The story of Rollo Podmarsh is a tale of golf, love, and redemption. It begins with Rollo's obsession with beating his medal-score record on the golf course. He has been practicing for months and is determined to achieve his goal. As he plays, Rollo meets Mary Kent, who becomes his love interest. However, their romance is put to the test when Rollo discovers that he has been poisoned by his own daughter, Letty. The arrowroot she had given him tasted "rummy," a sign of the poison's presence. Despite being poisoned, Rollo continues to play golf, driven by his desire to beat his record and win a match against Colonel Bodger. Mary Kent is supportive of Rollo throughout this ordeal, and eventually, they confess their love for each other. In the end, it is revealed that Letty had not intended to harm her father but had been trying to cure him of his smoking habit using a secret method. The poison was actually a harmless substance meant to eliminate nicotine from Rollo's system. Rollo's determination and love for Mary ultimately lead him to overcome his poisoning and achieve his golfing goals. He decides to change his winter woollies, which had been causing him discomfort, and phones Colonel Bodger to arrange a match. The story concludes with Rollo's triumphant declaration that he will never change his wet shoes again and his determination to win the match against Colonel Bodger. The story is a commentary on the human spirit and the power of love and determination. Despite being poisoned, Rollo continues to play golf and pursue his goals, ultimately emerging victorious in both his personal and professional life. The story also highlights the importance of family and the complexities of relationships, as Letty's actions are motivated by a desire to help her father rather than harm him. The narrative is written in a humorous and satirical tone, with the author using irony and exaggeration to highlight the absurdities of golf culture and the human condition. The story is also notable for its use of language and imagery, which creates a vivid picture of the golf course and the characters that inhabit it. Overall, the story of Rollo Podmarsh is a heartwarming and humorous tale that explores themes of love, redemption, and determination. It is a commentary on the human spirit and the power of love to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
By P. G. Wodehouse · First published 1920 · Genre: Comedy, Fiction, Satire