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💬 Join WhatsApp GroupExam-Oriented Notes: To Sir, With Love (Section 4.2)
Author: Eustace Edward Ricardo Braithwaite (E.R. Braithwaite)
Part I: Master Novel Analysis (Syllabus Alignment)
- Genre: Autobiographical Novel (first published in 1959).
- The Author's Background: Eustace Edward Ricardo Braithwaite (1912-2016) was a Guyanese-born British-American novelist, writer, teacher, and diplomat. His writings extensively deal with the psychological, social, and emotional struggles of being an educated Black man in a deeply prejudiced post-World War II Britain.
- Context and Setting: The story is set in the mid-1940s in the post-war East End of London. This historical backdrop is characterized by the physical and emotional trauma of the war, economic hardship, and pervasive colonial and racial prejudice.
- The Greenslade School Setting: The school is a "rough" institution filled with "troublemaker" students who have been rejected by other schools due to their unruly behavior. The physical and social environment reflects the grim, working-class realities of post-war London.
- The Narrative Arc: Braithwaite, an RAF veteran and highly educated engineer, cannot find professional work due to racial discrimination. In absolute desperation, he accepts a teaching position at Greenslade School. The novel traces his transformation from a bitter, rejected outsider into an inspiring, beloved mentor who successfully wins his students' respect and cooperation.
Part II: Comprehensive Synopsis of the Prescribed Extract (Chapter 17)
The prescribed extract recounts the Half-yearly report of the Students' Council held on November 15th. This event is one of the most critical days in the Greenslade School calendar and is arranged, presented, and controlled entirely by the students themselves.
1. The Opening Proceedings
- The Headmaster's Address: Mr. Florian, the headmaster, opens the assembly. He reiterates the school's aims, policy, and values, praising where progress is evident but firmly insisting that there is still a great deal of work to be done in terms of conduct, cleanliness, and the pursuit of knowledge. He wishes them success and leaves the stage to thunderous applause.
- Student Leadership: Miss Joseph and Denham, the two senior-most student representatives from Braithwaite's class, confidently preside over the assembly. Miss Joseph starts by outlining the purpose and activities of the Students' Council.
- Progressive Expression: The reports begin with the youngest, lowest-ranking classes (mainly twelve-year-olds). As the presentations progress class by class, the narrator observes a marked development in the students' ability to express themselves clearly and confidently.
2. Presentations by Mr. Braithwaite's Class (The Senior Class)
The senior class is the last to present. Miss Joseph opens their presentation by stating their term's overarching theme: the interdependency of mankind. This is illustrated across different subjects:
- Arithmetic (Potter): Potter explains weights and measures, specifically comparing the metric system (kilograms and meters) to the imperial system (pounds and feet). He highlights that because one of these two systems is understood globally, they act as a universal symbol of international understanding and cooperation.
- Nature Study (Sapiano): Sapiano discusses the collective international fight against agricultural pests (e.g., black rot on wheat, boll weevil on cotton, and the Colorado beetle on potatoes). He demonstrates how countries must pool their scientific research and knowledge to secure global food resources.
- Geography (Jackson and Miss Pegg): Jackson explains the unequal distribution of natural mineral deposits and vegetable produce, noting that one country's wealth is often another's deficiency, making trade and economic interdependence inevitable. Miss Pegg focuses on the human element, discussing post-war efforts to feed, clothe, and house displaced populations, referencing the crucial global programs of UNICEF.
- Physiology (Fernman and Miss Dare): Fernman brings a dramatic element of comic relief. Assisted by Welsh and Alison, he brings out a human female skeleton hanging from a gallows. He dramatically points out that while the skeleton is biologically female, it is impossible to determine its original race, color, or creed. He brilliantly concludes that basically all people are the same; only the "trimmings" (external features) differ. Miss Dare follows this with a discussion on global disease and health struggles, emphasizing how medical knowledge must be shared globally to combat illness.
- History (Miss Dodd): Miss Dodd reviews the English Reformation, highlighting the historic struggle of independent spirits against clerical dominance. She notes that from these historical conflicts, the modern concept of tolerance and respect for other cultures gradually emerged.
