I found that the professors within the novel are simply putting on a mask within the world of academia of what a professor "should be," when in fact they lead interesting lives outside their passionless work. Swallow often groups himself in comparison with others saying "University teachers would never..." when in reality they are just like everyone else. The character of Cheryl is interesting in regards to this. Though her work is very repetitive and boring, like Persse, she makes the best of what it is to find joy in her life. It is almost the opposite of all the professors- they esteem their job very highly yet at the heart of the matter they truly do not enjoy what they do. Lodge says that in Cheryl's "hands she made an art of seat allocation." On a whole, Small world satirizes careers and work in general. Though the job does not make the man (as some of the professors seem to believe), the man truly makes the job (as seen with Cheryl, Angelica, and Persse). No matter what esteem society may hold your job or position, it says nothing about the character of the person.

It is ever more clear that this novel is a modern medieval tale. Persse has this unjustifiable desire for Angelica, yet she is unattainable. The conventions and travels are like a knight's quest or journeys for a greater purpose. His meeting with Angelica is perpetually prolonged, adding to his pining lust for her. As we have spoken in class in regards to other novels, I do not believe this love Persse has for Angelica to be pure- rather I think he loves the chase of it all, and the image in his head of her.