What is the story of The History Boys?

What is the story of The History Boys?

Eight northern history students are pursuing an undergraduate place at Oxbridge in the 1980s. Their headmaster is determined to see them break records and enlists a new teacher to coach the boys into intellectual shape. Seduced though they are by his promises, the boys are concerned that there is more to the pursuit of learning than exams and grades.
The History Boys/Film synopsis

How is history presented in The History Boys?

The History Boys shows that history is ultimately random—both in terms of what happens, and in terms of what we choose to remember. Linked to this theme is the question of whether or not it is important to search for truth in the study of history.

Who is the narrator in History Boys?

Scripps acts as narrator in the play. He introduces a number of the scenes, and some of the characters. His role is also to reveal the thoughts of some of the characters – both Dakin and Posner tell him things, and therefore us.

How many Tony Awards did The History Boys win?

six Tonys
Triumph for Alan Bennett as ‘History Boys’ wins six Tonys and equals 50-year record | The Independent | The Independent.

Is The History Boys true?

The play opens in Cutlers’ Grammar School, Sheffield, a fictional boys’ grammar school in the north of England. The character of Hector was based on the schoolmaster and author Frank McEachran (1900–1975).

Who was the teacher in The History Boys?

The General Studies teacher, known to staff and boys alike by his nickname “Hector”, is much beloved, and works alongside their deputy head and regular History teacher, Mrs Lintott. The Headmaster, known by all as “Felix”, appoints a temporary teacher, Tom Irwin, to help the boys.

Who wrote the play The History Boys?

Alan Bennett
The History Boys/Playwrights

What does Hector teach in History Boys?

Hector teaches the boys large chunks of literature by heart, but doesn’t see that they should be used. He doesn’t like Irwin’s approach, which he sees as mere journalism.

Is The History Boys a book?

About the Book In Alan Bennett’s classic play, staff room rivalry and the anarchy of adolescence provoke insistent questions about history and how you teach it; about education and its purpose. The History Boys premiered at the National in May 2004.

How is the headmaster presented in The History Boys?

The Headmaster is presented as a fool. His attitude to Oxbridge is mocked by the other teachers. The boys share the teachers’ low opinion of him, for example when they trick him about their French lesson. He is a hypocrite, as revealed by Dakin’s blackmailing him.

What is the plot of the History Boys?

The History Boys Summary. The History Boys follows two teachers and a group of students at an all boys grammar school in England in the 1980s. The boys are all trying to get into Oxford and Cambridge. At the beginning of the play, we see Hector, a beloved teacher in his 60s, leading his General Studies class.

When did the History Boys play come out?

For the film, see The History Boys (film). The History Boys is a play by British playwright Alan Bennett. The play premiered at the Royal National Theatre in London on 18 May 2004. Its Broadway debut was on 23 April 2006 at the Broadhurst Theatre where 185 performances were staged before it closed on 1 October 2006.

Where did the History Boys take place in 1983?

It’s 1983 at Cutlers Grammar School, a boys school in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. A group of eight upperclassmen have obtained the highest A-level scores ever for the school and aspire to enter either Oxford or Cambridge.

Who are the teachers in the History Boys?

The History Boys follows two teachers and a group of students at an all boys grammar school in England in the 1980s. The boys are all trying to get into Oxford and Cambridge. At the beginning of the play, we see Hector, a beloved teacher in his 60s, leading his General Studies class.