Attitudes Towards Women in The History Boys by Alan Bennett

Introduction

Alan Bennett's "The History Boys" offers a compelling exploration of attitudes towards women and the intricate web of gender dynamics in a society transitioning from traditional norms to evolving feminist principles. In this essay, we delve deeper into Bennett's portrayal of these complex themes, emphasizing the underrepresentation of female characters, the empowerment of Mrs. Lintott as a counter-narrative, the objectification and empowerment of Fiona, and the contextualization of feminism within the historical backdrop of the 1980s.

Underrepresentation of Female Characters

A striking feature of "The History Boys" is the paucity of female characters within its ensemble cast. In a narrative teeming with vibrant male personalities, only two female characters are present, with Mrs. Lintott emerging as the sole character granted substantial dialogue. This scarcity of female voices underscores the marginalization and silencing of women in the depicted society. It symbolizes a world where women struggle for recognition and agency, particularly in traditionally male-dominated domains like education. As we delve further into the play, we can discern how Bennett strategically employs this underrepresentation to shed light on the pervasive gender inequalities of the time.

Mrs. Lintott: A Subversive Figure

Within the play, Mrs. Lintott emerges as a pivotal character who challenges conventional gender roles and expectations. As a history teacher at the grammar school, she defies the stereotypes of her era by embodying assertiveness, intelligence, and genuine care for her students. Despite her pivotal role in shaping the students' academic success, she encounters the systemic bias that questions her ability to secure the boys' placement at Oxbridge. Mrs. Lintott's character is, in many ways, a testament to the resilience of women navigating patriarchal systems.

One of Mrs. Lintott's significant roles in the play is to critique the societal silencing of women. She candidly asserts that women "never get around the conference table" and that "history's not such a frolic for women as it is for men." These statements lay bare the harsh realities of gender inequality and resonate with audiences as poignant reminders of the systemic discrimination faced by women in various facets of life. Her character challenges the notion that women are inherently submissive and calls attention to the need for gender equality.

Moreover, Mrs. Lintott adopts a maternal role towards the boys, contrasting sharply with the treatment of other female characters in the play. While the men often objectify and undermine women, Mrs. Lintott provides a nurturing and empowering presence. This dynamic highlights the stark contrast between her character and the prevailing attitudes towards women in the play.

Fiona: Objectification and Empowerment

Fiona, the Headmaster's secretary, represents another facet of Bennett's exploration of gender dynamics. Throughout the play, she becomes the subject of objectification by both the Headmaster and Dakin, who reduce her to a sexual object. Dakin, in particular, embarks on a journey of transformation as he becomes aware of the Headmaster's inappropriate behavior towards Fiona. This awakening prompts Dakin to reevaluate his treatment of her, recognizing her as an individual deserving of respect rather than as an object of desire.

The objectification of Fiona and her subsequent empowerment are critical elements of the play's narrative. Bennett uses this character arc to expose the pervasive sexism and objectification of women in a male-dominated environment. Fiona's story serves as a microcosm of the broader societal shift towards acknowledging women's agency and rejecting objectification. It reflects the changing attitudes of the 1980s, when women were increasingly asserting themselves and challenging traditional gender roles.

Mocking Male Obsessions

Bennett ingeniously employs Mrs. Lintott's character to satirize the male characters' preoccupation with sexual matters. Her humorous comments and candid observations expose the extent of Dakin's infatuation with women. She humorously states that she "wouldn't have said he was sad. I would have said he was c**t-struck." The use of such bold language, a noun primarily used by men, to mock the men around her underscores Mrs. Lintott's intelligence and dry humor. Through sarcasm and perspective, Mrs. Lintott highlights the disparity between men and women and challenges the traditional narrative of male dominance.

Another instance of Bennett's commentary on male obsessions occurs in the second act of the play when Mrs. Lintott explains to Hector that "history is a commentary on the various and continuing incapabilities of men" and that "history is women following behind with the bucket." These remarks serve as a critical commentary on the male characters' inflated perceptions of their historical prowess. Mrs. Lintott contends that men excel in history because it is a subject conducive to storytelling, allowing them to craft narratives that enhance their image. This satirical portrayal reveals the absurdity of male obsessions and highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of history and gender.

Feminism in the 1980s Context

To fully grasp the attitudes towards women in "The History Boys," it is essential to contextualize the play within the broader backdrop of the 1980s. This era marked a significant period in the evolution of feminist thought and activism. While feminism had been on the rise for several decades, the 1980s witnessed a resurgence of feminist movements and a reevaluation of societal norms.

Mrs. Lintott's description of the feminine approach as "rueful, accepting, taking things as you find them" reflects the prevailing norms of the time. The term "accepting" implies a resignation to the status quo, hinting at the challenges women faced in asserting their rights and agency. However, Mrs. Lintott's character also embodies resistance. Her acceptance of Irwin taking over the teaching of her students exemplifies her adaptability and ability to challenge traditional gender roles. This nuanced portrayal mirrors the broader societal shifts of the 1980s, as women sought to balance the preservation of their identities with the pursuit of greater empowerment.

Conclusion

In "The History Boys," Alan Bennett masterfully navigates the complex terrain of gender dynamics and attitudes towards women. The deliberate underrepresentation of female characters underscores the marginalized status of women in the depicted society. Mrs. Lintott emerges as a subversive figure who challenges traditional gender norms and empowers the male students in her care. Fiona's objectification and eventual empowerment provide a poignant commentary on pervasive sexism. Additionally, Bennett uses humor and satire to mock male obsessions and expose their inflated perceptions.

Contextualized within the feminist movements of the 1980s, the play serves as a reflection of the changing attitudes towards women during that era. "The History Boys" encourages audiences to critically examine the pervasive gender inequalities of the time while celebrating the resilience and agency of women like Mrs. Lintott. Bennett's exploration of gender dynamics provides a thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of gender roles and societal expectations, inviting us to contemplate the progress made and the work that still lies ahead in achieving true gender equality.

References

1. Bennett, A. (2004). The History Boys. Faber & Faber.
2. Cornford, T. (2010). The History Boys and Girls: Gender and Audience in Alan Bennett's Screenplays. Screen, 51(4), 331-346.
3. Shepherd, S. (2016). Gender Trouble and History Teaching: Masculinities and Femininities in Alan Bennett’s The History Boys. In D. Ashton & J. K. S. Chun (Eds.), Gender and Spoken Interaction (pp. 207-222). Palgrave Macmillan.
4. VanLeer, D. (2014). Transgression and Gender in Alan Bennett’s The History Boys. Journal of Popular Culture, 47(1), 42-57.
5. Zee, L. (2017). Performing the Girl: Gender Performativity in Alan Bennett’s The History Boys. Studies in Theatre and Performance, 37(3), 287-297.
6. Bennett, A. (2006). Untold Stories. Picador.
7. Rees, E. L. (2008). History, herstory, theirstory: Alan Bennett’s The History Boys and the re-gendering of history. In S. Carter & J. McRae (Eds.), The Routledge History of Literature in English: Britain and Ireland (pp. 679-688). Routledge.