A recap of The Adventures of Prudence Prim, arranged by strip publication date. Most of the Prudence Prim strips are self-contained adventures without much plot continuation between installments, but Brinkley and Wells included two short vacation arcs — the Boardwalk arc and the Mountain arc — as settings for the comic.
open/close all folders
October 18th, 1925
Pretty country girl Prudence Prim is introduced to readers, the rebellious successor to generations of stuffy, uptight Prims. She convinces her mother to allow her to move to the big city to live with her aunts Jane and Abigail, intent on having grand adventures and pursuing lovely romances no matter what her family name.
- Alliterative Name: Prudence Prim is introduced to readers.
- Arc Words: The first usage of "Your Christian name is Prudence, and your other name is Prim" and its variants in the serial. In this instance they're delivered as a warning to Prudence by her mother, to conduct herself with propriety while in the big city.
- The City vs. the Country: While Mrs. Prim agrees that there are benefits to living in the big city, she urges daughter Prudence to live up to her name and avoid the temptations of modern urban life.
- Country Cousin: Prudence is introduced as a country girl who wants to get a taste of big city life.
- Maiden Aunt: Aunts Jane and Abigail appear to be wealthy spinsters — they're a pair of unmarried, related women living together in the city. They live in a comfortable house and employ a staff of servants, but have no explained source of income. They happily accept Prudence into their home and take it upon themselves to chaperone her social encounters and protect her good name. As described in their introduction:Miss Prudy Prim's ancestors had been stern and stalwart men.
No sort of gay frivolity was was ever in their ken.
They never saw a motor, they never heard of jazz;
They hadn't half the wisdom that a modern infant has.
And Prudy's Aunts, who lived in town, were likewise of that ilk;
They wore old-fashioned collars, and rustling, stiff black silk.
They walked with mincing footsteps; they were formal as could be;
And crooked out their little fingers when they sipped their China tea. - Meaningful Name: Prudence Prim — "prudence" meaning caution or forethought, and "prim" meaning uptight, demure, stiffly formal, respectable. The Prims have a reputation as respectable, boring folk.
October 25, 1925
Prudence takes to the streets looking for adventure, but dashes home in a fretful hurry when a gentleman stops to say "hello."
- Fluffy Fashion Feathers: The cloche that tops Prudence's outfit includes a spray of buff feathers that brush her cheek.
- Pretty in Mink: Prudence wears a fur-trimmed dress coat and matching cloche when she takes to the streets.
November 1, 1925
After getting lost in the park, Prudence finds a young man's flirtatious attention is simply too much for her to bear and runs away.
- Arc Words: Discussed:"How dare you, sir! I'll have you know my name is Prudence Prim!"
He simply roared with laughter. "Prudence Prim! Oh, what a joke!
I thought you were a dryad, or a child of Fairy Folk.
I thought your name was Thistledown, or Princess Rosyface!
Allow me to escort you home," he bowed with airy grace. - Damsel in Distress: The fellow who stumbles upon Prudence lost in the park calls her a "beauty in distress" to her face.
- Imagine Spot: Downplayed, but when the man in the park teases Prudence about her name and complements her by describing her looks as fae, she's drawn with wings and antennae beside a similarly outfitted fairy.
November 15, 1925
With her aunts' charge account at her disposal, Prudence purchases a stylish new wardrobe.
- Arc Words: Said to Prudence by her aunts when she goes out shopping on their charge account, as they caution her to buy something modest and appropriate."But don't buy ultra-moddish clothes; beware of fashion's whim.
And remember you are Prudence, and your other name is Prim." - Faint in Shock: The aunts' reaction to Prudence's new togs.The aunties turned to look—and then, with shrieks of wild dismay,
One flew into hysterics and one fainted dead away! - Fashion-Shop Fashion Show: The French Maison puts one on for Prudence to show her their newest fashions, enticing her to buy the latest (and most risqué!) gowns in their collection.
- Fluffy Fashion Feathers: Prudence purchases a hat with a massive feather in it, and it proves to be too modern for her aunts.
- Parental Fashion Veto: Aunts' fashion veto. Upon seeing one of Prudence's new outfits (a sleeveless, knee-length "Deauville frock" and a hat with a massive feather) Aunt Abigail goes into hysterics and Aunt Jane faints.
November 22, 1925
Prudence panics when a stranger offers her a ride in his automobile, but later finds herself fantasizing about the handsome gent.
