The Rose Code

Quinn’s novel highlights two key factors related to women in England during World War II. First, that their work was crucial to the nation’s military success; Second, that their capabilities and achievements were routinely undervalued.

At first glance, BP’s structure and workings seem to play into stereotypes about the division of labor between men and women. Women are assigned to secretarial positions or, due to a shortage of men, to semi-technical positions like Mab’s. The bulk of the rigorous cryptanalysis is left to Cambridge- and Oxford-educated men. However, whether due to the excessive amount of coded radio traffic, or simply Dilly’s unorthodox views, BP also houses a team of women who work as codebreakers, easily on par with their male colleagues. Despite their relative lack of education compared to the “boffins” that make up the other sections, women like Beth make a significant contribution to the success of multiple major military operations. After admitting that she is better at breaking codes than he is, Harry tells Beth that even BP’s military leadership is convinced by her work: “That was the argument that clinched Travis—the ladies here have proved they are perfectly capable of handling the work” (465). Even Beth’s exceptional work, however, is not enough to keep her from landing in Clockwell Sanitarium when a less skilled male colleague levies accusations against her.