Top 10 Character Quotations Flashcards
An important comment as it sums up Irwin’s cynical view about the nature of truth (p. 1).
‘Paradox works well and mists up the windows, which is handy. “The loss of liberty is the price we pay for freedom.”’
Encapsulates Irwin’s cynical views on literature and is in complete contrast to Hector’s approach. For Irwin, knowledge is a means to an end (p. 26).
‘Poetry is good up to a point. Adds flavour.’
Demonstrates Irwin’s approach to exams and education as a game (p. 26).
‘…truth is no more at issue in an examination than thirst at a wine tasting or fashion at a striptease.’
Reveals Hector’s sincere belief in the importance of literature (p. 56).
‘The best moments in reading are when you come across something — a though, a feeling, a way of looking at things — which you hard thought special and particular to you.’
Demonstrates Hector’s rejection of Irwin’s gamesmanship in the coaching of the boys prior or their interviews (p. 83).
‘Why can they not all tell the truth?’
Suggests that Hector fails to understand that he has done anything wrong (p. 95).
‘I didn’t actually do anything. It was a laying-on of hands, I dont deny that, but more in benediction than gratification or anything else.’
Explains Mrs Lintott’s factual approach to history (p. 9).
‘Plainly stated an properly organised facts need no presentation surely.’
Important as an example of Mrs Lintott’s feminist views (p. 85).
‘History is a commentary on the various and continuing incapabilities of men’
Reveals the Headmaster’s superficial approach to education (p. 9).
‘Think charm. Think polish. This Renaissance Man.’
Suggests Posner’s support of Hector’s brand of education (p. 7).
[quoting from King Lear] ‘…Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.’
