Summary

Jeanette applies to study English at the University of Oxford "because it was the most impossible things [she] could do" (131). Growing up female in the industrial north of England meant that blue-collar employment and traditional feminine roles dominate but Jeanette wants to change her life "out of all recognition" (133). Jeanette is not accepted to Oxford after her interview so she and Janey drive up there and camp outside the school. Jeanette makes an appointment to see the senior tutor and an English fellow and discusses literature with them. The English fellow asks her if she thinks women can be great writers. That question had never occurred to Jeanette but "it was a reasonable introduction to the prejudices and pleasures of an Oxford degree course" (137). After the meeting she is given a place at the school.

Jeanette confronts sexism and snobbery at Oxford but...