The History Boys - Sexuality

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History Boys Essay – Second Draft ‘Heterosexuality and homosexuality are a type of psychosis and the truth is somewhere in the middle’ Evaluate Bennett’s comic and philosophical approaches to sexuality in The History Boys It can be argued that homosexuality is a state of mind which implies either the temporariness of it or it being a conscious decision, however sexuality could also be central to the way you behave; an unconscious aspect of your identity that acts as a clear indication to others to how you are sexually inclined. In the History Boys, sexuality is a running theme that is seen more prominently in the characters of Dakin, Irwin and Posner, the latter being the only one who is ‘open’ with his sexuality, whereas there is a great deal of ambiguity when it comes to deciphering the sexuality of the others. This could be intended by Bennett to show that sexuality is not a fixed state but in fact quite fluid depending on the people you meet as you grow as a person. Through the analysis of Dakin we see the representation of most heterosexual teenage boys in the way he talks about Fiona in his conceit calling her his ‘western front’ indicating she is a territory to be taken over. This clearly presents his heterosexual lust for her; he also refers to her as ‘the Hun’ indicating that she is the enemy so as to speak, and is standing in between his ‘further deployments’ portraying how superficial his love for Fiona is, as he is obviously disappointed with her not allowing him to advance and is more concerned for his own needs. This is further illustrated in his statement, ‘It’s like the headmaster says: one should have targets’, The use of double entendre on the word ‘targets’ forms a comical link between education and sexuality and makes his pursuit sound intelligent, like a difficult challenge that requires careful thought and planning, again more focused on

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