Ahead of Schedule by P. G. Wodehouse
The story begins with Rollo Finch, who has been invited to dinner by his uncle, Mr. Galloway. However, things take an unexpected turn when Rollo discovers that his uncle is planning to marry a woman named Mrs. Wilson, who turns out to be the wife of Rollo's valet, Wilson. As it turns out, Wilson and Mrs. Wilson were engaged to be married before they came to London, but there was a misunderstanding that led them apart. They eventually reconnected when Rollo sent Mrs. Wilson flowers, which sparked their reunion and ultimately led to their marriage. Rollo is initially shocked by the news, but he soon warms up to the idea of having his valet's wife as a part of his life. He even jokes about being glad that he came back in time for the wedding breakfast and offers to buy them both a drink. The story takes a humorous turn when Rollo asks Wilson if he tried the "schedule" method, which is actually just a euphemism for the fact that Wilson and Mrs. Wilson got married without telling anyone. Wilson replies that they used the "Market Bumpstead method," which seems to be a reference to their hometown. The story ends with Rollo nodding thoughtfully and saying that it seems like people in Market Bumpstead know a thing or two about love and relationships. The tone of the story is lighthearted and humorous, with a touch of satire aimed at societal norms around marriage and relationships.
By P. G. Wodehouse · First published 1908 · Genre: Comedy, Romance, Satire · 6,007 words
First lines
It was to Wilson, his valet, with whom he frequently chatted in airy fashion before rising of a morning, that Rollo Finch first disclosed his great idea. Wilson was a man of silent habit, and men of silent habit rarely escaped Rollo's confidences.
"Wilson," he said one morning from the recesses of his bed, as the valet entered with his shaving-water, "have you ever been in love? "
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Ahead of Schedule is listed on Textopian as a short story by P. G. Wodehouse, dated 1908 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: P. G. Wodehouse
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Satire, Drama
- Length: 6,007 words
- Structure: 1 section, 178 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Ahead of Schedule by P. G. Wodehouse
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Ahead of Schedule?
- How does this short story by P. G. Wodehouse fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Comedy — P. G. Wodehouse's writings, including 'Ahead of Schedule', often employ a light, humorous tone and contain comedic situations and mix-ups
- Romance — Wodehouse's books frequently involve romantic entanglements and mix-ups, likely the case in 'Ahead of Schedule'
- Satire — Wodehouse's works often include satire, poking fun at the upper classes and their norms, also likely present in 'Ahead of Schedule'
- Drama — Though light and funny, Wodehouse’s books do center around dramatic events and conflicts, same may apply to 'Ahead of Schedule'
Tags
humor · comedy · satire · British literature · short stories · lighthearted · witty · character-driven · social commentary · romance · upper class · misunderstandings