When E. R. Braithwaite assumes a teaching position at a high school in London's East End, he experiences a culture shock.
Here are some anecdotes from the autobiographical work:
After being appalled at what poor reading skills the students have, followed by a disruption by a boy with a naked female doll that when squeezed inflates as though she is pregnant, Braithwaite tries to regain his composure and settle the class by moving to a lesson in mathematics after the mid-morning break. "Our arithmetic lesson will be on weights and measures," he announces. "Does anyone know the table of weights, avoir-dupois?" A heavyset boy responds, "Yeah, I know."
The young man named Denham, who likes to box, is familiar with this system. Another boy named Tich Jackson also contributes. But, when he adds that troy weight is used by jewelers weighing "precious metals like gold, silver or platinum," a girl then quips sarcastically, "Diamonds are a girl's best friend," causing raucous laughter.
Braithwaite tells the class that he finds it "encouraging that [they] have a sense of humor." Nevertheless, he has made some breakthrough with the participation of Denham and Jackson.
- Chapter 11
On a Thursday morning, Braithwaite lines the boys up for P.E. and they ask if they can have boxing first. Braithwaite agrees; however, Denham steps up, saying that his partner is crippled and asking if Braithwaite will box with him in the other's place. Braithwaite sees that the boys think he is afraid, so he agrees. Unfortunately, Braithwaite realizes too late that he has been tricked into this boxing match and Denham scores several punches against him. Suddenly Denham puts his weight into a punch and hurts Braithwaite; however, he becomes so angry that he retaliates by punching Denham in the solar plexis, knocking the wind out of him. However, the boys are impressed with Braithwaite's courage and perceive him differently after this incident.
The incident marked a turning point in my relationship with the class. Gradually Denham's attitude changed, and like it that of his cronies.
Afterwards, Braithwaite realizes that the respect now shown to him brings about genuine feelings for his students. He learns more about them every day, and at recess some of them stay in the classroom to talk with him.
- Chapter 19
A boy named Richard Buckley, who is clearly not athletic, is humiliated and even hurt when his physical education teacher makes him his "whipping boy." Buckley is forced to perform the "astride vault," which is a rather difficult jump.
...Buckley launched himself at the buck in furious assault, and in spite of Bell's restraining arms, boy and buck crashed on the floor with a sickening sound as one leg of the buck snapped off.
A normally good-natured boy named Potter grabs this broken leg and attacks Mr. Buckley. Fortunately, Tich Jackson runs for Mr. Braithwaite, who intervenes. Braithwaite scolds Potter and tells him Mr. Bell deserves an apology, but several boys explode with the unfairness of such an act. Hearing this, Mr. Braithwaite tells him that he, too, has endured injustice and relates some incidents. Potter seems to become more reasonable and the other boys gain a new feeling for Braithwaite. Soon, Potter is convinced that he should apologize. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Bell comes to Braithwaite's classroom and tells the boys he is sorry about what happened.
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