When you've completed the analysis of Hector and Irwin against the methods of characterisation, you need to build a 2 paragraph response which compares their introduction into the play.
You need to focus on what methods are used more actively, what you learn about the character and how 'your' reaction to them is created from the writer's techniques - not just how you feel about them after the scene!
See me for guidance - I think we agreed next Thursday?!
Mr. D
13 comments:
Hector is the first person we really see with the boys and from the start of the dialouge we can tell there is a relationship of respect and maybe friendship. The boys are not afraid to question his rant about Oxbridge and jokenly tell him off about his actions used of hitting them with books. It contrasts with Irwin who they are more cautious but do not refrane from testing him in which he first tries to ignore but shows his frustration with actions by the throwing of books across the class.
However both Irwin and Hector are not afraid of the boys and will both be honest with them. Hector is melodramatic and rants about his feelings which makes the first response annoyance and a little uncomfortable with the way he hits the boys and lays his head on the table. However Irwin has the same effect when he talks of possibly cheating but he is more open towards his views and hints that there will be a much more dynamic relationship between him and the boys.
Dialouge and action reveal the most about both characters in the section we read. This represents that it is a play and a audience would pay more attention to these methods of charaterisation.
Hannah Scudder
Hello,
I wanted to do it quite early so I can get on with doing more work to prevent you cfc-ing me again, I shall post it right here, right now.
Hector and Irvin completely contrast each other as both have different character, reputation, relationship with students and methods of teaching.
Hector seems to be critically against Oxbridge, he criticizes it telling boys that they should aim for much simpler universities like Sheffield as Oxbridge is what 'the other boys want' not entirely what they need, although all boys are Oxbridge candidates. He is melodramatic in his behavior and is also playful towards them e.g. hitting them with the book. The boys clearly have a playful relationship with Hector as they are not afraid to tease him back. Meanwhile Irwin spurs boys on by tough criticism saying how their parents 'would just waste money' as the other boys and girls aren't as dull as these boys. However the boys are not yet sure how to take him therefore refrain from playfulness with Irvin.
But its not only their opinion that differs its their character and behavior around the boys. While Hector is playful, liked and familiar with the boys, Irwin on the other hand is strict and critical of the boys. Although they're somehow similar as both are very knowledgeable,
judgmental and both are ridiculed by the boys yet in different ways, Irwin not getting the full ridiculing (especially in front of him) due to them being unfamiliar with him.
By the way both Irwin and Hector are portrayed the reader feels that Irwin is the more appropriate teacher as some feel slightly uncomfortable with Hector being too familiar.
In terms of having a purpose to the plot, Irwin and Hector play different roles in both introducing the plot and moving the plot forwards. When we are first introduced to Hector we are immediately made aware of what the plot of the play is going to be about (what the problem is), the boys putting themselves forward for Oxford and Cambridge scholarships. This problem is displayed to us as readers (and viewers of the play) by Hectors overdramatic rants at the boys in which he melodramatically performs to the boys, as if he is tired and bored of what they say. Irwin on the other hand, is introduced to us to show a solution to the plot, rather than giving the problem. In pages 18-20 we see him handing out essays back to the boys in a much more serious manner than we see Hector behaving in pages 5-7. Irwin is evidentially trying to push the boys in their essay writing in order to ‘make’ them Oxbridge candidates. Immediately we see a contrast between the two characters, with us as an audience seeing the dynamics of his character as much more serious and hardworking, expecting the best from the boys, and also teaching to the exam. Unlike Hector, who is a firm believer that pupils should not be taught things just for exams, Irwin is instilling the entirely contrary idea into the boys heads, in order to get them into Oxford and Cambridge.
The relationships between the two men and the boys are also entirely contrasting in nature. In Hectors lesson we see elements of banter, trust and we see that the boys respect Hector in a relaxed and friendly manner. He knows that he can hit Timms over the head without facing consequences of them reporting him or telling other teachers, and this comes as a result of a bond that he has formed with the boys. Irwin on the other hand takes an entirely different approach. Not only does he seem to come across uptight and critical to the boys, at this point in the play the boys lack much respect for him, mocking him when he makes a comment on the foreskins of christ, which the boys just view as a failed attempt to show that ‘he is still in the game’ and to try and build a relationship between them. The emotions and feelings of the two characters are also at opposite ends of the spectrum. In one hand you have Hector, who is entirely anti- Oxford and Cambridge and believes that pupils should not be taught for exams and to just pass, and in the other you have Irwin who believes in teaching anything that will make the boys pass the exam, and teaches them to use any means necessary to do so, and even refers to cheating. Hector is traditional and sees knowledge as more of something you should treasure and use to better yourself as a person; Irwin takes a more modern approach and sees knowledge as merely a key to access the things that you need to achieve.
