Top 10 Theme Quotes Flashcards
History:
This reveals Rudge’s simple bout comedic view of history (p. 85).
‘It’s just one fucking thing after another.’
History:
Mrs Lintott’s view of the male-dominated nature of history (p. 85).
‘History is women following behind with the bucket.’
History:
A summation of Irwin’s dispassionate stance on historical events, including the Holocaust (p. 74).
‘But this is history. Distance yourselves.’
Education:
A good demonstration of Hector’s attitudes towards education (p. 5).
[quoting A. E. Housman] ‘All knowledge is precious whether or not it serves the slightest human I use’
Education:
This stresses Irwin’s view on the need for originality in exams (p. 26).
‘You can write down, Rudge, that ‘I must not write down every word that teacher says.’
Education:
This indicates the Headmaster’s shallow take on education (p. 11).
‘Otherwise all bright but they need polish. Edge.’
Education:
Irwin’s view contrasts with Hector’s anti-examination viewpoint (p. 49).
‘Education isn’t something for when they’re old and grey and sitting by the fire. It’s for now.’
Sex and sexuality:
This demonstrates that Dakin sees Fiona as territory to be conquered rather than a person and that he is keen to share these details with Scripps (p. 28).
‘She’s my Western Front. Last night, for instance, meeting only token resistance, I reconnoitred the ground.’
Sex and sexuality:
A revelation of the sadness behind Hector’s suppressed desires (p. 94).
‘See it as an inoculation, rather. Briefly painful but providing immunity for however long it takes. With the occasional; booster …another face, a reminder of the pain …it can last you a lifetime.’
Sex and sexuality:
This displays Mrs Lintott’s somewhat cynical view of marriage (p. 92).
‘A husband on a low light, that’s what they want, these supposedly unsuspecting wives, the man’s lukewarm attentions just what hey married him for.’
