The History Boys analysis (page 60- 63)

The History Boys analysis (page  60- 63)

Discuss how Irwin and Posner’s relationship is presented in this exchange.

 

 

In the extract of the History Boys there is a link between past and present relationships through the use of a flash forward in the middle of the play. In this part of the play the ‘man’ which we later find out is an older Posner is still asking questions about what happened between Dakin and Irwin, ‘All the effort went into getting there and then I had nothing left.’ This shows how Posner is still stuck in the past and feels like he has nothing now and shows how is unhappy with how his life has turned out and still has unanswered questions that is making him hold back. Posner says, ‘He liked you… didn’t he?’ the use of the ellipses shows how Posner is desperate to know the truth with what happened between Dakin and Irwin. Bennet does this to show how the events that happened in school have still affected Posner even now that he is older. Irwin uses Taboo language when talking to Posner ‘Fuck off’ this shows how Irwin feels betrayed by Posner for trying to sell a story about their lives to the public. Bennet includes interrogatives such as ‘why? Why?’ to show how Irwin is confused by Posner’s intentions and doesn’t understand why he is bringing the past back up after so long. This makes the audience more interested in the scene as they don’t understand why Irwin is so worried about Posner going to the newspapers.

AHWOSG

AHWOSG

In the book AHWOSG Egger uses a range of different diagrams throughout the book. On page 78 Eggers uses a diagram of the layout of his house. By using a diagram it allows the reader to imagine the situation more clearly and gives a sense of fun and freedom as they are sock sliding across the floor. Eggers uses the diagram and talks about sock sliding through the house more than once, this shows Eggers irresponsibility as he is meant to be an adult for Toph but instead he acts like a child. Egger tries to be both and adult and a child for Toph as he doesn't want him to feel like he is missing out on any part of his child hood and by having fun with Toph, Egger feels like he is helping him in all aspects of his life.

On page 83 Eggers uses different font type to show a letter he has sent to Toph teacher. Dave says how he is sorry that Toph is late for school and how there is no excuse accept for the fact that they simply woke up late 'I could make something up about an appointment or sickness, but the fact is that we woke up late.' this shows Eggers immaturity and his incapability to get Toph to school on time. At the end of the letter Dave writes 'go figure' which suggests he doesn't care about what people think
and he tries to challenge authority.

At the end of chapter 3, page 100, Eggers uses a script within the book. The script represents the constant conversation that Dave has with everyone he meets and feels like he knows exactly what he is going to say before he says it as he has had this conversation many times. Throughout the book Dave writes in first person but he writes the script in third person. This shows how he feels as he is a character and often makes up stuff to make his life feel interesting. There is a contrast between
fantasy and reality.








Each chapter is based on one event. Chapter 3 focuses on living his new life with Toph. In chapter 3 Dave use the format of a menu when asking Toph what he wants to eat. This suggests that Eggers is trying to be something he isn't and as you look closer the food on the menu is either takeaway food or frozen food. This is shown on the last bit at the bottom of the menu where it says 'anything not on the menu is not available' this shows how Eggers doesn't cook and all food that they eat is ready made meals.














Page 88 - 'Beth is always pulling out old photo albums, crying asking Toph how he feels... I am making our lives a music video, a game show on Nickelodeon' this shows how Egger is trying to make his life a fantasy instead of living the reality and grieving over his parents death.





AHWOSG

AHWOSG

Page 62-63

Dave pretends to beat Toph up with a belt so his neighbours would hear – this shows his immaturity and how he doesn’t care what people think of him and how he brings up Toph.

Page 65 – 67

Dave’s paranoia is shown in these pages as he sees an image of Toph drowning in the sea, he feels responsible for Toph and worries about his future.

Dave has anxiety about his own death – context of Aids. He worries about his own death and wants to look in perfect health for Toph as he wants to protect him from any association on death.

Page 50 –

At the start of page 50 Dave and Toph are looking out their car window and taking the mic out of people in the other cars that are passing. Dave 'look at this looser' Toph: 'what a spaz!' this shows the immaturity and the brotherly relationship between them.  

Dave and Toph are driving and come across some cliffs, Dave talks about the ocean and the sky how large it is and how there is nothing in the way of him and Toph ‘we are driving in the sky’ this creates a sense of peace and freedom as he feels he can do what he liked without anyone stopping. There are also connotations of death as the sky is linked to heaven.