Danielle Wainwright
In the play we are introduced to two teachers that contrast each other, Mr Irwin and Mr Hector. The two contrast as the interactions how the boys perceive them Mr Irwin they boys come across as sarcastic and they almost have lack of respect for him. This is shown when the boys almost mock him. With Mr Hector the boys almost worship him as they feel free to say what they think and they know that it will not offend him at all. I perceive Mr Irwin as someone as a serious character he comes across to me like he knows what he is talking about. This contracts with Hector as I perceive Hector as a fun, playful teacher. He has a lot of trust for the boys he teaches as he is able to hit the boys and he knows they would not say anything to other members of staff.
The plot is made aware quickly in the play and this is put across my Mr Hector and the boys when they begin to talk about the different universities which there are. Mr Hector does not want the boys to go to Oxford or Cambridge and wants them to settle in a smaller university like he went to. The writers technique of emotion shows the difference that the boys feel towards the two teachers. Again they both contrast each other as Mr Irwin the boys are freely spoken and this is the same as Mr Hector to the boys are able to say what they want. The emotion shows the difference between the characters as the different rant that is shown this is with Mr Irwin The rant about four skins which is shown humorous and with Mr Hector the rant is about the universities.
Francesca
Hector’s introduction to the plot appears to be more about showing the audience the relationship he shares with the boys early on in the play. It presents Hector’s function to be someone who wants the boys to ‘get by’ but not to stretch themselves to the requirements of universities such as Oxford or Cambridge.
He plays a role that is sceptical about Oxbridge and judgemental of those who choose to attend. Not only is Hector seen to be abrupt and unhelpful in broadening the options for the boys, but his actions are almost playful in the sense that he pushes boundaries and barriers between the role of a teacher and that of a student. Although a knowledgeable man, Hector doesn’t think it is unacceptable to hit the boys.
In response, the audience feel Hector is a controlling man who is too comfortable and familiar with the boys causing him to be unprofessional about his job. However, the interactions between him and the boys make the audience reflect upon initial thoughts because the boys don’t seem to mind his behaviour and way of teaching, they in fact seem to react in the same impish way.
Hector is a character of dramatic actions and an intensely glamorous attitude shown through his speech.
Irwin is introduced to the plot as a more helpful, hopeful teacher who has the function of assisting the boys into Oxbridge. Already at this point, it is clear that there is a difference in the functions of Hector and Irwin because Irwin is there to advise the boys on what to do to get into Oxbridge and Hector is totally against such prospects.
Irwin’s role in the play is interesting; he widens the knowledge available to the boys and by redirecting their attention. He shows them that it isn’t the expected that Oxbridge like, it’s the unexpected and more fascinating work. Irwin jokes with the boys and his actions are to often observe the class in silent pauses because the boys have stunned him by quoting people such as A. E. Housman. Hector doesn’t react to the boys remembering quotes in the same way though, instead Hector sees it as the boys have done what is expected of them.
The interactions between Irwin and the boys are very different to that of Hector and the boys. When Irwin is introduced, the boys see him as a pretence teacher and don’t think he believes they “have it” whereas, although he hits them and doesn’t want them to go on to Oxbridge, Hector is fully respected and they are friendly with him.
The audience respond to Irwin very differently to how they respond to Hector. With Hector the audience tend to notice his cynicism but with Irwin they view someone who is more valuable and necessary for the boys. However, in a similar way the audience reflect upon initial judgement of Hector, they feel there is something unnerving about Irwin because although he shares the odd joke with the boys, he has a serious emotion and can offend the boys in his speech about their work being dull.
It seems that Irwin and Hector represent different teachers in that Hector an older teacher old-fashioned in his ways but yet shares a close relationship with the boys. Irwin is younger but has more of a distance between him and the students.
