A Prefect’s Uncle

Theme:

A Prefect’s Uncle by P G Wodehouse,  revolves around the misadventures of a mischievous and resourceful schoolboy.

Summary:

The action of the novel takes place at the fictional “Beckford College”, a private school for boys; the title alludes to the arrival at the school of a mischievous young boy called Farnie, who turns out to be the uncle of the older “Bishop” Gethryn, a prefect, cricketer and popular figure in the school. His arrival, along with that of another youngster who becomes fag to Gethryn, leads to much excitement and scandal in the school, and the disruption of some important cricket matches.

Famous Quotes:

“His spirit was willing, but his will was not spirited.”

“He’s only got two sides, a bad side and a worse side,”

“Nobody ever wants to do anything except what they are not allowed to do.”

“About two hours afterwards Gethryn discovered a suitable retort, but, coming to the conclusion that better late than never does not apply to repartees, refrained from speaking it.”

“There was a moment’s suspense while Conscience and Sheer Wickedness fought the matter out inside him, and then Conscience, which had started on the encounter without enthusiasm, being obviously flabby and out of condition, threw up the sponge.”

About the Author:

• Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse (1881-1975) was an English author.
• He was not a fan of his name and more commonly went by P.G Wodehouse.
• He was publishing more than 90 books, 40 plays, 200 short stories and other writings between 1902 and 1974.
• He also wrote a series of Broadway musicals that helped lead to the development of the American musical.
• He spent a fair amount of time in the United States.
• He died in 1975, at the age of 93, in Southampton, New York