4.2 To Sir, With Love: E. R. Braithwaite
BRAINSTORMING
CHARACTER
(A1) (i) Which one among the following is a teacher in the extract? Select the correct one. Also cite a couple of lines from the extract in support of your answer.
(a) Denham (b) Miss Joseph (c) Sapiano (d) Dale-Evans
Ans:- (d)
Dale-Evans: Dale-Evans is the teacher.
The
lines to support this are: The names were called: Mr. Weston, Mrs. Dale-Evans,
Miss Phillips. Denham and Miss Joseph led the others off the stage and the
teachers took their seats.
(ii) Complete the table
highlighting the various traits of the major characters in the extract.
Ans:-
(iii) The narrator played a crucial role in bringing a significant change in the students. Explain the statement by citing some references from the extract.
Ans.
E. R. Braithwaite gets a job of a teacher in a rather rough and notorious
school. He finds that the students belong to a background that is not suitable
for learning and their overall development and progress. He notices that the
students are in no mood to change their attitude and behaviour. Braithwaite
with his novel and creative ideas, innovative techniques and understanding the
students’ psychology, ultimately wins their hearts in no time. Though he was
bullied, harassed mentally and physically tortured many times, he didn't lose
his patience and continued implementing his novel ideas and techniques that
helped him to bring a significant change in his students’ lives.
1. Narrator noticed how he had trained his students to plan and execute the task. Ho noted with pride the business-like way in which tasks were allocated and fitted into a neat programme by his class.
2. He felt terribly pleased and proud to see the confident courtesy with which Denham, his student, used the term ‘Miss' in addressing each of the senior girls; the narrator felt sure that this would in itself be something for the younger ones to aim at, a sort of badge of young adulthood. As their names were called they walked up to the stage and took their seats with commendable gravity.
Thus the narrator in this extract was basking
in pride as he saw the difference he had brought in his students. When Fernman
explained the futility of racism with the help of a skeleton, the narrator
realised his efforts had borne fruit. The class had concluded that basically
all people were the same: the trimmings might be different but the foundations
were all laid out according to the same blueprint.
(iv) Fernman brought a comic relief in the
Students’ Council programme. Explain.
Ans:- Fernman
drew home a vital aspect of human existence which laid on the principle of
equality. As usual, he had a trump card up his sleeve. When called, he
explained a pure reality using skeleton. He added humour by hanging the skeleton
in air. Later, he jovially started explaining the futility of the
discrimination based on the colour of the skin.
This was somewhat like comic relief, and
the school showed its approval by laughing uproariously. But happiness soon
evaporated when Fernman began to speak; his voice was clear and precise and he
had a strong sense of the dramatic. Calmly he told them that it was a female
skeleton that was a fact and could easily be proved. But he could not say with
any assurance whether she had been Chinese or French or German or Greek; nor
could he say if she had been brown or white or a mixture of both. And from
that, he said, the class had concluded that basically, all people were the
same; the embellishments might be different but the foundations were all laid
out according to the same blueprint.
(v) Give a brief character-sketch of:- (a) Denham (b) Miss Joseph (c) The Narrator (d) Miss Dare (e) Miss Phillips
(a) Denham
Ans:-Denham
represents the traditional British born and bred East Ender that was
traditionally found in London's East End 50 to 100 years ago. Denham is a
polite and courteous student who initially lacks respect for the narrator. In
chapter 17 he is seen to be embracing the lessons taught by Mr. 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; the narrator felt sure that this would in itself be
something for the younger ones to aim at, a sort of symbol of young adulthood.
As their names were called they walked up to the stage and took their seats
with laudable seriousness. Denham also conceded gracefully when his opinion on
having PT compulsory was outwitted by Miss. Phillips. Thus Denham is a perfect
blend of anger and courtesy and is indeed well-bred.
(b) Miss Joseph
Ans:-
Miss Joseph is a student who realised the worth of virtues like equality and
brotherhood. She said that their lessons 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 in
colour, races and creeds. She again reiterated the fact that all men are equal
and the divide based on the colour of the skin is created by man.
(c) The Narrator
Ans:- Students-teacher
relationship, prejudice and racism are the major themes of the novel. E. R.
