# I: Vocation explained — Decline and Fall

> Chapter companion for Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh.

## What happens

Paul Pennyfeather is sent down from Oxford for indecent behavior, leading his guardian to cut off his allowance and insist he find work. Through a scholastic agent, Paul secures a position as a junior assistant master at Llanabba Castle School in Wales, despite lacking qualifications. He interviews with Dr. Fagan, who hires him at a reduced salary of £90 per year after learning of Paul's dismissal.

## Themes in this chapter

### Education as Farce

Paul is hired despite lacking qualifications, and Dr. Fagan prioritizes 'tone' and vision over competence, highlighting the absurdity of the educational system.

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

Paul's guardian cuts off his allowance under the guise of moral discipline while his daughter enjoys new frocks; the scholastic agent and headmaster casually overlook Paul's dismissal for a fee.

## Character check-ins

### Paul Pennyfeather

Sent down from Oxford for indecent behavior; forced to find work; hired as junior assistant master at Llanabba.

### Dr. Fagan

Headmaster of Llanabba Castle School; interviews and hires Paul at a reduced salary; mentions his staff and the school's ideals.

### Captain Grimes

Mentioned by Dr. Fagan as a staff member he may need to dismiss due to lack of 'tone'.

### Little Lord Tangent

Mentioned as a new pupil at Llanabba, son of the Earl of Circumference.

## Key lines

> Sent down for indecent behaviour, eh?

Expelled for improper conduct, are you?

_Paul's guardian confronts him about his expulsion from Oxford._

> I think you ought to find some work. Nothing like it for taking the mind off nasty subjects.

You should get a job; it will distract you from unpleasant thoughts.

_Paul's guardian suggests work as a remedy for his disgrace._

> Between ourselves, Llanabba hasn't a good name in the profession. We class schools, you see, into four grades: Leading School, First-rate School, Good School, and School. Frankly, School is pretty bad.

Confidentially, Llanabba is poorly regarded; we rank schools, and 'School' is the lowest tier.

_Mr. Levy explains the low reputation of Llanabba Castle School._

## Links

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