A story about Jarvis

[horacebulregard.livejournal.com]

I don't know why, but on a whim the other day I decided that a story about Jarvis the Doorman needed to exist. Now one does.

http://fav.me/d5yqj16

Comments

[godsdaisiechain.livejournal.com]

I found Bingley to be pretty scary myself... unlike all those 'decent' chaps Jeeves would find for Bertie during the Jeevesian holiday weeks. Besides, one wonders how much Jeeves had at stake in that book...not just the ostensible 18 pages but anything else he knew or wrote.

dark!Jeeves is certainly an element... but then he does adore Mr. Wooster and his heart of gold. ; )

[horacebulregard.livejournal.com]

Very true. I honestly do think that he would not be above being equally harsh toward anyone else if the need arose for whatever reason. He isn't above trying to smack house boys that make offhand comments about his appearance or coshing police constables, after all.

As much as I hate to think of the prospect, I always felt that Jeeves' motives for staying in Bertie's employ were far less sincere than that. It feels a lot like Jeeves fights to stay in Mister Wooster's entourage mainly because Mister Wooster gives him free reign. Jeeves can do anything he pleases, and Bertie will either simply let him or be easily manipulated into doing so if he resists. It is a comfy position for Jeeves, because as I believe it was Steven Ferry of the International Institute of Modern Butlers said, 'Very few employers will be as "mentally negligible" as Bertie Wooster.' XD

[godsdaisiechain.livejournal.com]

I totally see your point. Consider also that Bill Rowcester also gives Jeeves free reign (and he is both dumber and better-looking than Bertie--actually a lot of the Drones are dumber than Bertie) but Jeeves goes running back as soon as Bertie whistles and he describes their relations as 'uniformly cordial' which is exactly how he describes Chuffy and Pauline when they are in love but separated by forces beyond their control. Plus, Bill is a chum of Bertie's and Jeeves works for him for free.

I think that Jeeves is genuinely fond of Mr. Wooster (he says he is in his only story) and the fact that all of Bertie's friends and relations give him extravagant tips, Bertie is very generous with the time off, and he has plenty of time for bookmaking on the side don't hurt either. But I also think that all the 'henpecking' and weeping on the Jeevesian neck and the bad fights they have in the early stories when Bertie engages in 'bohemian revels' could be read a certain way.

.... just saying

[godsdaisiechain.livejournal.com]

PS you are a very fun and engaging conversationalist. (And I am not just saying that because I want more space story)

[horacebulregard.livejournal.com]

You make a very good case for the 'Jeeves is not inherently evil' party, I must say. XD

Yes, a lot of Bertie's choices in words give me pause. I try to tell myself that I'm only reading what I want to into it, but sometimes I feel like there isn't any possible way Wodehouse could have not done that on purpose. There is one particular instance, I forget the exact story it's from, but near the end when all is right as rain Bertie says of Jeeves "I found myself wanting to do all sorts of things to show my appreciation and gratitude toward him." My mind practically sprinted to some rather socially indecent places.

You are too kind. ^^
Sadly I have been quite busy with other projects lately (I just finished illustrating a childrens book I wrote in high school. Very exciting stuff) but I do intend to pick it up when inspiration strikes and time allows. Don't worry, I haven't discarded it xP

[godsdaisiechain.livejournal.com]

I think that Jeeves could be inherently evil if he let himself, but that Bertie redeems him without being much aware of it....

...and I was completely thinking of that same exact line when I wrote that other comment.... It's in "Jeeves and the Unbidden Guest" (I have it right here on my futon). And he actually says it's like those novels where the chap calls off the fight with his wife and wants to do all sorts of things for her. I am sure that no right-thinking Joosterian would think of anything beside chaste cuddles (and whatnot).

: )