Bobbie
Within the play the history boys, one of the first characters introduced is Hector. He is a sixth form teacher who teaches eight male students, within the first seven pages Hector is introduced and the audience learn of the relationship he shares with the students, the main theme of the relationship that we are able to explore is the relaxed atmosphere within the class room. For example how hector treats the boys differs from the teaching styles within modern schools, he hits the boys with textbooks fully aware that he shouldn’t. This links to the fact that as a character he is quite melodramatic, we learn that Hector is melodramatic through the actions he makes, like when he puts his head on the desk as he is finding difficult to hear that the students wish to go to oxford, following this he rants about how oxford and Cambridge are the wrong choice of university and they should go to one more like the one he attended. Therefore Hector’s actions such as hitting the boys and discouraging them to go to high level universities shows us that he is quite flambouyant, and maybe a little too familiar with the students he teaches.
In contrast to Hector’s character is Irwin, as a character Irwin again is a teacher who teaches the same set of students Hector does. However his teaching styles are a little different he is more down to earth and doesn’t push his views onto the children as such, although when he gives the boys their essays back he calls them dull and non-interesting I believe his intention is to try and encourage the students to give their work more of a flare or an edge. We learn that Irwin quite different to Hector through his handling of the students for example he jokes with them and the atmosphere seems quite light hearted where as in Hector’s class the atmosphere seemed almost too friendly, the boys were fully aware of how much they could push him. However Irwin is a new teacher and the students know little about him and so don’t know what they can get away with. This brings many personalities into the play as both the teacher and the student are introducing themselves.
Taylor Wallis
The relationship between the boys, Mr Irwin and Mr Hector is relatively humorous throughout the play for both characters. Mr Irwin’s blunt snobbish persona and the boy’s quirky sarcasm make the reader relate to the characters. Mr Hector however is the complete opposite to Mr Irwin, he is unprofessional and outspoken, this actually makes the boys respect and like him. Mr Irwin speaks to the boy’s quite matter of fact; this is to get the job done! His ulterior motive is to make the boys unique so they get into Oxford or Cambridge. This infuriates Hector as he feels the boys should be individual and go where they want, not just because other boys want to go to Oxbridge.
Hectors actions towards the boys are light hearted and playful, for example when he hits them. The boys perceive this as “jokey” and feel they can be themselves around him. Irwin is cleaner cut, he does try to shock the boys with intelligence about foreskin, however they still lack respect towards him and speak freely.
My internet connection has suddenly decide to fail me and is buggering me right around. Excuse it's...well I think it's rubbish.
Irwin & Hector comparison.
As characters, Irwin and Hector completely contrast with one another. The pair are strikingly different, they have different personalities, relationships with the students, different views and methods of teaching. These differences are highlighted as soon as both characters are introduced.
Hector is introduced first and it is clear that the atmosphere in his classroom is very calm, it could even be described as playful. Hector's introduction in the play is much more about the relationship between him and the students he teaches: the boys are not afraid of Hector and seem to perceive him to be closer to a friend then to a teacher. They jokingly mock Hector's rant about Oxbridge ( his melodramatics are actually humorous and so it is no wonder they don't take a lot of what he says seriously) and even tell him off about him hitting them with books. Hector is certainly unhelpful in broadening the boys further education options and doesn't – unlike Irwin – set the boundaries of students and teachers clearly: his perverted actions are evidence for this. Due to Hector's behaviour the audience perceives him as a man who is far too comfortable with the students, who is unprofessional and personally, made me feel uncomfortable and unable to trust him. Hector's introduction does not make his complete purpose in the play clear but he certainly is an important character because he strived not to get the boys to the Universities he is critical of.
Straight away, Irwin's differences to Hector are highlighted, rather than hindering the boys from getting into university Irwin was solely hired to do the opposite. Like Hector, Irwin is not afraid of the boys and will both be honest with them. Whilst Hector could be considered more of a drama teacher with his melodramatic actions, Irwin makes the boys more cautious and although he does the boys do try to test his patience. Unlike Hector, Irwin is in awe about how much the boys do know, he seems to appreciate their wider knowledge much more than the other teacher because Hector expects the boys to know what they do. Irwin is introduced as a much more formal character and at first, the viewer could be indifferent towards him, personally this professionalism makes me appreciate the character more because he knows and exercises the boundaries between students and teachers. With that in mind, Irwin is perceived differently by the boys, they still joke but do not take him like he is a fool, unlike Hector. Even Irwin's teaching methods are much more to the point than Hector's, despite their differences both teachings are valuable in a way: their wide knowledge (knowing plays and quotes) along with Irwin's exotic teachings (Like the strangeness of the 'fourteen foreskins of christ' ) could both be useful in applying for information ('You could use that!')
