Hazel’s disguise serves as a motif for the theme of ambition and opportunity. Hazel’s desire to become a surgeon goes against her society’s gender roles. As a young noblewoman, she is expected to become a dutiful wife and mother, not pursue a career. Disguising herself as a young man enables her to receive opportunities that her male peers enjoy. George’s death fuels Hazel’s ambitions of becoming a doctor and curing the illness that killed him. She uses his name and the clothes he left behind to attend Dr. Beecham’s lectures and access the education that will allow her to achieve her aims. Dressed in “George’s muslin shirts, a waistcoat, a jacket, and a pair of trousers” (98), Hazel looks the part of a gentleman. The disguise gives her the sense of security she needs to attend Beecham’s lectures, and she quickly rises to the top of the class.

However, Hazel’s disguise cannot shield her forever. Although she demonstrates more knowledge and skill than her male peers, Dr. Straine believes her gender makes it impossible for her to practice medicine and decides to bar her from the lectures. With this valuable educational opportunity closed to her, Hazel temporarily loses hope.