Braithwaite gets a job of a teacher in a rather rough and notorious school. He
finds that the students belong to a background that is not suitable for
learning and their overall development and progress. He notices that the
students are in no mood to change their attitude and behaviour. Braithwaite
with his novel and creative ideas, innovative techniques and understanding the
students' psychology, ultimately wins their hearts in no time. Though he was
bullied, harassed, mentally and physically tortured many times, he didn't lose
his patience and continued implementing his novel ideas and techniques that
helped him to bring a significant change in his students' lives
(d) Miss Dare
Ans:-
Miss Dare's contribution was something of an anti-climax after Fernman's
performance, and she seemed to realise it. She spoke about the problems which
all humanity has to face in term of sickness and disease, and of the advantages
gained by interchange of knowledge, advice and assistance.
(e) Miss Phillips
Ans:- Had
a remarkable convincing potential. She was a poser, but she came right back at
him, with her baby-blue eyes twinkling in her delight at this crossing of
poles. She is in support of having the PT classes which Denham objects to.
Let's say, it is as much an exercise of the mind as it is of the body. The
whole timetable in this school is meant to help you in the world after you
leave here, and doing what you are told in spite of not liking it, is part of
the training. Thus she made her point clear that we human beings must adopt to
the given situation whether we like it or not. We must do the things we don’t
like with same grace as we pursue the things we like.
(vi) Compare the following characters:
(a) Miss Joseph and
Denham (b) Fernman and Miss
Dare
(c) Miss Phillips and Denham (d) Narrator and the Head of the
school
(a) Miss Joseph and Denham:-
Ans:- 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 lessons 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 in colour, races and creeds. She again reiterated the fact that
all men are equal and the divide based 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 initially lacks respect for the
narrator. In chapter 17 he is seen to be embracing the lessons taught by Mr.
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.
(b) Fernman and Miss Dare:
Ans:- Miss
Dare and Fernman discuss the subject of physiology, with Fernman stealing the
show by exhibiting a model of a human skeleton and stressing the class
conclusion that "basically all people were the same”.
Fernman drew home a vital aspect of
human existence which laid on the principle of equality. As usual, he had a
trump card up his sleeve. When called he explained a pure reality using
skeleton. Jovially started explaining the futility of the discrimination based
on the colour of the skin.
Miss Dare's on the other hand had a contribution that was something of an anti-climax after Fernman's performance and she seemed to realise it. She spoke about the problems which all humanity has to face in terms of sickness and disease, and of the advantages gained by interchange of knowledge, advice and assistance.
(c) Miss Phillips and Denham:
Ans:- Miss
Philips had a remarkable convincing potential. She was a poser, but she came
right back at Denham, with her baby-blue eyes twinkling in her delight at this
crossing of poles. She was in support of having the PT classes which Denham
objected to. Let's say it is as much an exercise of the mind as it is of the
body, she convinced Denham. The whole timetable in this school is meant to help
you in the world after you leave here, and doing what you are told in spite of
not liking it, is part of the training. Thus she made her point clear that we
human beings must adopt to the given situation whether we like it or not. We
must do the things we don't like with same grace as we pursue the things we
like. Denham though found PT pointless conceded to her opinion thereby gracefully
accepting his defeat, both are polite and accept each other's opinion rather
gracefully.
(d) Narrator and the Head of the school
Ans:- A
large reason why Braithwaite is successful in his teaching is because he
combines aspects of teacher- centred and student- centred methodologies, the
central purpose of this tale is one which clearly focuses on the power of
education to change the lives of even the most unpromising of individuals and
children. Braithwaite's teaching style involves offering respect to his
students. In the beginning, his class is difficult to control and doesn't want
to learn. Merely instructing the students isn't good he realises and adopts
different maxims to gain success.
Alex Florian, also known as Headmaster
Florian, is the elderly yet excitable British headmaster of Greenslade School,
which is located in East London. The headmaster’s excitement comes from the
love for his students and is also fueled by his method of radical education,
which is based on the theories of educationalist Alex Bloom. Headmaster Florian
serves as a continuous presence of understanding and compassion in the 1959
autobiographical novel “To Sir, with Love”. Headmaster Florian works to be a
constant defender of the students attending the Greenslade School and
prioritizes their educational interests. He views the students as budding
adults whose education should not be misdirected or controlled by any
authoritarian figure. Florian also understands the financial burdens that are
present for many of the students’ working-class families, which affect the
students’ day-to-day lives. Mr. Florian has adopted a point of view that is
progressive in assessing the needs of his students at the school.
