The arrival of the enchanting Zuleika Dobson at Oxford University triggers a catastrophic wave of romantic obsession among the student body. Zuleika, the granddaughter of the warden of Judas College, possesses a beauty so potent that every undergraduate who encounters her is instantly overcome with a fatal, unrequited passion. As she remains indifferent to their advances, the young men of the university find themselves caught in a cycle of despair and dramatic gestures. The narrative unfolds through a third-person perspective that balances sharp wit with an increasingly absurd escalation of events, highlighting the rigid social structures of early twentieth-century British academia.

Readers and critics frequently note the novel's biting wit and its ability to maintain a tone of sustained absurdity throughout the narrative. Discussion often centers on Beerbohm's stylistic precision and his willingness to push the boundaries of social satire to their logical, often ridiculous, extremes. Many highlight the effectiveness of the Oxford setting as a backdrop for the protagonist's influence, noting how the institution's traditions amplify the comedy. The balance between the character's aloof nature and the frantic reactions of the students provides a consistent source of amusement for those who appreciate dry, intellectual humor.