The History Boys
Activity 4 – The Value of Education: History and
Literature
In pairs, on your own or in groups:
 Look up the following references. Each relates to the theme of education and its value. The
play discusses the value of education and the importance of History and literature. Bennett
considers the function of each. Is each valuable for its own sake or also, or only, valuable
because it can lead to something else? (For example, a place at Oxford or Cambridge; an
improved position in the school league tables; money.)
For each reference, note what the characters’ words and actions contribute to the theme of the
value of education, History and/or literature. You should also note what each character’s attitude
tells us about her or his personality and values.
P.4.9 “Felicitations to you all…What were A levels, then?”
P.5.5 “If, heaven forfend…close quotation marks.”
P.8.7 “Yes, yes, I know that, Dorothy…something more is required.”
The conversation between the Headmaster and Irwin, pages 10 to 12.
P.35.1 “If you want to learn about Stalin…as the disciplines of the medieval schoolmen.”
P.38.9 “Mr Hector’s stuff’s not meant for the exam…anything you know and are.”
P.48.1 “It's just that the boys…And what happens after the exam? Life goes on. Gobbets!”
P.49.7 “You're lucky if they bring anything at all…what good does it do?”
P.53.1 “Your teaching, however effective it may or may not have been…cockeyed notion you have
about culture.”
P.56.3 “The best moments in reading…And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours.”
P.63.1 “Ours is an easier faith…it’s the closest history comes to shopping.”
P.67.6 “Shall I tell you what is wrong with Hector as a teacher? … what has Gracie Fields got to do
with anything?”
P.69.5 “What’s all this learning by heart for, except as some sort of insurance against the boys’
ultimate failure?”
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P.75.1 “Parrots…Speak Your Weight machine.”
P.78.4 “Mr Posner calls it “a unique historical event”…your sense of proportion.”
P.85.6 “How do I define History? It’s just one fucking thing after another.” Also p. 106.3 “History is
just one fucking thing after another.”
P.92.9 “For a start, Mrs Headmaster…than I've ever managed to do so far.”
P. 93.5 “Oxford? Why should they care? No. They’re like everybody else. Make money, that's what
they admire. Make lots of money then don't give them any.”
P.94.3 “I didn't want to turn out boys…it can last you half a lifetime.”
P.97.9 “I had family connections…just what the college rugger team needed.” (Note: a scout is an
employee of an Oxford college whose job is to look after the students by providing them with linen,
making sure their rooms are clean and, informally, offering emotional support. Scouts are called
“bedders” at Cambridge.)
P.104.1 “I'm listening…”Give him the money, Barney!”
P.108.6 “Still, of all Hector’s boys, there is only one…That’s the game I wanted you to learn. Pass it
on.”
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