# Gang Violence and Corruption in Psmith, Journalist

> Theme guide for Psmith, Journalist by P. G. Wodehouse.

The book realistically depicts organized crime in New York, showing how gangs are hired to intimidate and attack journalists, and how political corruption protects criminals and slumlords from accountability.

## Where it surfaces

- [Bat Jarvis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/iv-bat-jarvis): Bat Jarvis's background as a gang leader and the description of the Groome Street Gang's rise through violence and political manipulation highlight the underworld's influence on New York life.
- [An Addition to the Staff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xv-an-addition-to-the-staff): The ambush with a blackjack and the threat from Comrade Parker's hired gang illustrate the pervasive gang violence and corruption.
- [The First Battle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xvi-the-first-battle): The chapter depicts a violent ambush by the Three Points gang, illustrating the lawlessness and organized crime opposing the newspaper's reform efforts.
- [Guerilla Warfare](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xvii-guerilla-warfare): Repetto's acquittal through a false alibi and the systematic beating of carriers demonstrate the pervasive corruption and violence of the East Side gangs.
- [An Episode by the Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xviii-an-episode-by-the-way): The chapter details a gang feud triggered by a personal insult, illustrating the volatile and violent nature of organized crime in New York.
- [The Battle of Pleasant Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xxi-the-battle-of-pleasant-street): The Three Pointers and Table Hill gangs engage in a violent street battle, illustrating the lawlessness of the era.
- [A Gathering of Cat Specialists](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xxiv-a-gathering-of-cat-specialists): The Three Points gang's aggression and Jarvis's feud with them highlight the pervasive violence.
- [Trapped](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xxv-trapped): The Three Pointers, led by Spider Reilly, attempt to intimidate Psmith; Bat Jarvis and Long Otto provide armed protection; Parker uses a revolver to trap Psmith.
- [Psmith Concludes His Ride](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/chapters/xxvii-psmith-concludes-his-ride): Parker's kidnapping attempt and the ongoing threat of hired thugs are neutralized by Bat Jarvis's protection.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/themes/gang_violence_and_corruption
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/psmith_journalist_se/themes