- P.T. and Games (Denham): Denham delivers a shocking, blunt critique of the school's physical training routine. He argues that the space is too limited, the exercises are monotonous and pointless, and that P.T. twice weekly for twenty minutes is a complete waste of time. This critique is warmly cheered by all the boys in the assembly.
3. The Question-and-Answer Panel Session
To answer questions arising from the student reports, three teachers are selected entirely at random by a student-led hat draw: Mr. Weston, Mrs. Dale-Evans, and Miss Euphemia Phillips.
- The Fall of Mr. Weston: When Denham and Fernman aggressively question the necessity of P.T., Mr. Weston makes a ridiculous figure. He is completely nonplussed, cannot offer a single coherent physical argument for the training, and tries to bluster his way out with a show of offended dignity.
- The Rise of Miss Phillips: Miss Euphemia Phillips-whom the school previously viewed as a frilly, seemingly brainless teacher-unexpectedly steps in with immense composure, candor, and authority. She calmly outwits Denham by explaining that:
- The school timetable is balanced for the greatest good of the greatest number based on limited resources.
- Lucky students who already possess fine physical development (like Denham) do not need the meager physical helpings, but they must remember and accommodate those students for whom the exercises are ideally suited.
- She suggests that the older boys could step up and help lead those who actually need assistance.
- The Spiritual Victory: Denham, finding himself completely outwitted, has no choice but to cease his heated protest and sit down looking rueful. The narrator is deeply impressed by how effectively Miss Phillips copes with her class, noting that this "frilly, innocent-looking puss had gobbled her canary without leaving the tiniest feather".
Part III: Critical Character Sketches (Exam Hotspots)
- 1. Ricky Braithwaite (The Narrator/Teacher):
- Traits: Intellectual, resilient, observant, initially bitter but ultimately compassionate.
- Role: He serves as the primary bridge between the rough students and the civilized world. Initially humiliated, he changes his tactics and treats the students as respected adults, requiring them to use "Sir" and "Miss". In Chapter 17, his anxiety turns to immense pride as he watches his students conduct themselves with supreme courtesy and intellectual maturity.
- 2. Denham:
- Traits: Blunt, confident, rebellious, athletic (a trained boxer), but fundamentally respectful.
- Role: He acts as a natural leader among the boys. He is brave enough to challenge authority and deliver a scathing critique of P.T.. However, when outwitted by Miss Phillips, he displays the sportsmanship and maturity to back down gracefully.
- 3. Miss Euphemia Phillips:
- Traits: Calm, authoritative, highly informed, elegant, and tactful.
- Role: Initially underestimated as a "frilly" teacher, she is the hero of the panel discussion. She handles difficult questions with cool poise, rescues her struggling colleagues, and defuses Denham's aggressive attack with flawless logic, earning the deep respect of both the narrator and the entire student body.
- 4. Fernman:
- Traits: Dramatic, precise, creative, and witty.
- Role: He brings essential comic relief to the formal Students' Council. His brilliant use of the human skeleton as a visual aid to prove that all human beings are biologically identical under their "trimmings" showcases his deep understanding of the term's core themes.
Part IV: Key Themes & Textual Quotes Explored
- 1. Student-Teacher Relationship & Mutual Respect:
- Explanation: The novel demonstrates that respect is a two-way street. Only when Braithwaite abandons harsh scolding and begins treating his students as respectable, adult-like peers do they change their behavior, hygiene, and academic attitudes.
- Key Evidence: During the council meeting, Denham uses the polite term "Miss" to address the senior girls. The narrator feels "terribly pleased and proud to see the confident courtesy" of his class, viewing it as a badge of young adulthood.
- 2. Racism, Prejudice, and Colonialism:
- Explanation: Braithwaite experiences intense racism in mid-1940s Britain. Despite serving in the RAF and considering himself a proud British citizen, he is viewed as a Black outsider and rejected at multiple job interviews. This betrayal breeds a quiet rage and hatred inside him.