Thus the narrator and Florian both
believe in holistic growth and development of the students.
PLOT
(A2) (i) Arrange the
incidents in correct sequence as per their occurrence in the extract.
(a) Denham was outwitted
by Miss Phillips.
(b) The head of the
school closed the proceedings.
(c) Denham asserted that
P.T. periods were a waste of time.
(d) The slips were
folded and placed in a hat.
(e) Fernman was as usual
a trump card.
(f) Denham called out
the names of the representatives.
(g) Students’ Council
was held every year on November 15th.
Ans:- (g) Students" Council was held every
year on November 15th.
(b) The head of the school closed the proceedings
(f) Denham called out the names
of the representatives.
(d) The slips were folded and placed in a hat.
(e) Fernman was as usual a trump
card.
(c) Denham asserted that PT. periods were a waste of time.
(a) Denham was outwitted by Miss Phillips.
(ii) Describe in brief
the purpose of organising the half-yearly report programme of Students’
Council.
Ans:- Mr.
Florian establishes an educational policy at Greenslade Secondary School that
emphasizes encouraging students to pursue learning through methods that
resonate with each individual pupil. This educational policy is unique in which
teachers are guides for students as they navigate their learning, but the
students ultimately are ones who lead their unique educational journeys. This
style of teaching that values student-centered learning encourages critical
thinking and a true commitment to ones educational experience. This method
follows formative evaluation. So the halt yearly report programme of Students’
Council holds value as a part of the formative evaluation.
(iii) Write in your
words the entire half-yearly report programme of Students’ Council.
Ans:- The
Half-Yearly Report of the Students’ Council, an assembly entirely arranged and
presented by the students themselves, is held on November 15. Miss Joseph and
Denham preside, and the meeting begins with an address by Mr. Florian, the
headmaster. Following his lengthy but well- received presentation, each class
takes a turn reporting, through their chosen representatives, on what they have
been studying in each subject so far. Finally, a panel of teachers is chosen
for each class to answer any questions pertaining to the reports which have
been given. The lowest class begins first, and it is obvious that as the
students progress through the ranks
there is “a marked development in their ability to express themselves.” Mr.
Braithwaite’s class, being the oldest, goes last.
Miss Joseph begins the highest class’
proceedings by explaining that the common theme underlying all their studies
this term is the interdependency of mankind. Potter speaks in the field of math
focusing on how greater understanding in the world is fostered by the use of
common weights and measures. Miss Pegg and Jackson speak on geography, and Miss
Dare and Fernman discuss the subject of
physiology, with Fernman stealing the show by exhibiting a model of a human
skeleton and stressing the class'
conclusion that "basically all people were the same.” Miss Dodd reports on
history, and Miss Joseph on domestic science. Denham creates a stir by speaking
on the required subject of P.T. and games, complaining that the class was
“ill-conceived and pointless.
Mr Weston, Mrs. Dale-Evan and Miss
Phillips are chosen at random to answer students’ questions arising from the
senior presentations, when Denham pursues his inquiry on the necessity of
requiring all students to take P. T. Mr. Weston responds quite ridiculously,
trying to bluster his way out of the subject, and offering no coherent argument
for the requirement’s continuance. Surprisingly, quiet Miss Philips steps in
and gives a sturdy defense of the practice, and Denham, knowing that he has
been outwitted, has no choice but to respectfully cease his heated protest.
(iv) Describe the
question-answer session that took place at the end of the extract.
Ans:- Mr.
Weston, Mrs. Dale-Evans, and Miss Phillips are chosen at random to answer students’
questions arising from the senior presentations. When Denham pursues his
inquiry on the necessity of requiring all students to take P.T., Mr. Weston
responds quite ridiculously, trying to bluster his way out of the subject, and
offering no coherent argument for the requirement's continuance. Surprisingly,
quiet Miss Phillips steps in and gives a sturdy defense of the practice, and
Denham, knowing that he has been outwitted, has no choice but to respectfully
cease his heated protest.
