# Mr. Abimelech V. Oover — Zuleika Dobson character guide

> Mr. Abimelech V. Oover in Zuleika Dobson by Max Beerbohm.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Oover, Oover

**First appearance:** 0005-iii

## Snapshot

An American Rhodes Scholar whose democratic frankness and quick enthusiasm make him a conspicuous new arrival in Oxford's closed and ancient world.

## Who they are

Mr. Abimelech V. Oover comes to Oxford on a scholarship, bringing transatlantic energy and a readiness to say what he feels — qualities the older undergraduates find both refreshing and unnerving. Smitten by Zuleika like everyone else, he pursues her with a directness that cuts through English reticence. He matters as the outsider's eye: through him the novel measures how much of Oxford's romance is genuine and how much is merely old.

## In the story

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/chapters/vii)

Mentioned as part of the crowd returning from the race.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/chapters/viii)

A Rhodes Scholar guest at the dinner, he declares his love for Zuleika and vows to die for her.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/chapters/xv)

The American Rhodes Scholar who respects the Duke's resolve but prioritizes his lecture, embodying a pragmatic contrast to the romantic fatalism.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/characters/mr_oover
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/characters