When Hector is concerned: actions, comments by other characters and description all help to characterise him. Irwin can be characterized by dialogue, actions and comment by other characters, very similar things. The History Boys is a play it is much easier to learn how a character is presented and the audience pays more attention to the characterization.
Frankie btw (:
In the play 'The History Boys' the introduction of the character Mr Hector tells the reader/audience the problem to start of their story, which is of course the boys going off to cambrige/oxford university. It suggests that Hector is against the boys going there by calling that idea foolish. However when Mr Irwin is introduced its function is to introduce the solution to the problem Hector brought up. He tells the boys that their essays are dull, telling them that if their essays get more exciting, they will get into their universitys. Where Hector seems to be holding the boys back, i think he is only looking out for their feelings if they dont get in and also for them to be happier at other schools. Whereas my first impression of Irwin is that he doesnt first of all cares about the boys, long as he does his job and gets them good grades. However this opinion is changed as i read more about him.
Hector is the first character to connect with all the boys and you can tell from the boys reaction to Hectors melodramatic tone, that they have a good relationship. even though at times Hector may push the boudires by hitting the kids, he means it deep down in a playful way and the boys seem like they know that. However with Irwin, him and the boys relationship first seem tense, with the boys presuring him and constanly saying 'sir'. With Hector, when you boys say sir all the time, you know its in a repsective way by how they act, but because irwin is a new teachers, they want to see what he is like and repeat 'sir' in a more sarcastic way, like he isnt really a teacher. Then the conversation turns around and Irwin gets incontroll of the lesson,whichthe boys dislike, ending up in them calling him a 'wanker'.
Daisy Russell
sorry if this is wrong sir.
I had loads more, but I ran out of room :(
In relation to the plot of The History Boys, both Hector and Irwin are pivotal characters, although the nature of their significance differs greatly. Hector’s function serves to introduce not only his (rather eccentric) self, but also the nature of his relationship towards the boys and, perhaps most significantly, the “problem” to be dealt with throughout the play: the boys’ great aspirations to become Oxbridge candidates. Irwin, on the other hand, serves as a disruption in this already established chain of events; he offers not only a different perspective that counters Hector’s animosity towards the prospect of Oxford and Cambridge, but also a solution to the “problem” of the boys not being prepared enough to become Oxbridge students. It is Irwin’s style of teaching (which emphasises the importance of writing essays that stand-out from the crowd in order to pass exams), and not Hector’s philosophy of “education for education’s sake” that will eventually prepare them for Oxford or Cambridge. From the onset, the reader is given the impression that Hector’s relationship with the boys is one based on trust, familiarity, respect and fun. Hector’s established repartee with the boys shows Hector constantly pushing the boundaries between the generic teacher-student relationship and something far more eccentric and complicated; he seems like the flamboyant ringleader, allowing the willing boys to participate in his circus show of pure wisdom for its own sake. In stark contrast to this playful “reverence” of Hector, Irwin is immediately teased, and established as an “outsider”.
Notably, practically every aspect of Irwin and Hector’s characterisations contrast with each other. Irwin’s speech is formal (moreso than Hector’s), emotionally restrained and subtly displays the character’s wit, as opposed to Hector’s melodramatic, theatrical speech, which is further reinforced by pantomime actions of putting his head on the desk in a “parody of despair” or hitting students with textbooks. Hector’s speech is also riddled with allegory and literary references, whereas Irwin speaks in his own words, in the role of a teacher preparing these boys for an opportunity to get into Oxford or Cambridge. Perhaps the most notable difference in character between the two, however, is the reaction towards the students aiming for Oxbridge – Irwin initially takes an objective, clinical view of the boys’ aspirations, and sets out to fill their minds with the relevant knowledge, whereas Hector quite openly opposes these plans, brushes them aside and suggests “Sheffield”, telling them to “forget Oxford and Cambridge”. From this, one can deduce that Hector is quite obviously emotionally involved in the future of the boys, moreso than a teacher should be, and is – wrongly – trying to imprint his own cynicism on the minds of these impressionable students, who desperately want to be liked by him. Irwin, in my opinion, is presented in pages 18-20 as a typical, authoritative teacher-figure, whose main motivation is to get these boys past the exam which will determine their futures, and so the reader’s immediate response to him is ambivalent, one of comfortable recognition. Again, ever in contrast, Hector appears in comparison to be too controlling, or a little too familiar with the boys for the reader to be comfortable with the relationship, and so Irwin garners a more positive response than Hector, at least on some levels.
