History Boys Key Themes Flashcards
What is education for Hector?
- He says the reason for education is to pass it on and to preserve the learning
- Reciting large chunks of literature is his was of becoming educated
- Regards exams as the enemy
- Hector sees himself as giving the boys something to protect them against the education they receive - no tension between
Quotes to show Hectors view on Education
- '’All knowledge is precious whether or not it serves the slightest human use’’
- '’Its the hot ticket, standing room only’’
- '’Cheats visa’’
- '’Know it now and you’ll understand it whenever… You’ll have the antidote ready’’
What is education for Irwin?
- States education is all about what you want to get
- Nothing to do with the EXAMS
- Accused of delivering JOURNALISM instead of History
Quotes to show Irwin’s views on Education
- '’Groomed like thoroughbreds for this one particular race’’
- '’Education isn’t for when they are old and grey’’
Quote Analysis for Hectors opinions on Education
- '’All knowledge is precious whether or not it serves the slightest human use’’ - AE Housman quote. Suggests Hector likes to educate the boys for life, not exams
- '’Its the hot ticket, standing room only’’ - Metaphor in regard to why the boys want to go to Oxbridge. Implies the boys only want to go because its a challenge
What is education for Mrs Lintott?
- She believes education is about TRUTH
- She worries for Hector and experiences with the Boys
Quotes to show Mrs Lintott’s views on education
- '’They know their stuff. Plainly stated and properly organised facts need no presentation surely’’
- '’And they are bright, brighter than last years. But that’s not enough apparently’’
What is education for the boys?
- Their approach is to please whatever teacher is in the room - Dakin especially as he wants to get on
- Rudge believes there is a self-truth about note taking but is mocked for his self belief
Quotes to show the boys views on education
-‘‘Its higher than your noble stuff. Nobler’’
- ‘‘Mr Hector’s stuff is not meant for the exam., sir. Its to make us more well-rounded human beings’’
- ‘‘All the effort went into getting there and i had found out i had nothing left’’
- ‘‘We don’t know who we are sir. Your class or Mr Irwin’s’’
Quote Analysis for Mrs Lintott opinions on Education
'’They know their stuff. Plainly stated and properly organised facts need no presentation surely’’ - Mrs L questions. She believes the most important knowledge is from facts.
'’And they are bright, brighter than last years. But that’s not enough apparently’’ - Reflects Mrs L confusion towards the education system and how knowledge is not good enough
Quote Analysis for The Boys opinions on Education
'’Its higher than your noble stuff. Nobler’’ - Said by Lockwood to Irwin. He suggests Hectors teaching is moral, this links to the boys belief that its sacred and they will feel betrayal if they use it in the exams
'’Mr Hector’s stuff is not meant for the exam., sir. Its to make us more well-rounded human beings’’ - Said by Timms and highlights that Hectors teaches to educate for life, not for exams. This is because exams are the ‘enemy’. Hectors teaching does get them the grades but it helps the boys face challenges on the way
'’All the effort went into getting there and i had found out i had nothing left’’ - Said by Posner to Irwin. He states there needs to be a balance of both teaching styles otherwise it can damage well-being. Posner was fed up by the time he got into Cambridge
'’We don’t know who we are sir. Your class or Mr Irwin’s’’ - Said by Dakin to Hector. Insinuates that the boys are different depending on the teacher. Overall suggests a teachers power over the boys in the play.
What is education for Felix (Headmaster)?
- Concerned with the ‘league tables’ results
- Selfish as he only cares for his reputation
Quotes to show Felix’s view on education
'’A lottery? I don’t like the sound of that’’
“It’s not that he doesn’t produce results. He does. It’s that they are unpredictable and unquantifiable.”
“I have two Jewish parents threatening to complain to the school governors.”
Quote Analysis for Felix’s opinions on Education
'’A lottery? I don’t like the sound of that’’ - He wants the best out of the boys for his sake. Highlights the pressure he puts on them and the teachers for the good grades.
“It’s not that he doesn’t produce results. He does. It’s that they are unpredictable and unquantifiable.” - Doesn’t like the idea that the results are unpredictable - he compares this to the lottery. He wants guaranteed success so the school looks good
“I have two Jewish parents threatening to complain to the school governors.” - Main concern is the threat to the governors, not the complaint that was sent. Emphasises the schools image comes before the students
The Play in the Past
The play takes place in the past is important to the theme of history. Scripps throughout the play acts as a narrator which shows what has happened in the past. There is a direct link between the events in the play and their future. For example Irwins Journalism reflects his teaching of history.
