The History Boys - Themes
The History Boys by Alan Bennett
Notes on Key Themes
Initiation
Sexual charm is something that can be exploited as a declaration of power and dominance, and a way to build the sense of pride manipulate people.
Dakin wants to make love with Fiona on the headmaster’s study floor and he believes that his performance in bed is better than the headmaster. This is a way to consolidate his masculinity and sense of superiority, as if he ‘wins’ the headmaster in a battle.
Dakin’s metaphor comparing sex to war adds to the feeling that he is a smart, witty guy who stands out in the group. It also shows that he considers conquering a woman is somewhat like attacking a country.
Dakin exploits Irwin’s homosexual interest in him to force him to be honest to his feelings.
As receptors of the two conflicting philosophies, they are pawns in a game in which they have limited control.
They struggle to adjust to Irwin’s teaching method when he Irwin takes over Mrs. Lintott.
They struggle with the idea of using poetry as ‘gobbets’ to prove a point in their history essays.
They are confused about how to start the class and what to do during the class shared by Hector and Irwin.
Caught in the current education system, their say is limited (They’re steered to adopt an exam-oriented approach; they can’t be true to themselves at interviews; as elite students, the options for their future path is indeed more narrow than broad – everybody (except Hector) expects them to go to Oxbridge)
Well-aware of how adults play their game in school, sexual scandal can be used as a weapon against someone.
- Dakin exposes the headmaster touching up Fiona to save Hector from early retirement.
Posner affirms his unrequited love for Dakin, even if it means a life-long misery.
He does not want the ‘phrase’ to pass despite the pain.
He wants to get into Cambridge because of Dakin. In making it come true, he is willing to sacrifice his personal sentiments associated with his
Notes on Key Themes
Initiation
Sexual charm is something that can be exploited as a declaration of power and dominance, and a way to build the sense of pride manipulate people.
Dakin wants to make love with Fiona on the headmaster’s study floor and he believes that his performance in bed is better than the headmaster. This is a way to consolidate his masculinity and sense of superiority, as if he ‘wins’ the headmaster in a battle.
Dakin’s metaphor comparing sex to war adds to the feeling that he is a smart, witty guy who stands out in the group. It also shows that he considers conquering a woman is somewhat like attacking a country.
Dakin exploits Irwin’s homosexual interest in him to force him to be honest to his feelings.
As receptors of the two conflicting philosophies, they are pawns in a game in which they have limited control.
They struggle to adjust to Irwin’s teaching method when he Irwin takes over Mrs. Lintott.
They struggle with the idea of using poetry as ‘gobbets’ to prove a point in their history essays.
They are confused about how to start the class and what to do during the class shared by Hector and Irwin.
Caught in the current education system, their say is limited (They’re steered to adopt an exam-oriented approach; they can’t be true to themselves at interviews; as elite students, the options for their future path is indeed more narrow than broad – everybody (except Hector) expects them to go to Oxbridge)
Well-aware of how adults play their game in school, sexual scandal can be used as a weapon against someone.
- Dakin exposes the headmaster touching up Fiona to save Hector from early retirement.
Posner affirms his unrequited love for Dakin, even if it means a life-long misery.
He does not want the ‘phrase’ to pass despite the pain.
He wants to get into Cambridge because of Dakin. In making it come true, he is willing to sacrifice his personal sentiments associated with his