- Becky Boakes
OH MY GODDDDDD this is so so so so long :'( Kill me now!
right....here I go......
Irwin & Hector play similar, though significantly different roles to the plot of the play. The introduction of Hector is very clear in showing us just how close he is with the boys, he is very judgemental although he is supposed to support the boys in their choices of universities and so on. He pushes boundaries and is, in a sense, unprofessional (not including the fact thjat he gropes the boys!!) there is no teacher-student barriers, and he acts very melodramatic when he hits them. Hector has this strong opinion that life skills are more important than education, which is a bit ironic, as he is a teacher. He is not very supportive, yet believes that the boys look up to him more than they actually do, he is very flamboyent and 'matter of fact' as well as being pretty bitter. To the audience, he seems too controlling and is too familiar with the boys, and acts as if they are OK with it!
Irwin, on the other hand is there to give good quality teaching which is what the boys, as characters, need to get into their universities they want. The way how Irwin criticises their work and throws the books makes the boys like him in a way, they need stability and rich teaching. He makes himself seem weird which both the audience and the boys could use to doubt him, his sexuality and his reliability of teaching. His speech is very elaborated-even when discussing sillyness, such as the foreskins of christ! He shows his passion for teaching by throwing the boys books, this could be because he is disappointed that their essays are to original, and he wants the best they can get! He comes across snooby and arrogant so much so that the boys constantly question him.
However, both of the characters almost want to be confronted by the boys and enjoy the banters and constant sarcasm that they speak about.
The roles that they both play are different in representing the roles that a teacher should play. Hector is very traditional whereas Irwin realises that tradition is not going to get you the grades.
Hollie B :)
Sorry I took so long.....
Please forgive me haha
The new teacher Irwin creates a more tense atmosphere when he's talking the boys listen, and keep repeating 'sir' to show respect, however as they keep repeating it this turns into sarcasm, in opposition to this Hector is not as strict and he seems comfortable talking to the boys.
Most of the time Irwin keeps himself calm and when he's talking he's very strict and has strong beliefs such as him making the boys believe in the higher education as it's the best thing to be aiming for about universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.
On the other hand Mr Hector thinks completly differently that the boys shouldn't even mention them universities in his classroom as they're only something that other boys wish to go to. We learn that both character are seen differently in the boys point of view, because they seem to act differently towards both of them.
Alot of imagery and action is involved when Irwin throws the books at dakin, this can be pictured as a method and technique this also illustrates the fact Irwin wants to be taken serious and begs for respect by getting frustrated. This contrasts with Hector as he hits the boys however the boys see it as a joke, and don't take him as serious.
Skaiste Pakalnyte
Not sure if its right, and its late but ......
Comparison of methods of characterisation of Hector and Irwin
When we are first introduced to Irwin, he is criticising the boy’s essays. Here, through speech, we are straight away let into the role of Irwin within the play. Irwin is the more professional of the two teachers and takes a stricter role with the boys. As a teacher, Irwin’s task is to get the boys through their exams and interviews, and to encourage then to aspire for Oxbridge, as well as attain the grades and knowledge to be accepted. In the section, pages 18-20, this is mainly conveyed by speech and through the actions of the character. However, in the section, pages 5-7, we see a very different type of character. In this section we see that Hector is a teacher who believes that education is for knowledge and life and not just for exams or university admissions. His teaching methods reflect his views, generally not teaching to the syllabus; again these are mostly conveyed through speech and emotions.
The relationship each has with the boys is very different also. The interactions between Irwin and the boys are on a professional student teacher basis/relationship. However, Hector is viewed by the boys as more a friend than a teacher, this is made evident when Hector hits Timms around the head with a textbook. The boys also make fun of Irwin, when he mentions the foreskin of Christ, however, they joke with; apposed to making jokes at, Hector, and this could be for many reasons. Hector has had the chance to build up the rapport with the boy, whereas Irwin has had to stand his ground as he is new. Again the methods are similar, the ideas are both conveyed by the actions of Irwin and Hector, but also by the interactions between the boys and both Irwin and Hector.
Jemma
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