A certain critic -- for such men, I regret to say, do exist -- made the nasty remark about my last novel that it contained 'all the old Wodehouse characters under different names.' He has probably by now been eaten by bears, like the children who made mock of the prophet Elisha: but if he still survives he will not be able to make a similar charge against Summer Lightning. With my superior intelligence, I have out-generalled the man this time by putting in all the old Wodehouse characters under the same names. Pretty silly it will make him feel, I rather fancy.
P.G. Wodehouse humorously addresses a critic who disparaged his previous novel, claiming it featured the same characters under different names. He takes a light-hearted jab at the critic's fate, imagining them facing a comical end at the hands of bears. Wodehouse clearly shows his disdain for such criticism while demonstrating confidence in his writing.
In his upcoming work, "Summer Lightning," he cleverly decides to combat the criticism by reusing the original names of his beloved Wodehouse characters. This strategy not only showcases his wit but also implies that the critic will feel rather foolish for their previous accusations. Wodehouse's playful tone highlights his mastery of character and self-awareness as a writer.
