In Chapter 14 of “Goodbye, Mr. Chips,” the protagonist, Mr. Chipping (affectionately known as Chips), continues to live in his rooms with Mrs. Wickett but starts spending his mornings at the school. Despite his age, he feels fit and takes on the familiar tasks of teaching Latin and Roman History. He finds joy in revisiting old lessons and jokes, particularly one about Lex Canuleia, and is pleased with the positive reception from a new generation of students.
Chips impresses everyone with his ability to quickly remember every boy’s name and face, but they are unaware of how closely he has kept in touch with the school from across the road. He becomes a grand success, contributing in a unique way that others sense but cannot fully understand. For the first time, he feels necessary and connected to something close to his heart.
The chapter also mentions Chips making new jokes about the O.T.C., food rationing, and anti-air-raid blinds. He introduces the term “abhorrendum” for a mysterious rissole on the school menu, calling it “meat to be abhorred.”
As winter sets in during 1917, Chatteris falls ill, and Chips becomes Acting Head of Brookfield for the second time in his life. Unfortunately, Chatteris passes away in April. The Governors ask Chips to continue as the headmaster “for the duration,” but he declines any official appointment.
Despite being offered this honor, he feels unequal to the task and expresses reluctance, likening himself to the new wartime colonels and majors, considering himself just a “war-time fluke” and a “ranker.” He confides in Rivers, emphasizing his concern about people expecting too much from him due to his age and perceived limitations.
- Chapter No. 15 Homeostasis 2nd Year Biology
- Chapter No. 16 Support and Movement 2nd Year Biology
- Chapter No. 17 Coordination and Control 2nd Year Biology
- Chapter No. 18 Reproduction 2nd Year Biology
- Chapter No. 19 Growth and Development 2nd Year Biology