The History Boys: Attitudes Towards Women

Essay topic: The History Boys: Attitudes Towards Women

Answer:

In "The History Boys," Alan Bennett explores attitudes towards women through the scarcity of female characters, showcasing a prevailing silence on women's voices during the depicted time. With only two women in the play, Mrs. Lintott stands out as a significant character, challenging traditional gender roles. Despite her instrumental role in the students' success, she faces the societal bias that dismisses her as inadequate for guiding the boys to Oxbridge.

Mrs. Lintott becomes a voice of dissent, criticizing the exclusion of women in significant discussions. Her role as a maternal figure for the boys contrasts sharply with how other male characters objectify women. Fiona, the Headmaster's secretary, is sexualized and objectified, revealing prevalent disrespectful attitudes. Bennett uses Mrs. Lintott's character to mock the sexual obsessions of the men, demonstrating her wit and sarcasm.

Moreover, Bennett incorporates references to the 1980s feminist movement, emphasizing the historical context. In a male-dominated school, Mrs. Lintott's presence becomes more impactful, challenging societal norms. Her description of the feminine approach as "rueful, accepting" reflects the struggles women faced in accepting societal constraints. The boys' perception of Mrs. Lintott as a maternal figure reflects her subtle power, mirroring the rise of powerful women in the 1980s, like Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Margaret Thatcher.

In summary, Bennett's portrayal of women in "The History Boys" underscores the marginalization of their voices in the depicted era. Mrs. Lintott emerges as a powerful character breaking stereotypes, while the male characters' disrespectful treatment of women reflects prevalent attitudes of the time. The play offers insight into the treatment of women in a male centric environment during the 1980s.