History Boys - Overall

Question 1

The headmasters superficiality is revealed when talking to Mrs Lintott (p8)

Answer 1

Factually tip-top as your boys always are, something more is required

Question 2

Bond between Hector and boys is established (p6)

Answer 2

Child, I am your teacher. Whatever I do in this room is a token of my trust.

Question 3

Irwin’s populist views on history are shown (p35)

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Headmaster expresses his outrage at Hectors touching of the boys (p53)

Answer 4

A hand on a boy’s genitals at fifty miles an hour, and you call it nothing?

Question 5

Hector is shown to be in despair (p65)

Answer 5

What made me piss my life away in this god-forsaken place

Question 6

Hector may not be all that he seems (p4)

Answer 6

Studied eccentricity

Question 7

Hector reveals himself to be more sensitive than Irwin in the holocaust scene (p70)

Answer 7

How can you teach the holocaust?

Question 8

Irwin shows off his tactic to doing well in history exams (p74)

Answer 8

this is history. Distance yourself.

Question 9

Irwin’s tactics are shown to be successful (p97)

Answer 9

Splendid news! Poster a scholarship, Dakin an exhibition and places for everyone else.

Question 10

A quote supporting Bennett’s views on the randomness of history (p105)

Answer 10

And here history rattled over the points…

Question 11

A quote that completely demonstrates Hector’s views on education. (p109)

Answer 11

Pass it on boys. That’s the game I wanted you to learn. Pass it on.

Question 12

An important comment that shows Irwin’s cynical nature (p1)

Answer 12

Paradox works well and mists up the windows

Question 13

Shows a knowledge is a means to an end for Irwin (p26)

Answer 13

Poetry is good up to a point. Adds flavour.

Question 14

Shows how Hector loves literature (p56)

Answer 14

The best moment in reading is when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things that you thought special to you

Question 15

Hector rejects Irwin’s exam technique (p83)

Answer 15

Why can they not just tell the truth?

Question 16

Hector does not understand that touching the boys was wrong (p95)

Answer 16

I didn’t actually do anything. It was a laying on of hands

Question 17

Explains Lintott’s factual approach to history (p9)

Answer 17

Plainly stated and organised facts need no presentation, surely

Question 18

Mrs Lintott shows her feminist views (p85)

Answer 18

History is a commentary on the various and continuing incapabilities of men.

Question 19

Reveals the headmasters superficial approach to education (p9)

Answer 19

Think charm. Think polish. Think Renaissance Man.

Question 20

A quote to suggest Posner’s approach to education (p7)

Answer 20

[From King Lear] Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say

Question 21

Rudge’s simple and comedic view on history (p85)

Answer 21

It’s just one fucking thing after another

Question 22

Mrs Lintott’s view on male-dominated history (p85)

Answer 22

History is women following behind with a bucket

Question 23

Irwin’s view on exam technique is shown - originality (p26)

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Irwin’s views on what education is for contrasts that of Hector’s
(p49)

Answer 24

Education isn’t something for when they are old and grey and sitting by the fire. It’s for now.

Question 25

Indicates the Headmaster’s opinion on the boys education (p11)

Answer 25

All bright but they need polish. Edge.

Question 26

Shows Dakin sees Fiona as territory to conquer (p28)

Answer 26

She’s my Western front.

Question 27

Hector voices his suppressed desires (p94)

Answer 27

See it as an inoculation, rather. Briefly painful but providing immunity for however long it takes.

Question 28

Mrs Lintott’s cynical view on why women marry (p92)

Answer 28

Man’s lukewarm attentions just what they married them for