Rudge Flashcards
‘How come they took a thick sod like me?’ (Rudge)
Rudge is perceived as being the least intelligent of the boys.
Possibly represents the everyman?
‘One oddity…Rudge…No hope’ (Headmaster about Rudge)
Again, shows how no one really has much hope in him or his abilities. Not even the Headmaster believes that he can do it- although this is proven wrong.
‘They’ll take me because I’m dull and ordinary’ (Rudge)
Again, it’s not just the school who doesn’t expect much of him but himself. He doesn’t expect anything from school, university or himself and yet he still gets into Oxford.
Is this saying something about intelligence? Or the ways the educational system works? Again, the attitude the college takes is similar to the Headmaster- they take Rudge because they want to look good.
‘How do I define History? It’s just one fucking thing after another.’ (Rudge)
Rudge is blunt and say it how it is. He connects ore to Mrs Lintott because in a way their approach is quite similar (‘Plainly stated and properly organised facts need no presentation’ pg9)
Contrasts to ‘subjunctive history’. There is no uncertainty in history because it has already happened.
‘What do I write down?’ (Rudge)
Not much independence of thought. Prefers Mrs Lintott’s teaching although recognised the Irwin’s is what is needed (‘now we’re in the process of running around acquiring flavour’ pg33)
‘Like them or not, Rudge Homes are at least affordable homes for first-time buyers.’
He is proud of his career in the future, again representing the average guy?