- Key Evidence: The Greenslade school students, though rough and notorious, are shaped by the same post-war economic struggles and physical trauma. Braithwaite realizes that by teaching tolerance, they can overcome the dark scars of colonialism and social divide.
- 3. The Interdependency of Mankind:
- Explanation: The curriculum at Greenslade School is designed to foster a globalized, empathetic worldview. The students do not merely memorize facts; they study how humanity relies on cooperative systems to survive and progress.
- Key Evidence: Miss Joseph declares that their term's lessons have a particular bias towards the "brotherhood of mankind" and how "all mankind was interdependent in spite of geographical location and differences in colour, races and creeds".
PART V: IMPORTANT EXAM-ORIENTED QUESTIONS (BOARD-EXAM PREP)
Model Answer: During the question-and-answer session, Denham blunt-fully criticizes the physical training (P.T.) and games program, claiming it is pointless, monotonous, and a waste of time for senior boys. Mr. Weston tries to bluster his way out of the question but fails ridiculously. Miss Phillips steps in and calmly handles the situation. She argues that the school timetable is carefully designed to offer the "greatest good for the greatest number" using limited resources. She cleverly adds that while physically fit boys like Denham might not need the meager P.T. helpings, the program is ideally suited for other students who do. She suggests that senior boys could even help lead these sessions. Denham, realizing he has been completely outwitted by her sugary yet logical remarks, respectfully ceases his protest.
Model Answer: Fernman brings comic relief by dramatically introducing a human female skeleton hanging from gallows onto the stage. The sight of the skeleton gently revolving at the end of a cord makes the school laugh uproariously, temporarily breaking the tension of the formal assembly. However, the significance of his presentation is deeply serious. Fernman clearly explains that while science can prove the skeleton is biologically female, no one can determine if she was Chinese, French, German, or Greek, or whether she was Black or white. He brilliantly concludes that basically all people are the same on the inside, and only our external "trimmings" differ. His presentation masterfully reinforces the term's central theme of the universal brotherhood and interdependency of mankind.
Model Answer: The narrator, Mr. Braithwaite, is anxious because his class represents the culmination of his innovative, respectful teaching methods. At the beginning of the term, these students were notoriously disrespectful, ill-mannered, and prone to bullying him. Braithwaite has taken immense risks by changing his handling tactics, treating them as adult peers, and enforcing mutual respect. The half-yearly report of the Students' Council is the ultimate public test of his class's progress in front of the entire school and the governing staff. He sits up anxiously because their behavior and performance on the stage will directly reflect the success or failure of his teaching philosophy.
Model Answer: The half-yearly report programme was an important event for the Students Council. In this report, the students would present what they had studied, to the teachers and other students. The main purpose of the event was to analyze and discuss the academic progress of the students. Through their presentations, the students would outline what they had learnt in their classes and the teachers would thus obtain a clear picture of the depth of their understanding. The report was thus crucial in deciding the structure of the remaining academic year. Another significant aspect of the report was the panel discussion. A panel of teachers would be selected by the students, to whom questions about the reports would be asked. Not only did the students have complete freedom in choosing the names and number of the teachers on the panel, but the teachers would not be told about their selection beforehand. This served the purpose of assuring the students that they too had the power to shape their academic progress. In addition to these primary objectives, the programme also provided the students with the perfect platform to showcase their organization skills, become more involved in the activities of the school, voice their opinions as well as raise their concerns. Denham's blunt criticism of the P.T. class is a perfect example of how such programmes can help the students voice their views.
