to read Modern Languages at Somerville College, Oxford.

Powell considered studying Classics (Literae Humaniores) - "Greats" - at Oxford University, but she was advised against it by her brother: '"Don't" he said; "the Classics are a terrible grind for a girl, and you will be prematurely wrinkled."' Powell took his advice, but later regretted it, feeling that she had been robbed of "deep and solid pleasures", having "small Latin...and, goodness