(v) Describe the discussion that took place between Miss Joseph and Denham.
Ans:- Miss
Joseph begins the highest class's proceedings by explaining that the common
theme underlying all their studies that 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 lessons 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 in colour, races and creeds. She again reiterated the fact that
all men are equal and the divide based 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 initially lacks respect for the narrator. In chapter 17 he is
seen to be embracing the lessons taught by Mr. 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.
SETTING
(A3) (i) Which event took place in the extract? Choose the correct one. Give reason/s to support your answer.
(b) Annual Social and
Cultural Gathering on November 15th
(c) Half-yearly report
of Students’ Council on November 15th
(d) Farewell Programme
on November 15th
Ans: (c) Half yearly report
of Students’ Council on November 15th.
Reason- The half yearly report of the
Students’ Council was on November 15th, which was one of the important days in
the calendar of Greenslade School.
(ii) The event in the
extract was held at the ______________ .
Choose the correct alternative. Give
reason/s to support your answer.
(a) author’s house (b) auditorium of the school (c) market (d) garden
Ans:- b) auditorium of
the school.
Reason- The bell rung at 10.00 a m. and
everyone trooped into the auditorium to sit together in classes.
(iii) The incidents in the extract occurred at a particular place. Explain the significance of that place in your own words.
Ans:- The
incidents occurred in the auditorium of the school. The preparation started
days ago. Staging any show on an auditorium held great significance to the
students. The preparation started well in advance. Students considered it great
honour to be on the dais in the auditorium. So they planned it all well. There
were whispered conferences with members of other classes in the arrangement of
it. On that day there was no assembly. The children arrived smartly dressed and
polished, and Miss Joseph and Denham, who seemed to be the important officials
for the occasion, moved about among their colleagues ensuring that each one was
ready to play his (her) part. A bell was rung at 10.00 a.m. and everyone
trooped into the auditorium to sit together in classes. Miss Joseph and Denham
the two most senior students, sat on the stage, one on each side of Mr.
Florian, who, as soon as everyone was seated and silent, stood and addressed
the school. He spoke at length, reiterating the aims and policy of the school
and of the important contribution each child could make to the furtherance of
those aims.
(iv) Explain how the
setting of the extract contributes to the theme of the novel.
Ans:- The
settling contributes a great deal to the theme as it displays reverence towards
the alma mater and the teacher. Students-teacher relationship, prejudice and
racism are the major themes of the novel. E. R Braithwaite gets a job of a
teacher in a rather rough and notorious school. He finds that the students
belong to a background that is not suitable for learning and their overall development
and progress. He notices that the students are in no mood to change their
attitude and behaviour. Braithwaite with his novel and creative ideas,
innovative techniques and understanding the students' psychology, ultimately
wins their hearts in no time. Though he was bullied, harassed, mentally and
physically tortured many times, he didn't lose his patience and continued
implementing his novel ideas and techniques that helped him to bring a
significant change in his students' lives.
THEME
(A4) (i) ‘When the turn of my class came I sat up anxiously’. Why was the narrator anxious? Explain the statement by citing suitable references from the extract.
Ans:- The
narrator considers his students as his own children, so he feels anxious when
they come on the stage, the students are seen to be embracing the lessons
taught by Mr. Braithwaite. Denham 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; the narrator felt
sure that this would in itself be something for the younger ones to aim at, a
sort of symbol of young adulthood. As their names were called they walked up to
the stage and took their seats with laudable seriousness. Denham also conceded
gracefully when his opinion on having P.T. compulsory was outwitted by Miss
Phillips. Thus Denham is a perfect blend of anger and courtesy and is indeed
well-bred.
(ii) Select two
statements that describe the theme of the extract:
(a) Half-yearly report of the Students’ Council was not an important event for the students and teachers of school.
(b) The writer was
immensely pleased to notice the progress of his students.
(c) The students showed
a remarkable change in their behaviour and were progressing in all the
subjects.
(d) The head of the
institution was against conducting such activities in the school.
Ans:- (b) The writer
was immensely pleased to notice the progress of his students.
(c) The students showed a remarkable change in their behaviour and were
progressing in all the subjects.
(iii) The relationship
between the teacher and the students is highlighted in the extract. Illustrate
with suitable examples from the extract.
