The Waves - Power / School

Question 1

‘I rejoice, my heart expands in his bulk…’

Answer 1

‘I rejoice, my heart expands in his bulk, his authority… There is no crudity here, no sudden kisses’

Louis prefers the authorial nature of his teacher, Dr Crane. As ever he is drawn to order, and prefers this over the spontaneity of Susan’s kiss, which he may have found emotionally distressing. Consider the effect of disorder of Louis’ mental life

Question 2

‘When he prays…’

Who says this?

Answer 2

‘When he prays. Unwarned by imagination’

Neville

Dr Cranes speech is depicted as cold, lifeless. It lacks imagination and creativity. This is a reflection of the elite school they attend, with its 600 year history it is enshrined in tradition and order

Question 3

How does Bernard describe Dr Cranes voice?

What is Dr Crane doing?

Answer 3

Rough and hairy

Delivering a sermon.

‘His rough and hairy voice’

Question 4

‘His magnificence is that of some…’

Answer 4

‘His magnificence is that of some medieval commander… he will certainly attempt some forlorn enterprise and die in battle’

Percival is the embodiment of the school, with its rigid history and demand of order. Perhaps because of this, he does did oversees. Almost suggests his death was predetermined as it is foreshadowed here