History Boys - Irwin

Question 1

This contrasts with Hectors view of anti-examinations

Answer 1

Education isn’t something for when they’re old and grey and sitting by the its for now.

Question 2

A summation of Irwin’s dispassionate stance on historical events, including the Holocaust

Answer 2

But this is history. Distance yourselves.

Question 3

This stresses Irwin’s view on the need for originality

Answer 3

You can write down, Rudge, that ‘I must not write down every word the teacher says’

Question 4

Demonstrates Irwin’s approach o exams and education as game

Answer 4

Truth is no more at issue in an examination than thirst at a wine tasting or fashion at a strip tease

Question 5

Shows Irwin’s cynical views on literature. Knowledge is means to an end

Answer 5

Poetry is good up to a point. Adds flavour.

Question 6

This shows why Irwin doesn’t like the truth

Answer 6

Paradox works well and mists up the windows, which is handy. “The loss of liberty is the price we pay for freedom” type of thing

Question 7

This shows Irwin’s modern, forward-thinking, populist views on history. Shows why he goes into showbiz

Answer 7

History nowadays is not a matter of conviction. It’s a performance. It’s entertainment. And if it isn’t, make it so.

Question 8

Nick Hytner, original director of the play, describes Irwin as this. Shows all points of view are equally valid

Answer 8

Swashbuckling relativism

Question 9

This word shows what Irwin was trying to teach the boys. A…

Answer 9

Trick

Question 10

Posner’s parents object to Irwin’s…?

Answer 10

‘Angle’ on the Holocaust

Question 11

When the boys first see Irwin in the French scene, this is the stage direction

Answer 11

There is a perceptible moment