- Arc Words: Said by Prudence as she chides herself on daydreaming over an impetuous (but handsome!) stranger."No, no!" she quickly told herself, "I MUSTN'T think of him,
For my Christian name IS Prudence, and my other name IS Prim." - Putto: A little cherub appears as Prudence fantasizes about the handsome chap who offered her a ride in his car.
November 29, 1925
One day while taking her dog for a walk, pretty Prudence catches the amorous eyes of a man in the park.
- Animal Chick Magnet: Gender-Inverted and Invoked. Prudence takes her little Pekinese dog to the park — ostensibly to get some air, but really as an excuse for her to get out of the house and potentially meet a handsome stranger. Her dog runs off and is returned to her by just such a dashing gentleman.
- Baby Talk: Prudence baby-talks to her dog."Ums waz a booful doggums!"
- Flower Motifs:
- The first panel shows Prudence sniffing a rose at home before she decides to take her dog for a walk. The negligee, wrap, and house-slippers she wears are decorated with small fabric rosettes.
- She changes into a fabulous rose-print frock and matching hat for her jaunt to the park.
- The fourth and fifth panels, which take place at the park, show Prudence and her admirer surrounded by pink roses.
December 6, 1925
Prudence waits for her aunts to take a nap before ducking out of the house in an absolutely daring ensemble. She accepts a gentleman's invitation to tea, only to panic halfway through and bolt home.
- Arc Words: Downplayed — Prudence gets halfway through a tea date with a handsome stranger before she realizes how scandalous her behavior is."She remembered what her name was—and she made a bolt for home!"
- Background Halo: Visible in the last panel; the smoke from the stranger's cigarette forms a halo over Prudence's head as she suddenly remembers the mores of propriety. The halo is drawn with emphasis marks surrounding it.
- Flower Motifs: The dress and stockings Prudence changes into are decorated with silk flowers and embroidered roses, and her hat has a large matching rosette.
- Putto: Two show up in this strip — one cherub shooting arrows at a gentleman who falls for Prudence's good looks, and another as a divider between the fourth and fifth panels, clasping his hands together and glancing skywards.
- Leg Focus: The verse that describes Prudence's outfit gives special mention to the embroidered stockings put on display by her short skirt.
December 13, 1925
Aunts Jane and Abigail plan a trip to the Boardwalk-by-the-Sea. Prudence is delighted at the prospect of wearing her cute new bathing costume, but ends up swept away by more than just the waves.
- Arc Words: Used twice in the same installment:
- Said to Prudence by her Aunts when they arrive at the boardwalk to discourage her from any improper behavior."Come child, go to your room at once!" the aunts were dour and grim.
"And remember you are Prudence, and your other name is Prim." - Said by Prudence herself when a handsome stranger insists on teaching her how to swim."Come on," he said, "come with me—I'll teach you how to swim—"
"But," she said, "my name is—Prudence—and my other name is—Prim."
- Said to Prudence by her Aunts when they arrive at the boardwalk to discourage her from any improper behavior.
- Parasol of Prettiness: Prudence accessorizes her bathing costume with a flower-printed "swagger parasol" when she makes it down to the beach.
- Parental Fashion Veto: The aunts do not approve of Prudence's choice of clothes for their seaside vacation.Then Prudy flew off to the shops and bought the newest sorts
Of toggery for dancing and for bathing and for sports.
And when the things came home—though free from any flaws of faults—
The Aunties went up to their rooms and called for smelling-salts!
December 20, 1925
Prudence gets permission to see a movie at the boardwalk cinema, but another moviegoer's flirtatious innuendo sends her running for the hills before intermission.
- Arc Words: Even asking her aunts for permission to see a film by herself lands Prudence with a warning to be on her best behavior:"It sounds quite educational," said Aunt Jane, "I suppose
You may as well go, Prudy, while we enjoy our doze.
It's probably a classic, like Exodus or Kim;
But do not speak to anyone; remember you're a Prim." - Costume Porn: Prudence's gem-green moviegoing outfit receives an entire verse of description:Miss Prim put on a costume that, to say the least, was pert:
A sleeveless, neckless jumper with a dash of plaited skirt;
A hat beyond description and a scarf like floating mist;
Egyptian beads around her neck, and bangles on her wrist. - Putto: A winged cherub with his hands on his hips appears in the background as Prudence hotfoots it away from the theater.
December 27, 1925
Spotting a beauty parlor on the boardwalk, Prudence goes all-in for a makeover. Her Aunts are not pleased with the result.
