Focusing in on Language in The History Boys

Hello

Our main focus in this lesson, is making sure you comment on language throughout your responses. You show understanding of the relationships and key themes presented by Bennett but you all need to make the links between the structure of the conversation, the stage directions, the type of sentences and lexis used and the meaning of the dialogue.

In the exam the question is in two parts: the first part is the close analysis of an extract (which is what we are focusing on) and the second part is a wider themes and ideas questions, where you can make connections with other parts of the play.

Task One:

Look through the mark scheme for the extract analysis question. Where do you think you fit in with your level of terminology and analysis at the moment. How are you going to make it to the next band up? This does link in to the work you did yesterday in the lesson.


Task Two:

Look through this paragraph. How is it structured? What terminology is used? How is character explained or relationships commented on?

The audience does not know at this stage who the Man is and Bennett creates a sense of mystery and intrigue. Irwin, however, clearly recognises him, yet doesn't acknowledge him by name or indeed in a friendly manner. Irwin uses the interrogative 'familiar?' asking the Man to respond to his talk being recorded for a television history programme and this abrupt, elliptical style suggests that Irwin is not particularly pleased to see the person. The audience senses the anxiety between the two characters through the beginning of the exchange, as the conversation that ensues is rather awkward and stilted, both  characters using an elliptical style .Questions are raised for the audience as we develop an understanding that the Man is an ex-pupil, as he refers to Irwin as being a 'good teacher'. He uses the past tense 'were' so we know that this is taking place in a place after the events at school but we don't know why Irwin is no longer teaching and why he is in a wheelchair.

Task Three:

Look through this attached sheet and focus on finding the language features identified. Download the document and make notes on what you find and what you can say about the characters and their relationship.


Task Four:

Now write some effective PEE paragraphs, making sure you use terminology correctly, give at least one example of the point you are making and make a comment on the character or their relationship.

Remember the focus is on the relationship between Posner and Irwin.

Email them to me!!

Thanks