Given the choice between Repton or Marlborough, two highly esteemed boys’ public schools, Dahl chooses Repton because it is easier to pronounce. (Note: In Britain, exclusive schools that require the payment of (often expensive) school fees are called public schools). Dahl struggles to put on his complex new school uniform that consists of a shirt with a detachable butterfly collar attached by studs, pin-striped pants, a waistcoat, a coat with tails, and a hat. Dahl travels to his new school on the train and is relieved to see other boys in the same “ridiculous” outfit as himself when he nears Derby, the school’s location.

Prefects, known as Boazers, punish the younger boys for any misdemeanor, even an offense as small as a sock left on the floor, by beating them. The younger boys must serve the older boys to their liking to avoid beatings. The older boys often inspect the bottoms of the younger boys to see the marks left by the beatings, commenting happily on particularly impressive marks or blood drawn.

The Headmaster of Repton, who goes on to become the Archbishop of Canterbury and crown Queen Elizabeth II, is known for his particularly harsh beatings with the cane.