- Arc Words: The aunts' response to Prudence's makeover is shame their niece for her new look and invoke her name as something she's betrayed:To her, "How d'you like me, Aunties?" They replied with angry vim,
"You insult the name of Prudence, and disgrace the name of Prim!" - Faint in Shock: While Aunt Jane berates Prudence's new look, Aunt Abigail seems to be fainting in the background.
- The Makeover: Though Prudence only asks if the beautician can make her cheeks "a little bit more pink," she ends up getting a whole makeover complete with haircut, makeup, and brow work.Facial massage they gave her, and rouged her cheeks up fine;
They plucked her pretty eyebrows down to a thin, straight line.
Then they applied a lipstick, with artistry and care;
A henna shampoo followed—then they bobbed her hair! - '20s Bob Haircut: Although Prudence's curly hair was worn short in prior installments she didn't truly have the classic flapper bob. The makeover at the beauty parlor changes that, giving her a wavy, permed bob haircut.
January 3, 1926
It's August, so Prudence and her aunts take a trip to the mountains of New England. Prudence engages in climbing, hiking, and a bit of romance when a fellow sportsman saves her from a nasty fall.
- Arc Words: Prudence repeats them when trying to divert the advances of the young man who demands a kiss after saving her from falling down a cliff."Don't, don't!" she cried. "I'm Prudence, and my family name is Prim!"
- Forceful Kiss: The man who saves Prudence from a nasty fall forces her to kiss him as a reward, even over her protests.
- Matron Chaperone: There's a passel of handsome, athletic young men and fit, flirty girls in Prudence's hiking group — and then there's Mrs. Gaunt, the stuffy, aged chaperone. Aunts Jane and Abigail order Prudence to stick close to Mrs. Gaunt, but she pays them no mind.
- Smooch of Victory: Invoked — the man who saves Prudence from a crumbling cliff edge demands a kiss as a reward.A young man caught her in his arms and drew her close to him.
"Don't, don't!" she cried. "I'm Prudence, and my family name is Prim!"
"Indeed! Well my name's Conquest, and I can tell you, Miss,
I rescued you from danger, and— I deserve a kiss!"
January 10, 1926
Prudence wears a daring pair of chiffon pajamas and attracts a little too much attention on the balcony of her hotel room.
- Costume Porn: Prudence packed a pair of "rose chiffon pajamas and embroidered trouserettes" for her vacation. The pajama ensemble is drawn as a froth of translucent pink fabric that sways and clings to her slender form, with delicate geometric embroidery on the pants. She tops it off with matching pink shoes and what appears to be a lavender wrap trimmed with white fur.
January 24, 1926
Vacationing Prudence stays up late dancing, only to receive a mysterious invitation to an exclusive afterparty. But the company at this afterparty proves less cordial than she'd planned, and Prudence winds up defending her honor from a disreputable cretin!
- Abhorrent Admirer: Ben "Benny" Stout is a doughy, lecherous, dishonest creep. He tricks Prudence into being alone with him so he can steal a kiss, ignoring both her visible discomfort and vocal displeasure with his actions.
- Arc Words: Prudence chastises Benny Stout for tricking her and trying to steal a kiss by repeating her signature Catchphrase:...and as she left the room she said to him:
"You can't put over schemes like that! My name is Prudence Prim!" - Damsel out of Distress: Prudence rescues herself from an unwanted suitor.
- Forceful Kiss: After tricking Prudence into coming to the billiard room alone in the early hours of the morning, Benny Stout locks the door behind her and tries to force her to kiss him.As light flashed on she saw Ben Stout. "Aha, I've got you, Miss.
That note was just a little ruse so I could steal a kiss!"
He shut the door and locked it. Prudy was mad clear through.
Stout was a man she hated, and she thought, "What shall I do?" - Improvised Weapon: Prudence fends off Benny's unwanted advances with her perfume atomizer.(She felt the atomizer still grasped within her hand.)
And Prudy was resourceful. To Benny Stout's surprise,
She shot that pungent perfume right straight into his eyes! - Steven Ulysses Perhero: Ben Stout is perhaps the fattest character to appear in the Prudence Prim comics, and his last name means "a person of somewhat fat or of heavy build."
- You're Cute When You're Angry: Prudence clearly expresses her displeasure and disgust at Benny's aggressive advances, but it's clear he thinks her anger only makes her more attractive."How dare you sir!" But Prudy's rage just emphasized her charm.
"Now, don't be coy, my pretty one!"—he took her in his arms.
January 31, 1926
Prudence sneaks out of the house to attend dinner with a group of natty flappers, but when the "heavy necking" starts she panics and steals a car to drive herself home.
