The History Boys : An Introduction Alan Bennett

The AS level: Where does it fit? Paper 2 (Drama and Prose post-1900): 1 hour 45 - One question on The History Boys (30 marks) - One question on The Bloody Chamber (30 marks) - Spend about minutes on each. The A level: Coursework pieces on ‘Coming of Age’ using The History Boys, Ariel and The Go Between.

What is assessed? AO1 (30%): Understanding of text and question; well structured, coherent and detailed argument. Fluent/ accurate written expression. AO2 (20%): Discussion of effects (including dramatic effects) of language, form and structure. Use of quotations and analytical methods to address these quotations critically. AO3 (30%): Developed and detailed understanding of the significance and influence in which the text has been written and received. AO5 (20%): Judgement informed by an exploration of different interpretations of the text.

Example questions (you get a choice of two and choose one): 1. ‘The History Boys demonstrates the power and value of education.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view? 2. ‘A damaged individual who makes an inspiring leader.’ In the light of this comment, discuss the role of Hector in The History Boys.

Alan Bennett Use your iPad to read the Wikipedia page on Bennett and make notes on anything you think is relevant: Homework: watch Theatre Talk: Alan Bennett on ‘The History Boys’ (youtube) and make notes. Extension work: Read other articles about/ by Bennett and make notes, for example, fromhttp://

The Play: The History Boys was first performed at The National Theatre (The Royal National Theatre) in May It won many awards, including The Tony Award for Best Play and The Lawrence Olivier Awards for Best Play. It is set in Sheffield in the early 1980s and follows a group of A level History students (all boys) preparing for the Oxbridge entrance examinations under the influence of three teachers. AO3: Context

Taking it further… Read ‘A Note on the First Production’ (in the book); make notes on the details of the stage- layout and how the staging is achieved. What do you think the theatrical effects are? Extension: If you have seen the film, you could compare the two. AO2: Analysis of form AO3: Theatrical context AO5: Theatrical interpretations AO2: Analysis of form AO3: Theatrical context AO5: Theatrical interpretations

The Title What does the title The History Boys suggest about the themes/ ideas in the play? How do you respond to this as a 21 st century female? The History Boys Why are they studying history? In what ways might they be ‘history boys’? In what other ways might history be an important theme/ idea? Why do you think Bennett chose to set this in an all boys’ environment? What does it tell us about history/ academia that these are all male characters? How do you respond to the almost-all male cast? AO2: Analysis of language, form and structure

‘The History Boys therefore moves far beyond the initially restrictive time and space in which it is set to bind together influences from across the 20th century and before. This goes some way to explain the title itself; the boys, through their teachers and education, are moving into their future with history having become a fundamental part of their characters, personalities and lives.’ James Middleditch ‘The play, as the title suggests, is concerned with definitions and examples of history, who makes it, how it is defined etc.’ Laramie Dean Carlsen AO5: Different interpretations