Wodehouse's war: Writing internment in Money in the Bank

Abstract

Money in the Bank was written by P. G. Wodehouse, while he was interned by the Germans in a civilian internment camp. Most critics see little in the novel that reflects its composition history. This article shows that view to be mistaken. Not only does Money in the Bank reflect upon camp life through historical allusions to treason and its focus on food, the critical view that Wodehouse was unmoved by his wartime experience creates a certain view of wartime Wodehouse that excuses him of any responsibility for his potential collaboration with the Germans.