As Wesley Morris said ‘The History boys is a bittersweet comedy,’ and that is extremely precise. Comedy iss generally intended to be humorous or to amuse by activating laughter. The History Boys is noted as a comedy-drama but overall has a deeper intention. Ironically, the gravitational topics discussed are opposite to the comedy; just like Hector and Irwin as these characters function in the play is to exemplify the comedy and gravity. But, why did Bennett incorporate these characters in? Bennett cleverly distinguished between the opposite values of a teacher and created two opposite characters to enhance the comedy and gravity of them. But, why is Bennett’s play labeled as a comedy? Comedy is used throughout the History Boys by Bennett through selected techniques such as parody, contrasting characters and their clever juxtapositions within the plot. But, the elements of a more somber tone flourish throughout the play. Comedy is clearly a main influence of Bennett’s when writing The History Boys as there are several humorous scenes in it. The mock interview disagrees with the critics view.
‘How do I define history? It’s just one fucking thing after another.’
This is an example of one of the entertaining moments of the History Boys as he wouldn’t say that in an interview. Bennett proves to the audience that Rudge adds to the comedy. The French scene shows the Head teacher contrast with the student intelligence. The persuasion of the Headmaster into speaking French and the willingness of the boys to encourage this shows the connection of the boys and Hector and how they mock people with essentially, more authority but the boys are at the advantage with their intelligence, which enhances the comedic effect of the headmaster failing to express his French correctly. The Boys themselves are the core of the play; and their sexuality. Dakin generates an extended