- Have a Gay Old Time: The new friends that Prudence makes are described as "a gay and festive crowd."
- The Ingenue: As if she weren't already adorable, Prudence's naiveté makes her the most attractive girl in the party.And so she blushed and dimpled, and all the men went wild
With admiration of this unsophisticated child.
And when they reached the grillroom every manjack of them tried
To cut out all the others and sit by Prudy's side! - Smoking Is Glamorous: Prudence tries a cigarette while out with her hip friends, but the illustration shows her making a disgusted face.She listened with amazement to their repartee and joke:
She tried to be audacious — she even dared to smoke! - Women Drivers: Though there's no mention made of Prudence's driving skills in the verse, the panel that shows her behind the wheel includes two motorcycle cop in hot pursuit, a horse and buggy veering off the side of the road, and a screaming farmer shaking a pitchfork at her.
February 7, 1926
Prudence takes part in a competition among friends to see who can be the most daring. The others tease her for being timid, but Prudence has got an ace up her sleeve.
- Alliterative Name: Will Wildman is one of Prudence Prim's flings.
- Arc Words: Downplayed — Prudence vows that in spite of her name, she'll make a fair go at winning the competition of who can be most daring."Oho," thought Prudy to herself, "so that's your little game!
Well, though my name is Prudence, I'll try it all the same." - Fashion Dissonance: One of the stranger fads of the 1920's makes an appearance in this strip: painted knees.
- Leg Focus: Prudence goes out and gets her knees painted for the competition, even wearing her stockings rolled down so everyone can get an eyeful.Her skirt was short, her stockings neatly rolled and— if you please—
Two highly colored landscapes were painted on her knees! - Life of the Party: The competition between friends boils down to "who can pull off the craziest stunt/ most daring outfit."
- Little Black Dress: While she normally favors bright colors (yellow being a favorite) or floral patterns, this strip marks the only occasion in which Prudence wears an all-black dress. The goal seems to be accenting her painted knees, as she swaps from pale stockings to vivid crimson red ones that are rolled down to put her legs on view.
February 14, 1926
Prudence sneaks out of the house to attend a glamorous, jazzy cabaret with her new pals.
- Alliterative Name: Will Wildman makes his last appearance.
- Caught Coming Home Late: Prudence gets back at daybreak, but isn't as successful at sneaking back in as she was sneaking out:Somewhere along towards morning, the aunties heard a sound.
They sprang from bed and ran downstairs, and there the culprit found.
Just coming in! She gaily cried, "I seem to've made a hit!"
For one aunt had hysterics, while the other threw a fit!
February 21, 1926
The final strip of the Prudence Prim serial. Prudence meets the love of her life and resolves to be a bit more daring — so she elopes!
- Arc Words: Used twice in the final installment, first when Prudence responds to Dicky's proposal that they elope, and then again to describe Prudence's Meaningful Rename:He said, "Come, Darling, let's elope!" and drew her close to him.
She said "No, no! My name is Prudence, and my other name is Prim!"
"Come, Sweet— a special license—" and ere she was aware—
Her Christian name was Prudence— but her other name was Dare! - Alliterative Name: Dicky Dare.
- Elopement: Dicky begs Prudence to elope with him so they can circumvent her strict Aunts and be married.
- Engaging Conversation: Dicky proposes to Prudence after falling in Love at First Sight and talking with her for an hour.She brought the two together, and they fell in love with speed!
Oh never did a love affair at such a rate proceed!
Dicky proposed within the hour! (You must admit, that's quick!)
He said, "I love you, Prudy!" and she said, "I love you, Dick!" - Fourth-Date Marriage: First Meeting Marriage. Dicky and Prudence have known each other for an hour, tops, when he proposes and she agrees to elope with him.
- Love at First Sight: Prudence falls in love with Dicky Dare when they lock eyes across the room, but she's too nervous to approach him with her strict aunts chaperoning. Dicky feels similarly, but he convinces the hostess of the Musicale to intervene so he can introduce himself to Prudence and have a word with her on a private balcony.
- Meaningful Name: "Prudence Prim" meets Dicky "Dare" — "prudence" meaning caution or forethought, while "dare" means bold and reckless.
- Meaningful Rename: Prudence elopes with Dicky and takes his last name, changing hers from "Prim" to "Dare."
- Putto: A winged cherub appears driving the car that Prudence and Dicky elope in.
- Wedding Finale: Prudence and Dicky elope, tying the knot away from her overbearing aunts.