Model Answer: Extract 17 of the novel which is given for our study is about half yearly report of the student's council of Greenslade School which was located in London's East End. The half yearly report was to the faculty and other students about what they have been studying till now. The report begin with the lower class and last turn was of Braithwaite's class. His class representatives spoke knowledgeably about their course book and they specifically told about how much they have learn about different people, cultures. People as well as importance of national and international cooperation. Two main students of his class Miss. Joseph and Denham presided over the meeting. In the beginning the head teacher Mr. Florian addressed the students. After that one after another each class representative presented their report subject wise. A panel of teachers was chosen by students to answer the queries about the report submitted by the class. Miss Joseph begins the highest class proceedings by telling the common theme underlying all their studies in this term is the interdependency of mankind. Potter spoke about maths. Miss peg and Jackson spoke about geography and Miss Dare and Fernman spoke about physiology where Fernman stole the show by exhibiting a model of human skeleton and stressed a conclusion that all human beings were the same. Miss Dodd presented her report on history while Miss Joseph presented her report on domestic science. Denham brought a total stir by talking on the requirement of the subject PT and games. Three teachers were selected to answer student's questions. Mr. Weston responds quite ridiculously to the Denham's inquiry on the necessity of requiring all students to take P.T. here very tactfully Miss. Philips steps in and gives a proper explanation. This answers from her were quite unexpected from her. Denham respectfully withdrew himself from argument, having understood that he is outwitted. Seeing this tremendous change and maturity in his students Mr. Braithwaite is really very satisfied with the progress of the students of his class.
Model Answer: An important feature of the half-yearly report was the panel discussion scheduled for the end of the programme. Miss Phillips, Mrs. Dale-Evans and Mr. Weston were chosen at random to form the panel and were asked questions about the reports by the students of the school. The questions were mostly from the senior students and the teachers had not been made aware of the questions beforehand. As such, they were caught off guard by the questioning and were struggling to answer them. Of the three, Miss Phillips was the most informed and answered the questions with honesty and authority. She also managed to skillfully tackle some of the questions posed to the other teachers in order to help them and save them from embarrassment. In comparison, not only did Mr. Weston put no effort in looking presentable, but also tried to escape Fernman's and Denham's blunt questioning by talking loudly and pretending to be offended, so as to avoid offering any valid explanations. He could not justify the need for the P.T. class when Denham argued that the class offered no physical benefits. Once again, it was Miss Phillips who stepped in and successfully defended the need for P.T. class, thereby outwitting Denham, who then admitted defeat and gave up on the matter. This concluded the question-answer session of the programme.
Model Answer: The primary theme of the novel is the student-teacher relationship. When Braithwaite first accepts his job as a teacher at Greenslade School, he is met with a bunch of arrogant, disrespectful and ill-mannered students who were well-known for their bad behaviour. Though angry and frustrated at first, Braithwaite eventually learns to be patient and tolerant towards their antics and develops a strong bond with each of them. Braithwaite is not only concerned with their academic progress but also takes a keen interest in their development as individuals. He even takes the time to find out more about their backgrounds and tries to understand the reasons for their behaviour. More importantly, he builds a relationship with the students, which is based on mutual respect. Braithwaite addresses the girls as 'Miss' and the boys by their last name and in turn asks the students to refer to him as 'Sir', relaying the message that a healthy student-teacher relationship is one which involves both, give and take. Though this method is initially resisted by the students, they eventually warm up to it. This can be clearly seen when Braithwaite expresses his appreciation of Denham addressing the senior girls as 'Miss'. The extract highlights the importance of a teacher's role in the lives of his/her students. Braithwaite's influence extends far beyond his academic role. By choosing not to give up on his students, Braithwaite sets an example for how a teacher should be someone who is tolerant and understanding. Through Braithwaite's role in shaping the personalities of his students, the extract demonstrates that a teacher's work is not merely limited to the classroom. An important aspect of the student-teacher relationship is also the freedom to be honest. Braithwaite encourages his students to be honest and fearless, which is clearly demonstrated in Denham's respectful but blunt criticism of the P.T. class, thus conveying the idea that students must be active participants in their own progress. His method of developing a relationship based on mutual respect is effective and results in the transformation of his students from mischievous children to young adults. Braithwaite witnesses this transformation with pride as he watches his students present the class report and admires them for the progress that they have made.
