Book Review: The History Boys
History is a commentary on the various and continuing incapabilities of men. What is history? History is women following behind with the bucke.
Probably considered by many to be a modern classic; the story of a handful of very bright young men who are about to embark on the gruelling exams to get into either Oxford or Cambridge, is both funny and damning at the same time. This play examines the British education system in all its beautiful but flawed glory; what matters more: How to think, what to think, or the marks you gain on a piece of paper? That is the conundrum of the boys aiming for the lofty heights of Oxbridge.
It is one of the better plays I have read so far this year, but beating Oscar Wilde will be tough; witty repartee was Wilde’s trademark. However, what I liked about this play is just how it explores the teacher-student relationships and, due to influence, how those relationships can be blurred. And at some points – there are moments which are downright disturbing but are brushed away with a sweep of an elegant lets-not-compromise-our-reputation hand. Not to ruin the plot or anything – but today? A teacher would be jailed faster than you can say “Oxbridge”.
I briefly touched on it earlier but, teenage boys who are easily influenced by those around them – no less their teachers – massively shape who they become. They aren’t taught life skills (who here wasn’t) but are taught what to think, not how to think, to gain a coveted place at Oxford or Cambridge. They become ‘cookie cutter’ people saying what the admissions teams at Oxbridge want to hear so that Oxbridge can say that their students ‘think for themselves’ or ‘think differently’. It did make me think that the whole process was utter BS - I suppose that’s the Machiavellian point and a real critic of the admission process to Oxbridge. I also find it interesting that none of the characters explore why they want to attend these two universities. It is never covered or spoken about. All that just assumes is that they'll get in because these boys are clever and smart; I just don’t see their ambition and drive. It’s as if they’re going through the motions simply for cleverness’s sake.
If I could – I would go and see it if they did a revival. I would like to see how they handle some of the material in a 2024 context – particularly the teachers and especially on the view of Oxbridge.