The comedy of The History Boys centres around the opposition created between Hector and Irwin. What use does Bennett make of this opposition?
In Bennett’s The History Boys, a central theme is the debate of education, what purpose it serves and how it should be embodied. We are shown the two opposing sides through two characters: Hector and Irwin. The initial cause for celebration in the play is the character’s outstanding A Level results, which allows romantic interests and possibilities to take place. The play also features complications, as most dramatic comedies do. The introduction of Irwin disrupts the environment, both romantically and intellectually. At the end of the play, Bennett provides a typical happy ending for the majority of …show more content…
Hector’s passion for teaching is evident, by his outrage at the categorization of General Studies. It seems Hector believes all knowledge is specific and important, rather than a time-table filler. He quotes the poet A.E. Houseman ‘All knowledge is precious whether or not it serves the slightest human use.’ By quoting a poet, his affinity for literature becomes clear, and this starts to shape the audience’s view of Hector as a truly devoted teacher.
Hector’s introduction also presents him as a central comedic character. He pretends to be in despair at the thought of the boys applying to Oxbridge, ‘He sits with his head on the desk, a parody of despair.’ Bennett uses the comedic technique parody both visually and verbally. The boys’ response, quoting the Shakespeare play King Lear, presents the audience with an introduction to the boys’ indisputable, sophisticated sense of humour and ability to cross reference literature and real life
In Bennett’s The History Boys, a central theme is the debate of education, what purpose it serves and how it should be embodied. We are shown the two opposing sides through two characters: Hector and Irwin. The initial cause for celebration in the play is the character’s outstanding A Level results, which allows romantic interests and possibilities to take place. The play also features complications, as most dramatic comedies do. The introduction of Irwin disrupts the environment, both romantically and intellectually. At the end of the play, Bennett provides a typical happy ending for the majority of …show more content…
Hector’s passion for teaching is evident, by his outrage at the categorization of General Studies. It seems Hector believes all knowledge is specific and important, rather than a time-table filler. He quotes the poet A.E. Houseman ‘All knowledge is precious whether or not it serves the slightest human use.’ By quoting a poet, his affinity for literature becomes clear, and this starts to shape the audience’s view of Hector as a truly devoted teacher.
Hector’s introduction also presents him as a central comedic character. He pretends to be in despair at the thought of the boys applying to Oxbridge, ‘He sits with his head on the desk, a parody of despair.’ Bennett uses the comedic technique parody both visually and verbally. The boys’ response, quoting the Shakespeare play King Lear, presents the audience with an introduction to the boys’ indisputable, sophisticated sense of humour and ability to cross reference literature and real life