"Keeping it from Harold" by P.G. Wodehouse

About P.G. Wodehouse:- 

P.G. Wodehouse, whose full name was Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse, was a renowned English author known primarily for his humorous novels, short stories, and plays. Here's some information about the author:

Early Life: P.G. Wodehouse was born on October 15, 1881, in Guildford, Surrey, England. He spent his early years in Hong Kong and was sent to England for his education.

Writing Career: Wodehouse began his writing career as a humorist and lyricist for various magazines and newspapers. He gained recognition for his witty and satirical writing style, which often poked fun at the British upper classes and their eccentricities.

Notable Works: Wodehouse is best known for his series of comic novels and short stories featuring beloved characters like Jeeves (the butler) and Bertie Wooster (the bumbling aristocrat). Some of his most famous works include "The Inimitable Jeeves," "Right Ho, Jeeves," and "The Code of the Woosters."

Humor and Style: Wodehouse's writing is characterized by its light-hearted and farcical humor. He had a unique talent for creating absurd situations, humorous misunderstandings, and memorable characters. His use of wordplay and wit delighted readers for generations.

Broadway and Hollywood: Some of Wodehouse's stories were adapted into successful Broadway plays and Hollywood films. His work transcended literature and found success in other forms of entertainment.

Controversy: Wodehouse's career faced controversy when he was interned by the Germans during World War II. He made radio broadcasts from Berlin, which were criticized as collaborationist. Although he claimed he was coerced, the broadcasts caused a scandal and temporarily tarnished his reputation.

Later Life: After the war, Wodehouse relocated to the United States and became a U.S. citizen. He continued to write prolifically, producing numerous novels, stories, and scripts.

Legacy: P.G. Wodehouse is considered one of the greatest humorists in the English language. His works have had a lasting impact on humor writing and continue to be widely read and enjoyed today. His characters, particularly Jeeves and Wooster, have become iconic in the world of literature.

Knighthood: In 1975, P.G. Wodehouse was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing his significant contributions to literature.

Death: He passed away on February 14, 1975, in Southampton, New York, leaving behind a rich legacy of humorous literature.

P.G. Wodehouse's ability to create laughter through his writing has earned him a special place in the world of humor and fiction. His works remain timeless classics celebrated for their comedic brilliance.

"Keeping it from Harold "

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Detailed summary of "Keeping it from Harold":-

"Keeping It from Harold" by P.G. Wodehouse is a humorous short story that delves into the theme of family secrets and the efforts made by a family to maintain one such secret. The story is set in a working-class neighborhood where the protagonist, the narrator, is a young boy named Jimmy, and his younger brother is Harold.

The central secret of the story is that Harold's father, Mr. Bramble, is a professional boxer known as "Young Porky." However, Harold is under the impression that his father is a respectable businessman. The Bramble family, including Jimmy and their mother, goes to great lengths to keep this truth hidden from Harold because they fear that he might be ashamed or embarrassed by his father's unconventional profession.

To maintain this facade, the Bramble family engages in a charade of middle-class respectability. They pretend to be well-off, attend church regularly, and even maintain an air of sophistication in their speech and behavior. They refer to Harold's father as "Mr. Bramble" rather than "Young Porky" to avoid revealing his true identity. This constant pretense creates a comical tension throughout the story.

The climax of the story occurs when Harold's school organizes a charity event, and they need a local celebrity to participate. Mr. Bramble is chosen for his reputation as a businessman, and this event is meant to honor him. The family is initially thrilled by this recognition but realizes that the truth about Mr. Bramble's profession might be exposed during the event.

In a twist of fate, during the event, Harold inadvertently discovers the truth about his father when he sees a photograph of "Young Porky" in a newspaper. His reaction is surprising—he is proud of his father's success as a boxer, and he doesn't care about the deception. This revelation leads to a heartwarming moment when the family no longer feels the need to pretend and can be themselves.

"Keeping It from Harold" is a charming story that humorously explores themes of family bonds, acceptance, and the absurdity of maintaining unnecessary secrets. It also highlights the importance of being true to oneself and accepting one's family members for who they are, regardless of societal expectations.

Question answers from "Keeping it from Harold"

1) Why does the Bramble family go to great lengths to keep a secret from Harold?

A: The Bramble family keeps the secret that Mr. Bramble is a professional boxer, known as "Young Porky," to prevent Harold from being ashamed or embarrassed.

2) How does the Bramble family pretend to be a middle-class, respectable family?

A: They attend church regularly, use refined language and behavior, and refer to Mr. Bramble as "Mr. Bramble" instead of "Young Porky."

3) What event leads to the potential exposure of Mr. Bramble's true identity as a boxer?

A: Harold's school organizes a charity event where Mr. Bramble is chosen as the local celebrity to participate, based on his false reputation as a businessman.

4) How does Harold react when he discovers the truth about his father?

A: Harold is proud of his father's success as a boxer and doesn't care about the deception. He accepts his father for who he is.

5) What themes are explored in "Keeping It from Harold"?

A: The story explores themes of family bonds, acceptance, the absurdity of maintaining unnecessary secrets, and being true to oneself.

6) How does the revelation about Mr. Bramble's true identity affect the family?

A: The revelation leads to a heartwarming moment where the family no longer feels the need to pretend and can be themselves, strengthening their family bonds.

7) Why does the story have a humorous tone?

A: The story's humor arises from the family's comical efforts to maintain the secret and the unexpected reaction of Harold when he discovers the truth.

8) What is the significance of the charity event in the story?

A: The charity event is significant because it sets the stage for the potential exposure of Mr. Bramble's true identity and serves as a turning point in the plot.

9) Why does the Bramble family feel the need to pretend to be part of high society?

A: The family pretends to be part of high society to maintain the illusion that Mr. Bramble is a successful businessman rather than a professional boxer.

10) How does the Bramble family's behavior change when they are pretending to be part of high society?

A: They speak with refined language, wear their Sunday best, and try to adopt the manners and habits associated with the upper class.

11) What event leads to the discovery of Mr. Bramble's true identity by Harold?

A: During the charity event organized by Harold's school, a photograph of "Young Porky" in a newspaper leads to Harold's discovery of his father's true identity.

12) How does Jimmy, the narrator, feel about the family's charade?

A: Jimmy finds the family's attempts to keep the secret both amusing and frustrating, and he is relieved when the truth is finally revealed.

13) What is the lesson or moral of "Keeping It from Harold"?

A: The story teaches the importance of honesty within a family and that acceptance and love should be more significant than societal expectations or pretense.

14) Why is the revelation of Mr. Bramble's true identity a turning point in the story?

A: The revelation marks a turning point because it leads to a change in the family's dynamics and the end of their need for pretense.

15) How does the author use humor in the story?

A: Humor is used in the story through the absurdity of the family's efforts to hide the truth and the unexpected reaction of Harold when he learns the secret.

16) What is the significance of Harold's reaction to the revelation?

A: Harold's positive and proud reaction to his father's true identity highlights the story's message that familial love and acceptance are more important than social status.