Ans:- 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 towards 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.
(iv) Explain in brief
the theme of the extract.
Ans:- E. R. Braithwaite gets a job of a teacher in
a rather rough and notorious school. He finds that the students belong to a
background that is not suitable for learning and their overall development and
progress. He notices that the students are in no mood to change their attitude
and behaviour. Braithwaite with his novel and creative ideas, innovative
techniques and understanding the students’ psychology, ultimately wins their
hearts in no time. Though he was bullied, harassed, mentally and physically
tortured many times, he didn’t lose his patience and continued implementing his
novel ideas and techniques that helped him to bring a significant change in his
students’ lives.
(v) Describe the atmosphere of the school described in the extract.
Ans:- In this extract, Braithwaite recounts the
half-yearly report of the Students' Council, in which the students of the
school report to the faculty and other students on what they have been studying
so far. Braithwaite's class representatives speak knowledgeably about their
coursework and place a considerable amount of emphasis on how much they have
learnt about different people, cultures, customs, and the importance of
international and interracial cooperation.
LANGUAGE
(A4) (i) Explain the
following statements that enrich the language and create a powerful impact.
(a) Miss Phillips is
transformed into a very convincing personality.
Ans:-The
frilly, seemingly brainless Miss Euphemia Phillips proved to be the coolest and
best informed of the three. She dealt with questions put to her with candour
and authority, and would often intervene skillfully to assist one of the others
without causing embarrassment. Weston cut a very ridiculous figure. In the face
of Denham's blunt criticisms and Fernman’s adroit questioning, he found himself
completely nonplussed and tried to bluster his way out with a show of offended
dignity. He could not effectively support the P.T. exercises, for which he was
partly responsible, as having any definite physical advantage. Denham was a
trained boxer, and insisted that such exercises were only advantageous if
practised daily and for more sustained periods; P.T. twice a week for twenty
minutes was a waste of time, he asserted. Once again Miss Phillips took the
reins and her stock promptly shot up a hundredfold. She reminded the school
that every subject, including P.T. and games, had been carefully considered and
fitted into the teaching timetable, so that each student received maximum
benefit from it. The school with its limited facilities must be considered in
terms of the greatest good for the greatest number, and it would be beyond
anyone’s powers to please everybody. ‘Some of you’, she concluded, fixing
Denham with innocent eyes,’ are fortunate in your own fine physical development
and do not really need the few meager helpings of P.T. and games which this
school can offer, try to remember that there are others for whom our programme
is ideally suited. It may be that some of you older boys might even be able to
help in that respect.
(b) There are many
features of language that contribute the smooth sailing of the plot.
Ans:- With reference to the extract, the words used by the
narrator contribute to the smooth sailing of the plot. Expressions and
sentences like 'the school showed its approval by laughing uproariously',
‘Fernman was wonderful; he had them eating out of his hand', ‘frilly and
seemingly brainless', Miss Phillips took the reins and her stock promptly shot
up a hundredfold', 'sugary remarks', 'her baby-blue eyes twinkling in her
delight at this crossing of staves', 'this frilly, innocent-looking puss had
gobbled her canary without leaving the tiniest feather' lend beauty and
interest to the writing. Apt words and expressions have been used to give the
reader a complete idea of the situation. The programme has also been described
clearly.
(ii) Following are some
dialogues of the major characters in the extract. Find out who the speaker is,
his/her tone, the style, significance etc. of the dialogues.
[1]
Ans:- The speaker is Denham. His tone is initially blunt,
critical and argumentative. He is a trained boxer and does not want to do P.T
exercises which he feels are unnecessary for him. However, when Miss Phillips
gently replies to his arguments and outwits him, he has the grace to accept his
defeat. The blunt and critical Denham turns into a gracious loser.
[2]
Ans:- The
speaker is Miss Phillips. She answers Denham's questions coolly, honestly and
with authority. She tells him that the whole timetable in the school was meant
to help the students in the world after they left school, and doing what one was
told in spite of not liking it, is part of the training. She confidently
asserted that she was sure that Denham saw the importance of what she had said,
and why he had to do P.T. This piece of advice was not meant only for Denham
but for the whole school and the reader as well.
