P. G. Wodehouse Criticism
P. G. Wodehouse (1881–1974) stands as one of the twentieth century’s most celebrated humorists, known for his sharp wit and remarkable storytelling ability. His works, spanning novels, short stories, and even song lyrics, are characterized by their intricate, farcical plots and a pseudo-Edwardian setting that provides the backdrop for timeless comedic escapades. Critics have long admired Wodehouse's skillful command of the English language and his ability to craft humor that remains fresh and engaging across generations. His stories often feature iconic characters such as the inept but lovable Bertie Wooster and his astute valet, Jeeves, central to acclaimed novels like The Code of the Woosters and Joy in the Morning. As Sinclair Lewis highlights, Wodehouse expertly blends slapstick and satire, while Hilaire Belloc hails him as the greatest living English writer of his time.
Wodehouse’s short stories have been particularly lauded for their humor and characterization. His creations such as the lazy Stanley Ukridge and the raconteur Mr. Mulliner are expertly woven into narratives bursting with mirth and wit, a quality especially prominent in the Jeeves and Wooster series. The character of Jeeves, according to Eberhard Späth, embodies the literary archetype of the "superman," a testament to Wodehouse’s ingenuity in character design.
Critics like Stephen Medcalf appreciate Wodehouse for his innocence and originality, firmly positioning his work within the English comic tradition. In his analysis of The Ice in the Bedroom, Anthony Lejeune likens Wodehouse’s comic style to the effortless grace of Fred Astaire’s dance, highlighting his masterful approach to humor. While some, such as George Orwell, critiqued Wodehouse’s work as nostalgically outdated, others, including Edward L. Galligan, celebrate him as a master of literary farce, an author capable of rendering even the most serious matters amusingly trivial.
Wodehouse’s ability to infuse his work with theatrical elements, as pointed out by Wilfrid Sheed, and his playful use of language are evident in his contributions to Punch magazine, admired by critics like Peter Dickinson. Living in both England and the United States and becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1955, Wodehouse’s cross-cultural experiences enriched his literary perspective, endearing his work to audiences on both sides of the Atlantic and cementing his legacy in the canon of English literature.
Contents
- Principal Works
- Wodehouse, P(elham) G(renville) (Vol. 2)
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Wodehouse, P(elham) G(renville) (Vol. 10)
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P. G. Wodehouse: 1881–1975
(summary)
In the following essay, R. C. Churchill argues that P. G. Wodehouse, despite his prolific output and ostensibly limited literary scope, masterfully employs the English language for humorous effects, particularly through his iconic characters and dialogue, while subtly critiquing political figures and ideologies of his time.
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Barbara C. Bowen
(summary)
In the following essay, Barbara C. Bowen compares the comic techniques of Rabelais and P. G. Wodehouse, highlighting their shared humor methods, such as plot similarities, character types, intellectual games, and language use, while acknowledging their distinct cultural and temporal contexts.
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P. G. Wodehouse: 1881–1975
(summary)
- Wodehouse, P(elham) G(renville) (Vol. 1)
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Wodehouse, (Sir) P(elham) G(renville)
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A Succession of Musical Comedies: The Innocent Diversions of a Tired Business Woman
(summary)
In the following essay, Dorothy Parker praises P. G. Wodehouse, Bolton, and Kern for their musical comedy "Oh, Lady! Lady!!," highlighting its effortless humor, smooth integration of songs, and avoidance of clichéd theatrical elements, establishing it as superior to other contemporary productions.
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Garland for Clowns
(summary)
In the following essay, Sinclair Lewis praises P. G. Wodehouse for his unparalleled ability to consistently craft humorous novels, highlighting his unique artistic style characterized by a blend of slapstick surprise and insightful satire, and positioning him as a subtle yet potent critic of societal pretensions.
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Introduction
(summary)
In the following essay, Hilaire Belloc argues that P. G. Wodehouse is the greatest living English writer, praised for his unparalleled comedic mastery, skill in language, unique simplicity, and the creation of the legendary character Jeeves, demonstrating the epitome of English literary craftsmanship and the vivid portrayal of characters.
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Wishful Thinking and the Light Novel
(summary)
In the following essay, George Orwell critiques P. G. Wodehouse as a "wishful" writer whose work nostalgically portrays an outdated Edwardian lifestyle, emphasizing a parasitic vision where characters live without working, and he suggests that Wodehouse's style may soon become irrelevant unless he adapts to contemporary realities.
