Essay Plans - History Boys

Mrs Lintott – History boys

·         Doesn’t have a major role in the play

·         Only female character, more impact on the female in society

·         Doesn’t get too involved in Hector and Irwins discussions

·         Doesn’t want to show students her personal side and human face and tries to remain in a teaching position rather than interacting on a more personal friendly level such as Hector does

·         Always ready in conversation to defend herself

·         Gives advice to Irwin often on a sympathetic level

·         Seen as a woman in a man’s world

·         Mrs Lintott seen as a feminist

·         “History is women following behind with a bucket”

How does Bennett use Mrs Lintott to highlight the position of women in society? In your response you should refer to at least two other episodes from the play. (40)

Bennett uses the character of Mrs Lintott to emphasize the position of women in education and in society through the use of her minimal dialogue, strong controversial views and minimal personal relationship with the boys. One way Bennett frequently reminds us of the problems women face in society is through the boy’s use of consistent vocatives. The personal title ‘Miss’ used by the boys after most sentences, increasingly emphasises the fact that a women’s identity is held back by a male. Using the incorrect vocative ‘Miss’ towards Mrs lintott when she is married, exaggerates the level of disrespect and the pushing of boundaries by the boys. This is constantly shown through the use of reminders by the male characters in the play which downgrades her power and position and creating almost a mockery out of the fact she uses her husband’s name, seemingly to morph into a male character more than being an individual.