The History Boys

Hello All :)

Today we are going to reviewing the scene where Irwin first teaches the boys, building on your points from the previous lesson.

Remember, we need to explore the text in terms of the discourse structure (what do the conversations show us about characters, relationships and attitudes); this links to the grammar used (types of sentences used, modality of sentences and what do they tell us about characters, relationships and attitudes); we also need to explore the lexis and semantics used throughout. This is just what words and images have been used and why - what do they tell the reader or the audience about the characters, relationships and attitudes? How do they link to the themes of the play?

Here is an overview of the language levels: Language Levels Prompt Sheet

Make sure you have notes on key points through the scene.

Now, you are going to explore some of the wider historical and textual references in the next scene we see Irwin teaching the boys (pages 23-27)


Wilfred Owen / reference to donkeys / General Haig /  / Ruhr and Rhineland / Weimar Republic / Hitler / Cenotaph / the Last Post / the Unknown Soldier / Siegfried Sassoon/  Kipling (why does Akhtar respond to this) / quote from Kipling  / Rembrandt  / Larkin's MCMXIV

You will each be given a reference to a historical event or a literary figure. Research what / who it is and comment on:

• the significance to Irwin's argument about History / knowledge / education
• what it demonstrates about the boys
• what themes are raised

Make sure you consider your reference within the context it is used.

Post your response on PADLET:  Padlet War References

EXTENSION TASK: Start reading and making notes on Alan Bennett's Introduction to The History Boys. Post your notes on your blog. This can be done over the next couple of weeks.

Thank you! Enjoy!

Nina