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Foreword
(summary)
In the following essay, Malcolm Muggeridge argues that P. G. Wodehouse's enduring appeal lies not only in his whimsical escapist literature but also in his sharp, albeit often unconscious, satirical portrayal of the English upper classes, with a particular emphasis on his early works which reflect a romantic and humorous vision of schoolboy life.
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Books Considered: 'Sunset at Blandings'
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In the following essay, C. David Benson critiques P. G. Wodehouse's Sunset at Blandings as a work lacking the comedic brilliance and stylistic excellence of his previous novels, while recognizing Wodehouse's enduring genius and suggesting that his literary contributions may be more highly regarded in the future.
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A Ghost on Fleet Street
(summary)
In the following essay, Brian Thomas argues that P. G. Wodehouse's early novel, Not George Washington, showcases his adeptness in English comedic tradition through playful parody and exuberant language, despite its seemingly trivial subject and characters, while highlighting autobiographical elements and a surprising attention to realistic details.
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Wodehouse's 'Punch' Verse
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In the following essay, Peter Dickinson explores P. G. Wodehouse's contributions to Punch magazine, highlighting his deft use of light verse, his engagement with various poetic forms and themes, and the evolution of his style that reflects both versatility and a distinct flair for humor and satire.
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A Succession of Musical Comedies: The Innocent Diversions of a Tired Business Woman
(summary)
- Wodehouse, P(elham) G(renville) (Vol. 5)
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Wodehouse, P. G.
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Jeeve's England
(summary)
In the following essay, originally written in 1961, Lejeune claims that The Ice in the Bedroom is “an exhibition of easy mastery, of familiar skill, as incomparable in its special way as Fred Astaire's dancing.”
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The World of Wodehouse
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In the following review, Marsh contends that Wodehouse's short story collection, Plum Pie, “may not contain top-notch examples of his skill, but it is still very good Wodehouse indeed.”
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The Transferred Epithet
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In the following essay, Hall analyzes Wodehouse's use of the transferred epithet, contending that it lends a comic effect to his fiction.
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The Innocence of P. G. Wodehouse
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In the following essay, Medcalf praises Wodehouse for his innocence and originality, maintaining that his use of language “lies very much in one tradition of English writing, perhaps the most enduring and specifically English—humour.”
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The Very Irreverent P. G. Wodehouse: A Study of Thank You, Jeeves
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In the following essay, Smith offers a thematic analysis of Thank You, Jeeves, maintaining that Wodehouse's irreverent approach to plot and characters is his defining characteristic.
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P. G. Wodehouse's ‘Noo Yawk’
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In the following essay, Lasky explores the American adventures of another Wodehouse character, Psmith.
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P. G. Wodehouse's Jeeves: The Butler as Superman
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In the following essay, Späth considers the character of Jeeves as a literary “superman,” and links him to the legendary archetype of detective novel hero.
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P. G. Wodehouse: Master of Farce
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In the following essay, Galligan applauds the continuing interest in Wodehouse's work and deems him the master of literary farce.
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The Sport of American-Bashing in Modern English Authors
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In the following essay, Cohen describes the mild nature of Wodehouse's anti-American humor, asserting that “his bashing of Americans is as unmalicious as befits an Englishman who would eventually become an American citizen.”
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A Reader's Guide to P. G. Wodehouse's America
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In the following essay, Karla explores the “American connection” in Wodehouse's work.
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Right Ho, Jeeves
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In the following review, Espey provides a positive review of an audiotape version of Right Ho, Jeeves.
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Joy Comes in the Morning and Stays for a Generation
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In the following laudatory assessment of A Man of Means, Trevor praises the appealing nature of Wodehouse's fiction.
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First Love: Reading with P. G. Wodehouse
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In the following essay, Lydon recalls her initial pleasure reading Wodehouse's Jeeves stories.
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Comedy Among the Modernists: P. G. Wodehouse and the Anachronism of Comic Form
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In the following essay, Mooneyham investigates Wodehouse's place in modern comedic literature.
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The Birth of Jeeves
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In the following essay, Watson traces the origins and development of Wodehouse's major character, Jeeves.
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Jeeve's England
(summary)
- Further Reading