In P.G. Wodehouse's "Jill the Reckless," the author reflects on the dynamics of relationships, hinting at the primal instincts that influence human behavior. The mention of a caveman using a club suggests a simplistic resolution to conflict, where one party feels a sense of relief while the other is burdened by guilt and self-reflection. This contrasts the ease of the cave-woman's experience with the moral struggle of the caveman, emphasizing differing emotional responses to situations of power and submission.
This commentary speaks to the complexities of human interactions that persist across time. While the cave-woman may have found comfort in the resolution afforded by brute force, the caveman's conscience leads him to recognize the unethical nature of his actions. Wodehouse subtly critiques the imbalance of power in relationships, suggesting that even in the most primitive contexts, the emotional ramifications of one's actions can be profound and lingering.