Model Answer: Following the class presentations, a panel of teachers was randomly selected to answer questions that the students might have regarding the reports. This panel included Mrs. Dale-Evans, Miss Euphemia Phillips and Mr. Weston. Denham's class report was a criticism of the P.T. class and as a follow-up to his report, he asked the panel of teachers to justify the need for such a class, as he believed it offered no physical advantages. Being a trained boxer, Denham was of the opinion that exercises could only benefit the students if they were performed daily and for longer periods of time, thereby implying that as the P.T. class was only for twenty minutes twice a week, it was a waste of time. While Mr. Weston could not offer any satisfactory explanation, Miss Phillips stepped in and responded by reminding the students that because the school had limited resources, the goal was to have a timetable that ensured maximum benefit for maximum number of students. She argued that while Denham and other physically fit students like him might not see the benefit of the P.T. class because of their participation in other sports, but the school has many more students that could benefit from it. In addition, she even called upon senior students like Denham to help out in this respect. Denham, though impressed by Miss Phillips' clever response, was not ready to give up his questioning and further argued that if what Miss Phillips was saying was true, then only those students who need P.T. should be made to take it and boys like Denham, who don't depend on it for the exercise, should be allowed to use the time as they see fit. This question, as the narrator observes, was tricky, but Miss Phillips was as calm as ever and responded by saying that the school prepares the students for the real world, it was therefore important for them to get used to doing things they have been told to do, even if they don't like it. Miss Phillips argued that participating in the P.T. class was an example of such a thing and that the boys could think of it as an exercise of the mind as well as of the body. Knowing he had been outwitted, Denham accepted defeat and gave up his line of questioning. Thus, Denham's aggressive and blunt probing proved to be no match for Miss Phillips' patience and composure.
Model Answer: Denham is one of the boys in Braithwaite's class. Like all others, he too, is initially dismissive of Braithwaite and is rude and disrespectful towards him. He is particularly aggressive and bad-tempered. Braithwaite's patience and tolerance transforms Denham into a mature, young man who learns to be respectful of others and takes up responsibility. This can be seen from his ability to host the Students' Council report and supervise its proceedings. While hosting the Students' Council event, he refers to the other senior girls as 'Miss' proving that he has transformed into an honorable young man. He is a trained boxer and enjoys athletic activities. He is a natural leader, who enjoys influence over his classmates and is especially looked up to by the other boys of the class. This is made clear from the support he receives of his criticism of the P.T. class when the other boys cheer him from the audience. He is assertive and confident as he presents his report and is blunt, but respectful in his questioning of the need for the P.T. class. In his exchange with Miss Phillips, Denham is clever, assertive and determined in his argument, even though Miss Phillips represents an authoritative figure. At the same time, he also accepts his defeat gracefully when Miss Phillips outwits him.
Model Answer: To increase the cultural exposure of the class, Mr. Braithwaite takes the students on field trips and excursions to museums and theatres. To his surprise, many of the students have never been to said museums and theatres. Braithwaite's relationship with his students is tested many times. The novel centers on Braithwaite's growth as a character, from someone who considered his position as a teacher to be merely a job, to someone who eventually becomes a loving, father-figure to his students. Although his students often disappoint and hurt him, he learns to forgive them. The students, in turn, constantly surprise him with their maturity, knowledge and ability to understand emotions.
Model Answer: The incidents in the extract took place in the auditorium of Greenslade School. Since the major theme of the extract is student-teacher relationship, the school serves as the perfect setting. The students prepare and present their half-yearly reports to the teachers and voice their concerns by questioning the panel of teachers. Throughout the extract, Mr. Braithwaite, is merely an audience member. As his students take the stage, it becomes very clear that they have made considerable progress as not only students but also individuals. Even if Braithwaite had been aware of how his students had changed, the setting of the auditorium, with him as an audience member, allows him to observe from afar, the rewards of his efforts. Through his narration, he conveys to the reader his feelings of pride. Another aspect of the setting that is symbolic to the students' progress is the stage. The stage is symbolic of the students' lives. By presenting their reports, the students are not just taking an active participation in their school, but also coming forward to take control of their lives. Finally, the stage also represents the perfect platform for the students to showcase their skills, and thus can also be compared to the stage of drama, with the students being given the chance to charm the audience. Thus, Braithwaite, as an audience member, is like the director of a play, watching his work unfold on stage and beaming with pride.
