![]() |
|
![]() | ||
|
Subject:
Why does Jeeves work for Wooster?
Category: Arts and Entertainment > Books and Literature Asked by: macaonghus-ga List Price: $2.00 |
Posted:
17 Aug 2003 04:18 PDT
Expires: 04 Sep 2003 09:52 PDT Question ID: 245614 |
Why does Jeeves work for someone who is a bit of an idiot, and of whose cultural tastes he disapproves? Jeeves is acknowledged by all Wooster's peers as a fabulous valet, so why does he not prefer to work for a more 'civilised' gentleman? James |
![]() | ||
|
There is no answer at this time. |
![]() | ||
|
Subject:
Re: Why does Jeeves work for Wooster?
From: jem-ga on 17 Aug 2003 04:25 PDT |
...perhaps it's the feeling of superiority that Jeeves gets from being the brains behind the scenes....... :) jem-ga |
Subject:
Re: Why does Jeeves work for Wooster?
From: probonopublico-ga on 17 Aug 2003 08:11 PDT |
Because Wodehouse was a master storyteller. Why didn't Clark Kent's girl friend figure out that, without his glasses, he was Superman? |
Subject:
Re: Why does Jeeves work for Wooster?
From: pinkfreud-ga on 17 Aug 2003 11:25 PDT |
I've always thought that Jeeves has a bit of a fatherly attachment to Bertie. Or, if not quite fatherly, perhaps an attachment similar to that of a man to his pet dog. Jeeves knows himself to be infinitely better than Bertie Wooster in almost every way, but the neediness of the hapless Bertie is somehow charming, and serves as a bond between the two. Another factor may be that Jeeves finds entertainment value in the neverending series of ridiculous predicaments (ridicaments?) that Bertie gets himself into. Jeeves may be underappreciated, but at least his life is not boring, as might be the case if he were in service to a gentleman of greater intellect than Bertie Wooster. |
Subject:
Re: Why does Jeeves work for Wooster?
From: geof-ga on 17 Aug 2003 17:02 PDT |
The short answer is that Jeeves works for Bertie because he needs to make a living; and possibly Bertie - who is after all rather a "good egg" - pays more than average wages, as well as the tips he and his friends give Jeeves in gratitude for his advice and help. But, in addition to the monetary element, I agree with pinkfreud - if Jeeves worked for a gentleman as smart as himself who did not seek or need his advice, then Jeeves would be restricted to his valeting duties, which would be boring for someone of his intellect. |
Subject:
Re: Why does Jeeves work for Wooster?
From: alanb-ga on 20 Aug 2003 09:10 PDT |
The outstanding brilliance of Wodehouse is demonstrated by the way we known Jeeves is more intelligent and better informed than his master and possesses absolute power in the household, and yet this is all revealed through the words and perspective of Bertie, who generally believes otherwise. I agree with geoff-ga. Wodehouse's world is rooted in the class system of the early 20th century. A working man like Jeeves, no matter how well educated, would never hope to rise "above his station" (at least not in a nonsatirical comic novel). Instead, he would have been brought up to believe that the greatest source of self-satisfaction for someone of his class is to do a professional job very, very well. We don't see too many other valets in Wodehouse, but the great butler characters -- Beach of Blandings Castle, Jeeves's uncle Silversmith -- are noted for their unshakable professionalism and much humor comes from putting it to the test. Bertie clearly gives Jeeves the opportunity to be a very good valet, guardian, educator, problem-solver, etc. He's compensated very well, he gets to travel, and he has the added satisfaction of ruling the roost in a household he couldn't afford to run himself. In fact, it's hard to think of a better situation for a professional gentleman's gentleman. But there's one other clue. In the one story that Jeeves himself narrates, he says he has often observed that when a new wife comes in the front door, the valet goes out the back. Despite Bertie's susceptibility to the fair sex -- and remember, he frequently finds himself a fiance to women he doesn't even like -- Jeeves probably feels a measure of job security in knowing he works for the one man in London who can always be finagled out of any engagement. With a little help from his valet. A simpler answer to the question: If Jeeves ever got bolshy, the books wouldn't be funny. |
Subject:
Re: Why does Jeeves work for Wooster?
From: nancylynn-ga on 20 Aug 2003 09:50 PDT |
I recently watched my tapes of the BBC's adaptation of Jeeves & Wooster, and I agree with others' comments. Jeeves believes being a valet is his true vocation and who could be a better "boss" (yeah, we know who's really in charge here!) than Bertie? Bertie is a gentle, generous soul. His misdventures also provide a lot of fun for Jeeves (and us). I also think there's a very real bond of brotherly love between them, with Jeeves clearly in the role of older, wiser, and very protective brother. nancylynn-ga |
If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you. |
Search Google Answers for |
Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy |