper): The chapter's comedy arises from Mike's disastrous attempts to navigate the supper, Edward's relentless quiz questions, and the lovers' quarrel over Women's Suffrage.
- [Psmith Makes a Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xviii-psmith-makes-a-discovery): The chapter's comedy arises from Mike's suffering during Prebble's lecture, Psmith's deadpan commentary, and the absurdity of using old speeches as political leverage.
- [And Takes Steps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxii-and-takes-steps): The setting of the Turkish Baths and Psmith's self-satisfied admiration of his own appearance in towels injects a comedic tone into the serious situation.
- [Mr. Bickersdyke Makes a Concession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxiii-mr-bickersdyke-makes-a-concession): The absurdity of Psmith's calm blackmail in a Turkish bath, with Bickersdyke's futile attempts to escape, drives the chapter's comedy.
- [Breaking the News](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxvi-breaking-the-news): Psmith's witty and exaggerated explanations to Mr. Gregory and Mr. Bickersdyke underscore the chapter's comedic tone.
- [XXVIII: Psmith Arranges His Future](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxviii-psmith-arranges-his-future): Psmith's theatrical escape from the bank and his witty commentary on commerce and Bickersdyke add a humorous tone.
- [XXX: The Last Sad Farewells](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/chapters/xxx-the-last-sad-farewells): Psmith's exaggerated sympathy, the brandy prop, and his mock-serious tone create a comedic contrast to the serious act of resignation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/themes/humor_and_absurdity
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_in_the_city_se/themes