When Doctors Disagree
The story revolves around Arthur Welsh, who has been struggling with jealousy in his relationship with Maud. He becomes increasingly possessive and resentful when he sees her interacting with other men, including a charming pugilist named Mr. Shute. One evening, while out with Maud, Arthur's jealousy reaches a boiling point when he witnesses her laughing and chatting with Mr. Shute. In a fit of rage, he swings at Mr. Shute, knocking his hat off. The two men engage in a heated exchange, but before things escalate further, Police-Constable Robert Bryce intervenes, separating the combatants. As the evening unfolds, Maud reveals that she had written to Fireside Chat for advice on how to deal with Arthur's jealousy. She had been instructed by Dr. Cupid to test his feelings by exhibiting pleasure in the company of other men and observing his reaction. However, things didn't go as planned, and Arthur became even more jealous. In a surprising twist, Arthur produces a letter from Home Moments, which he had written to seeking advice on how to overcome his jealousy. The letter advises him to fight against his weakness by keeping a smiling face and showing no resentment when Maud interacts with other men. As they walk towards the Flip-Flap, a fitting climax for their emotional evening, Arthur and Maud share a moment of understanding and reconciliation.
By P. G. Wodehouse · First published 1938 · Genre: Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Satire · 7,065 words
First lines
It is possible that, at about the time at which this story opens, you may have gone into the Hotel Belvoir for a haircut. Many people did; for the young man behind the scissors, though of a singularly gloomy countenance, was undoubtedly an artist in his line. He clipped judiciously. He left no ridges. He never talked about the weather. And he allowed you to go away unburdened by any bottle of hair-food.
It is possible, too, that, being there, you decided that you might as well go the whole hog and be manicured at the same time.
What this Textopian page supports
When Doctors Disagree is listed on Textopian as a short story by P. G. Wodehouse, dated 1938 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: P. G. Wodehouse
- Date: 1938 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Satire
- Length: 7,065 words
- Structure: 1 section, 169 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for When Doctors Disagree by P. G. Wodehouse
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering When Doctors Disagree?
- 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?
Similar titles
- The Babe And The Dragon by P. G. Wodehouse
- A Woman Is Only A Woman by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Autograph Hunters by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Long Arm Of Looney Coote by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Heel Of Achilles by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Rummy Affair Of Old Biffy by P. G. Wodehouse
Genres
- Comedy — Known for his humoristic style, Wodehouse often incorporates comedic elements into his writing, and 'When Doctors Disagree' is no exception.
- Romantic Comedy — The love affairs of the characters often serve as key plot points, offering romantic undertones interspersed with comical situations.
- Satire — Wodehouse often satirizes upper-class society and its conventions, which is evident in this text.
Tags
humor · satire · comedy · fiction · British literature · social commentary · medical · doctors · disagreement · relationships · class · absurdity