Model Answer: The narrator of the novel is the author, E.R. Braithwaite, himself. The novel is based on his real-life experiences, which particularly focuses on his life in England and his job as a teacher at Greenslade School after the Second World War. Before becoming a teacher, he worked as an engineer and even served in the Royal British Air Force during the war. Though he is British, he is a victim of racial discrimination and prejudice because he is a black man in post-war England. Because of his race, he has trouble finding employment and reluctantly takes up the post of a teacher at Greenslade School, located in the East End of London. The school is famous for its badly behaved students and from the first day, Braithwaite finds it difficult to manage his class full of unruly children. As someone who is easily angered, Braithwaite struggles to keep calm while dealing with them. Despite not a teacher by profession, Braithwaite is very insightful in his interactions with the students. He recognises that he lacks the experience of a professional teacher and takes extra effort to improve his teaching skills. He soon learns to be patient and compassionate towards the students and eventually manages to build a strong bond with them based on mutual respect. He even tries to learn about their backgrounds so as to be able to understand the reasons for their behaviour. Braithwaite is firm but caring and brings about an extraordinary transformation in his students. He is the perfect example of a good teacher, as his influence goes way beyond the classroom and he ends up making a huge difference in his students' lives. He is intelligent and sensitive and shows genuine concern for the well-being of his students. By not giving up on his students, Braithwaite shows resilience and confidence in his abilities and reaps the rewards of his hard work as he watches with pride the young adults that graduate from his class at the end of the year.
Model Answer: One of the most elemental components of the student/teacher relationship in the novel is respect. Braithwaite is able to resist the incessant "teacher baiting" because he displays respect toward his students. At first, this approach does not yield much in way of results. However, the student- teacher relationship that emerges over the course of the narrative is that good teaching can only transpire if there is a relationship between instructor and pupil. All other instruction is secondary. The student- teacher relationship demonstrated in the novel is predicated upon this respect. Part of the reason why Braithwaite is initially rebuffed and eventually embraced is because he does not sacrifice this respect for something temporal. As a result, Braithwaite embodies transformative teaching because respect is at the forefront of his interactions with students. When students do not miss school in the final week, it is a reflection of such respect. Such a respect transcends arbitrary social boundaries, such as the traditional construction between teacher and student. It strikes at the heart of how people treat one another. Braithwaite recognizes the importance of treating his students with respect, who in turn embrace reciprocity with him Braithwaite's relationship is shown to be empowering as it helps students to face challenges.
Model Answer: Miss Joseph begins the highest class's proceedings by explaining that the common theme underlying all their studies this term is the interdependency of mankind. both are the students of the narrator Both imbibe the lessons taught by the narrator in their own unique way. Miss Joseph realised the worth of virtues like equality and brotherhood. She said that their lesson had a particular bias towards the brotherhood of mankind and that they had been learning through each subject how all mankind was interdependent despite geographical location and differences colour, races and creeds. she again reiterated the fact that all men are equal and the divide base on the colour of the skin is created by man. Denham also a student of the narrator like Miss. Joseph, is polite and courteous who initial lacks respect for the narrator. In chapter 17 he is seen to be embracing the lessons taught by M Braithwaite. he addresses the girls by using the prefix Miss which is the reflection of his courtesy towards them. Denham, his student, used the term 'Miss' in addressing each of the senior girls Thus both Joseph and Denham live by what their Teacher taught them.
Model Answer: At first, the narrator thinks that Miss Phillips is a simple, innocent-looking and somewhat foolish teacher. However, during the question-answer session, she surprises everyone with her knowledge, confidence and intelligence. She answers the students' questions clearly and confidently. She also helps the other two teachers when they find it difficult to answer. When Denham questions the need for P.T., Miss Phillips gives a strong and logical reply. She explains that P.T. is useful for both the body and the mind and teaches students to do things even when they do not like them. Her confident and intelligent answers impress everyone. Thus, Miss Phillips changes from a shy and innocent-looking teacher into a confident, knowledgeable and convincing personality.
