Work by P. G. Wodehouse (1922)
The passage is a satirical take on the struggles of a student facing an examination. The student, Smith, is trying to study for his exam but is being distracted by Mephistopheles, a character who represents temptation and procrastination. Conscience, another character, tries to encourage Smith to study but is ultimately unsuccessful. The passage uses a dramatic format, with characters entering and exiting the scene, to highlight the absurdity of the situation. The dialogue between the characters is witty and humorous, with Mephistopheles using his cunning and charm to distract Smith from his studies. Throughout the passage, the author pokes fun at the idea that students are often more interested in leisure activities than studying for exams. The character of Mephistopheles represents this temptation, encouraging Smith to put off his studies and engage in more enjoyable activities instead. The passage also highlights the pressure that students face when it comes to exams. Conscience is portrayed as a nagging figure who tries to encourage Smith to study but ultimately fails. This serves to emphasize the stress and anxiety that many students experience when facing an exam. Overall, the passage is a humorous take on the struggles of student life, using satire to comment on the pressures and temptations that students face when it comes to exams.
By P. G. Wodehouse · First published 1922 · Genre: Comedy, Fiction, Short Stories · 3,890 words
First lines
With a pleasure that's emphatic We retire to our attic With the satisfying feeling that our duty has been done. Oh! philosophers may sing Of the troubles of a king But of pleasures there are many and of troubles there are none, And the culminating pleasure Which we treasure beyond measure Is the satisfying feeling that our duty has been done. W. S. Gilbert
What this Textopian page supports
Work is listed on Textopian as a novel by P. G. Wodehouse, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: P. G. Wodehouse
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Fiction, Short Stories
- Length: 3,890 words
- Structure: 1 section, 77 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Work 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Work?
- How does this novel by P. G. Wodehouse fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Level Business Head by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Debut Of Battling Billson by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Purification Of Rodney Spelvin by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Coming Of Gowf by P. G. Wodehouse
- Ukridge Rounds A Nasty Corner by P. G. Wodehouse
- The Man With Two Left Feet by P. G. Wodehouse
Genres
- Comedy — P. G. Wodehouse is famous for his comic writing style, the humor and wit are present throughout his stories, including 'Work'.
- Fiction — Wodehouse's 'Work' falls into the general category of fiction, as the events and characters are invented and not based on real events or people.
- Short Stories — Wodehouse's 'Work' is part of a collection of his short works, therefore falls into the short stories genre.
Tags
humor · satire · comedy · British literature · short stories · workplace · absurdity · social commentary · character-driven · lighthearted · witty · entertainment