Character Sketch of Mrs. Pumphrey from Triumph of Surgery

Mrs. Pumphrey is a fictional character from the semi-autobiographical book “The Triumph of Surgery” by Josephine Tey, which tells the story of the author’s experiences as a nurse during World War II. Mrs. Pumphrey is a memorable and somewhat comical character in the book. Here’s a character sketch of Mrs. Pumphrey:

Name: Mrs. Pumphrey

Role: Mrs. Pumphrey is a recurring character in “The Triumph of Surgery.” She is one of the patients at the hospital where the protagonist, Josephine Tey, works as a nurse.

Description: Mrs. Pumphrey is a wealthy and eccentric woman who dotes on her beloved Pekingese dog, Tricki-Woo. She is often seen as overdramatic, high-strung, and extremely anxious, particularly when it comes to Tricki-Woo’s health. She is portrayed as a woman of means and privilege, which is evident in her extravagant lifestyle and her tendency to pamper her dog.

Personality:

1. Doting and Overprotective: Mrs. Pumphrey is deeply devoted to her pet dog, Tricki-Woo. She fusses over him incessantly and is highly protective of his well-being. Her excessive concern for Tricki-Woo is a recurring source of humor in the book.
2. Anxious: Mrs. Pumphrey’s anxiety, especially regarding Tricki-Woo’s health, is a defining aspect of her character. She frequently calls upon the hospital staff, including the protagonist, Josephine Tey, for medical attention for her dog, often over minor issues.
3. Wealthy and Privileged: Mrs. Pumphrey’s wealth is evident in her extravagant lifestyle, including her opulent home and her ability to provide the best care for Tricki-Woo, even if it means calling upon the hospital staff at odd hours.

Relationship with Josephine Tey: Josephine Tey, the protagonist and a nurse at the hospital, becomes acquainted with Mrs. Pumphrey due to her frequent visits to the hospital with Tricki-Woo. Josephine Tey is often the one attending to Tricki-Woo’s medical needs and dealing with Mrs. Pumphrey’s anxious requests.

Significance: Mrs. Pumphrey’s character serves as a source of humor and light-heartedness in the book. Her eccentricities, particularly her obsession with her dog’s health, provide comic relief amidst the backdrop of the serious and often challenging situations faced by the hospital staff during wartime.

In “The Triumph of Surgery,” Mrs. Pumphrey’s character adds a touch of levity to the narrative and highlights the contrast between the privileged and the dedicated healthcare workers who are part of the war effort. Her relationship with Tricki-Woo showcases the lengths to which some individuals will go to care for their pets, even in the midst of a global conflict.