Model Answer: Denham severely criticized the general pattern of PT and games. He said that the space available for these was limited. He felt that PT was ill-conceived, pointless and monotonous, and he could see no advantages in it: a good game was far better. His idea was that PT exercises were only advantageous if practiced daily and for more sustained periods: PT twice weekly for twenty minutes was a waste of time. Only kids who needed it could do it while the others could play football or some other game.
Model Answer: At the Greenslade School, Ricky Braithwaite meets a bunch of disrespectful, ill-mannered and mischievous students. Though their behaviour initially angers him, he decides to change his approach and interact with them as though they were adults. He requires every girl be referred to as 'Miss' and that his students call him 'Sir'. At first, the students find this level of deference ridiculous; however, they come around after only a few weeks, completely changing their attitudes. This marks the success of Braithwaite in handling the students in a very amicable way.
Model Answer: Denham, who is a trained boxer, is of the opinion that exercising only helps if performed daily and for longer periods. In contrast, P.T. class is only twice a week and thus offers no health benefits, making it a waste of time. Miss Philips reminds Denham that the school has limited resources and therefore has to make the best use of its time in a way that benefits the maximum number of students. Though students like Denham are physically fit and play other sports, the class is not just meant for them but for all the students. Hence, even if Denham finds P.T. to be pointless, the others, who are not physically fit, could benefit from it. In response to this, Denham argues that P.T. should then only be for the students who need it and not for physically fit students like himself. But Miss Phillips replies that when students like Denham are made to do P.T. even though they don't like it, they are actually being trained for the real world, which is the purpose of the school timetable. Thus, she argues that it is important for students like Denham to do P.T. even if they don't enjoy it because it is an exercise of the mind as much as of the body. At last, Denham is outsmarted and he finally gives up on the matter.
Model Answer: To Sir, With Love' is an autobiographical novel. The narrator, though an engineer, accepts the job of a teacher in Greenslade School. The school is full of unruly students. The narration is in the first person, with a reflection of personal ideas and emotions. The narrator has observed everyone and everything minutely. He comments on the behaviour of the students and teachers; he feels deeply happy when his students do well. His keen observation and the depth of the narration show us his involvement in everything He has written from his heart. All this proves that the novel is autobiographical.
Model Answer: In order to explain a point, Fernman made a signal to someone off-stage. Two students, Welsh and Alison, appeared bearing a skeleton between them, with a sort of gallows. When this arrangement had been set up there was the skeleton hanging from a hook screwed into the top of its skull, gently revolving at the end of a cord. This brought some comic relief to the proceedings, and the students laughed uproariously.
Model Answer: To increase the cultural exposure of the class, Mr. Braithwaite takes the students on field trips and excursions to museums and theatres. To his surprise, many of the students have never been to said museums and theatres. Braithwaite's relationship with his students is tested many times. The novel centers on Braithwaite's growth as a character, from someone who considered his position as a teacher to be merely a job, to someone who eventually becomes a loving, father-figure to his students. Although his students often disappoint and hurt him, he learns to forgive them. The students, in turn, constantly surprise him with their maturity, knowledge and ability to understand emotions.
Model Answer: The half-yearly report by the Students' Council of Greenslade School was scheduled to be on November 15. It was one of the most important days of the year for the school. The programme was entirely arranged, presented and controlled by the students. They were expected to deliver a report describing what they had learnt in the half year, which began after Easter. Thus, the report was extremely crucial for the students and the teachers because it offered the perfect opportunity of determining the academic progress of the students. In addition, it was a test of the organizational abilities of the students. The students of Braithwaite's class were excited about the event and as the day of the event approached, Braithwaite found himself sharing their excitement. In order to prepare for the event, the students divided the responsibilities among themselves and drew up an official programme for the event. They took their roles as organizers very seriously and performed their duties like expert professionals. Watching his students take responsibility and behave like young, mature adults, Braithwaite was filled with a sense of pride. On the day of the event, the children made sure that they were dressed smartly and looked presentable, indicating, once again, that they were aware of the importance of the event. Miss Joseph and Denham, two senior students from Braithwaite's class were chosen as the student representatives who would host the event and they made sure that every student was ready to play their part, thus displaying their leadership skills. Thus, the half-yearly report had charged the atmosphere of the school with excitement and anticipation and had provided the students with a platform to showcase their organizational skills.
