The Great Sermon Handicap

I. The Fateful Weekend at Twing Hall

• Bertie's Boredom and Bingo Little's Proposition:
• The story opens with Bertie Wooster enduring a typically dull weekend at Twing Hall, the country estate of his Uncle Willoughby and Aunt Caroline. Bertie is yearning for some excitement when his friend Bingo Little arrives, bursting with a peculiar proposition.
• The Genesis of the Handicap:
• Bingo explains that the local village is holding its annual fête. A key event is the competition between the vicars of two neighboring parishes – Reverend Rupert Pringle of Upper Bingley and Reverend Aubrey Upjohn of Lower Bingley–to deliver the longest sermon.
• Bingo's Betting Instinct:
• Ever the gambler (and usually unlucky one), Bingo sees an opportunity for a "bit of sport" by organizing a sweepstake, or "handicap," on the length of these sermons. He intends to assign handicaps (in minutes) to each vicar based on their past preaching tendencies.

II. Introducing the Players and the Odds

• Reverend Rupert Pringle: The Known Quantity:
• Pringle is described as a rather long-winded speaker, a "sticker." Bingo's initial assessment is that he's likely to deliver a lengthy sermon.
• Reverend Aubrey Upjohn: The Wild Card:
• Upjohn, on the other hand, is less predictable. Sometimes he's brief, other times surprisingly verbose. This makes him the more intriguing (and potentially risky) betting option.
• Bingo's Elaborate System:
• Bingo has meticulously researched the past sermon lengths of vicars, consulting elderly villagers and parish records. He’s devised a complex system of handicaps to even the odds.
• The Enticement of the Sweepstake:
• Bingo enthusiastically explains the rules to Bertie and other guests, painting a picture of thrilling suspense and potential winnings. Bertie, initially hesitant, is eventually drawn in by the sheer absurdity and the promise of alleviating his boredom.

III. Jeeves's Unexpected Interest

• Jeeves's Appearance:
• Bertie discusses the "Great Sermon Handicap" with his valet, Jeeves, expecting the usual disapproval of anything remotely resembling gambling.
• A Surprising Revelation:
• To Bertie's astonishment, Jeeves expresses a keen interest in the event. He reveals that he has studied the preaching styles and typical durations of sermons of various clergymen, including Pringle, Upjohn, during his extensive reading.
• Jeeves's Calculated Insight:
• Jeeves offers his own assessment of the vicars' tendencies, often with a surprising level of detail and insight into their personalities and habits (which might influence their sermon length).

IV. The Day of the Fête and the Anticipation

• The Village Gathering:

The day of the fête arrives, and the villagers and guests assemble for the church service. A palpable air of anticipation (and perhaps a little irreverence) hangs in the airdue to the ongoing betting pool.

• The First Sermon: Reverend Rupert Pringle Takes the Pulpit:
• Reverend Pringle begins his sermon. Bingo and the other participants anxiously consult their watches, their hopes pinned on their chosen vicar adhering to his predicted length.
• Pringle's Predictable Lengthiness:
• True to form, Pringle delivers a sermon of considerable duration, touching upon various theological points with leisurely thoroughness. The bettors with Pringle are initially optimistic.

V. The Second Sermon: The Unexpected Twist

• Reverend Aubrey Upjohn's Turn:
• After what feel like an eternity to some, Reverend Upjohn steps up to deliver his sermon.
• A Surprisingly Brief Discourse:
• To everyone's surprise, Upjohn's sermon is remarkably short and concise. The bettors who had backed Upjohn, expecting a longer performance based on some of his past efforts, are dismayed.
• Bingo's Dismay:
• Bingo, who had carefully calculated the handicaps, is particularly crestfallen as his calculations seem to have gone awry.

VI. Jeeves's Masterful Explanation and the Outcome

• Bertie's Bewilderment:

Bertie is puzzled by Upjohn's unexpected brevity and wonders how Jeeves had factored this into his assessment (if he had even placed a bet).

• Jeeves Reveals His Strategy:
• Jeeves calmly explains that he had observed Reverend Upjohn the previous day engaged in a rather intense game of golf. Jeeves deduced that the exertion would likely lead to a less energetic and therefore shorter sermon.
• Jeeves's Calculated Winnings:
• It is revealed (or subtly implied) that Jeeves, based on his astute observation and understanding of human nature (and golfing habits), had likely placed his own bets strategically and profited handsomely from the unexpected outcome.
• Bingo's Financial Misfortune (as Usual):
• In contrast, Bingo Little likely ends up losing money due to his reliance on past statistics rather than Jeeves's insightful observation of the present.

VII. The Moral (or Lack Thereof)

• Bertie's Mild Amusement and Dependence on Jeeves:
• Bertie, while perhaps slightly scandalized by the idea of Jeeves betting on sermons, is ultimately amused by the turn of events and further relies on Jeeves's uncanny intelligence.
• The Lighthearted Conclusion:
• The story ends with the typical Wodehousian blend of humor and light absurdity, reinforcing the dynamic between the well-meaning but dim-witted Bertie and the ever-resourceful Jeeves. The "Great Sermon Handicap" serves as another example of Jeeves's ability to navigate the eccentricities of Bertie's world and often profit from them.
• "The Great Sermon Handicap" is a perfect example of Wodehouse's comedic genius, showcasing his skill in creating ridiculous situations, memorable characters, and consistently funny dialogue. It remains a beloved story for its sheer whimsicality and the delightful intervention of the incomparable Jeeves.

About the author:

Pelham Grenville "P.G."Wodehouse (1881-1975) was a celebrated English author and one of the most widely read humorists of the 20th century. Known for his lighthearted, witty prose and brilliantly constructed comedic plots, particularly those featuring the iconic duo Jeeves and Wooster, Wodehouse's work is characterized by its absurd situations, charmingly clueless characters, and masterfully crafted dialogue. His stories offer a delightful escape into a world of upper-class English society filled with delightful mishaps and the ever-resourceful intervention of sharp- witted valets. "The Great Sermon Handicap" perfectly encapsulates his signature style and enduring appeal.