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Thread: The History Boys

  1. #1
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    The History Boys

    I am writing a essay on the question "What is the dramatic effect of the oppositions Bennett creates between Hector and Erwin" I MUST CONSTANTLY refer and refer to COMEDY (features, styles and methods)

    I have been told to go down a tragic comedy route. I am wondering if anyone has any other suggestions as to what i can write about.
    I need TWO main points in depth

    If anyone has suggestions, please reply

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    Are you studying the History Boys for English GCSE?

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    Registered User kelby_lake's Avatar
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    Ooh, I love that play!

    I would talk about foils. A foil is basically an opposite, used to enhance the qualities of a certain character. For example, Hector comes across as more eccentric because he's placed against the conservative Irwin. Also the type of language they use and how their styles of speaking are very different.

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    Registered User kev67's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Volya View Post
    Are you studying the History Boys for English GCSE?
    Don't tell me this is studied at GCSE? I watched the film. It seemed like one of Alan Bennett's wet dreams. If any teacher did behave like that, I doubt his feet would touch the ground and quite rightly so.
    According to Aldous Huxley, D.H. Lawrence once said that Balzac was 'a gigantic dwarf', and in a sense the same is true of Dickens.
    Charles Dickens, by George Orwell

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    This is not for GCSE. I'm an A level student. Don't think the book is appropriate for GCSE students

    Is foils a feature of comedy? I must constantly refer to comedy.

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    Registered User kelby_lake's Avatar
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    I love the film and the play Worryingly though, I know a friend who studied it for A-Level and their teacher criticised him for being too harsh on Hector!

  7. #7
    Yes I like the film too. The play is coming to the Crucible Theatre next month and I hope I can make it.

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    Bibliophile JBI's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kelby_lake View Post
    I love the film and the play Worryingly though, I know a friend who studied it for A-Level and their teacher criticised him for being too harsh on Hector!
    Yes. Because Hector is a hero of sorts. You are misreading. I thought the whole point is Irwin turns them into a bunch of successful monsters, whereas Hector was trying to turn them into full human beings.

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    Quote Originally Posted by kev67 View Post
    Don't tell me this is studied at GCSE? I watched the film. It seemed like one of Alan Bennett's wet dreams. If any teacher did behave like that, I doubt his feet would touch the ground and quite rightly so.
    Yep, I think it comes under Contemporary Drama or something (our class studied it last year)

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