Model Answer: The setting is in 1947 and the country is still recovering from the post-World War II. London's East End which is an area of working class white British residents. The theme of the novel is to overcome the obstacles one needs to have individuality because everybody needs to be individual and their own self. Braithwaite who grew up in British Guinea, and had served in the English Royal Air Force for 6 years, he had forgotten or ignored his colour, however when he came to London, he faced racial prejudice and discrimination. He was refused jobs after the war merely because he was black though he was highly qualified. He was treated as an outsider although he scarified his life for the dream of "The British way of Life".
Model Answer: 'To Sir, with Love' is an autobiographical novel written by E.R. Braithwaite. An autobiographical novel is one which is based on the life of the author. It usually revolves around some major events and experiences of the author. The names and locations are often changed and the story is retold to make it more dramatic. "To Sir, with Love' is based on the true events that took place in the author's life when he took up a job at a school in the East End of London. On his return to England after the war, the author had to tackle racism and prejudice in the British society. His experiences, particularly at the school and generally, in 1940s Britain, form the key aspects of the novel. Thus, the author's life forms the backbone of the novel, making it autobiographical in nature.
Model Answer: Miss Joseph is one of the senior girls in Braithwaite's class. A natural leader, Miss Joseph, along with Denham, is in charge of hosting the half-yearly report of the Students' Council. Besides helping in the organization of the event, Miss Joseph also ensures its smooth functioning, by supervising the other students as they perform their assigned tasks, thus displaying her leadership skills. She also delivers a short address outlining the purpose of the Students' Council activities. When it is the turn of Braithwaite's class to present its report, it is Miss Joseph who introduces the class theme of the brotherhood and interdependency of mankind to the audience. She is confident by nature and delivers her report on Domestic Science with utmost ease.
Model Answer: Miss Phillips is a teacher at Greenslade School and is one of three teachers to be chosen, at random, for the panel discussion on the day of the half-yearly report. As she takes her place on the panel, the narrator describes her as a mousy, thin woman who appears to be unintelligent. However, as the questioning begins, it becomes clear to the narrator and the reader that Miss Phillips is the best informed of the three. Despite being unprepared, she handles the questions with honesty and authority, leaving the narrator and the reader impressed. She even comes to the rescue of the other teachers when she finds them struggling with the questions and does so with grace and skill, making sure to not cause them any embarrassment. She is unfazed by Denham and Fernman's blunt criticisms and maintains a calm demeanour, matching Denham's aggressive nature with her clever arguments and sweet tone. Her interaction with Denham leaves the students impressed with her tough but honest nature and establishes her authority as a teacher. This also completely transforms her image in the eyes of the narrator, who by the end of the extract develops a sense of admiration and respect for Miss Phillips.
Model Answer: The narrator E R Braithwaite worked as an engineer in an oil refinery and had returned England shortly before World War two. He was Chemical Engineer by qualification and served in Royal British Air Force. After the end of the Word War, he finds no job as he was black and finally, he applies in a school for a job as a teacher. He gets a job in Greenslade school located in the slums of London. The students in the school are mischievous as well as disrespectful. The school was full of trouble maker students. The students harass him from day one by slamming their desks, using bad language etc. Students also rejected him. They too considered him as an outsider. They ridiculed Braithwaite sir as he was black in complexion. But later on, narrator changes his method and understands the student's psychology. He takes them for field visit to the theatres, museum and excursions. He gives them respect and starts to earn respect from them. In this way Braithwaite is successful in handling the students without any anger or arguments. In the beginning Braithwaite who was looking his job only as a teacher finally at the end of the novel becomes a loving fatherly figure of his students.
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