Something to Worry About

Name: Something to Worry About
Author: P. G. Wodehouse

The story revolves around Tom Kitchener, who has been fighting for his right to marry Sally, a woman he loves. However, Sally has promised to marry four other men: Ted Pringle, Albert Parsons, Joe Blossom, and Arthur. The story begins with Tom's fight against Ted Pringle in a field, which ends with Tom emerging victorious. Sally is shocked by the violence of the fight but eventually finds herself supporting Tom as he fights for her hand in marriage. She watches in awe as Tom takes on Albert Parsons, who has experience fighting in circuses and is more skilled than Ted Pringle. Despite being tired from his previous battle, Tom manages to defeat Albert. After defeating Albert, Tom goes to Joe Blossom's cottage to explain the situation. However, Joe is not interested in marrying Sally and instead wishes her well. The story ends with Tom and Sally sitting on a grassy bank, with Tom feeling exhausted but happy that he has won Sally's hand in marriage. The story is a commentary on the changing times and the decline of romance. The author notes that even in a small village like Millbourne, the influence of modern media can be seen. Sally, who has grown up watching romantic films, is shocked by the violence of Tom's fights but eventually finds herself swept up in the romance of it all. The story also explores themes of love, loyalty, and commitment. Tom is willing to fight for his right to marry Sally, showing his devotion to her. Sally, on the other hand, is torn between her desire for romance and her fear of violence. In the end, she chooses Tom and supports him in his battles. The story is also a commentary on the changing roles of men and women in society. The four men who are vying for Sally's hand in marriage represent different aspects of masculinity: Ted Pringle represents aggression, Albert Parsons represents skill and experience, Joe Blossom represents indifference, and Arthur represents... well, we don't know much about Arthur yet. Overall, the story is a humorous and satirical take on traditional romance and the changing times. It pokes fun at the idea of chivalry and the notion that men will fight to the death for their loved ones. At the same time, it celebrates the power of love and commitment in the face of adversity.

By P. G. Wodehouse · First published 1933 · Genre: Humor, Short Stories, Literature · 6,769 words

First lines

A girl stood on the shingle that fringes Millbourne Bay, gazing at the red roofs of the little village across the water. She was a pretty girl, small and trim. Just now some secret sorrow seemed to be troubling her, for on her forehead were wrinkles and in her eyes a look of wistfulness. She had, in fact, all the distinguishing marks of one who is thinking of her sailor lover.

But she was not. She had no sailor lover. What she was thinking of was that at about this time they would be lighting up the shopwindows in London, and that of all the deadly, depressing spots she had ever visited this village of Millbourne was the deadliest.

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Something to Worry About is listed on Textopian as a short story by P. G. Wodehouse, dated 1933 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: P. G. Wodehouse
Date: 1933 CE
Language: English
Genres: Humor, Short Stories, Literature
Length: 6,769 words
Structure: 1 section, 149 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Something to Worry About?
How does this short story by P. G. Wodehouse fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Humor first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Humor — The book 'Something to Worry About' by P. G. Wodehouse is primarily associated with the humor genre due to the comedic situations and dialogue presented throughout the story.
Short Stories — This book is a collection of short stories, thus associating it with the short stories genre. Each story is independent, with its own characters and plot.
Literature — Wodehouse's elegant and witty narrative style, combined with his remarkable command of the English language, categorizes this book as belonging to the literature genre.