In P.G. Wodehouse's "Blandings Castle," the character Lord Emsworth experiences a moment of internal conflict encapsulated by his "coward rage." This phrase suggests he possesses a fiery temperament that is stifled by his own fears, depicting a struggle between his desires and his inability to act decisively. Lord Emsworth's cough serves as a metaphorical sign of surrender, indicating his resignation in the face of this emotional turmoil.

The description of Lord Emsworth’s cough as an "undisguisedly a bronchial white flag" further illustrates his defeatist attitude. The cough, rather than being merely a physical ailment, symbolizes his capacity for passion and anger that remains unexpressed. This interplay of emotions reveals the character's complexities, as he grapples with the constraints holding him back from fully embracing his feelings and asserting himself in the world around him.