Plot Summary: Keeping it from Harold
"Keeping it from Harold" is a delightful short story by P.G. Wodehouse that showcases his trademark wit and humor while exploring themes of family dynamics, social expectations, and the sometimes absurd lengths people go to in order to protect their loved ones. Let's dive into the plot and unpack the key elements that make this story so engaging.
Setting the Scene
The story revolves around the Bramble family: Bill and Jane Bramble, and their young son Harold. Bill is a former boxing champion known as "Young Porky," while Jane is a devoted mother who wants to shield Harold from his father's pugilistic past.
NoteThe story is set in early 20th century England, a time when boxing was often associated with the lower classes and considered somewhat uncouth by polite society.
The Central Conflict
At the heart of the story lies a dilemma:
- Bill has been offered a lucrative opportunity to return to the boxing ring for one last fight.
- Jane is adamantly opposed to this, fearing it will shatter Harold's image of his father as a respectable businessman.
This conflict sets the stage for a series of comical misunderstandings and well-intentioned deceptions.
Harold: The Unwitting Catalyst
Young Harold is portrayed as a precocious and somewhat snobbish child, obsessed with appearing refined and cultured. His character serves as both the reason for and the obstacle to his parents' schemes.
"Harold's devotion to the finer things of life had become a source of considerable embarrassment to the family."
This quote perfectly encapsulates the irony of the situation – the very qualities Jane has tried to instill in Harold have now become a source of anxiety for the parents.
The Plot Thickens
As the story progresses, we see Bill and Jane engage in increasingly elaborate attempts to keep Bill's boxing past and potential future from Harold. These include:
- Lying about Bill's business meetings
- Sneaking around to discuss the boxing offer
- Enlisting the help of Bill's former manager, Jerry Fisher
