Gaudy Night Allusions

Gaudy Night is an incredible mystery book that also encompasses a second narrative about the debate over women’s education during the early 1900’s. This novel also contains a multitude of allusions and excerpts that aid in defining and fortifying the tone and purpose the author is trying to convey. In Sayer’s Gaudy Night, Annie’s allusion to Paul’s madness in the eyes of Fetus aids in defining the antifeminist sentiments that were held by society at the time. However, Annie’s misuse of the allusion adds to the overarching tone in the book of support for women in higher education. Throughout much of the novel, the women of Oxford College face societal adversity as people push against their desire to continue their education and pursue a career

In the text that Annie is referencing, Paul was facing Governor Fetus, who is politically and spiritually motivated to oppose Paul in this circumstance. Paul’s “learning” can be interpreted as his conversion, which in a larger biblical context is ultimately deemed as a righteous change. Similarly to how the initial allusion established the societal context around women in higher education, the misuse of the allusion lays groundwork for the author to show her support of women degrees. In a conversation with Harriet, Miss Hillyard says, “but you won't find them appointing women to big University posts.the women might perform their work in a way beyond criticism,” (Sayers 59). Considering the book is focused on the women of Oxford, this radical statement is intended to empower women rather than perpetuate the role of women as homemakers by classifying the statement as absurd through a broader context. This larger opinion of the book as a whole is further solidified by Peter saying, “even if much learning makes one person mad, it does not make everybody mad,” (Sayers 339). Peter is a beloved character of the series and as a recurring protagonist his opinions line up with the ideas the author is trying to convey through the novels. This line is also a direct reference and contradiction to the point Annie was attempting to make through the allusion, further aligning the book in support of women’s rights to higher education. Though the allusion to Acts 26 was intended by Annie to show her disapproval for Harriet’s choice to attend college instead of raising a family, the misuse of the verse ended up aiding the authors support of women like Harriet. In conclusion, Dorothy L. Sayers's "Gaudy Night" not only fascinates readers with its captivating mystery, but it also explores the