Asquith’s Browning Version, 1951

notes by RTM

Announcements include information 1) about Fletcher’s role on the National cricket team and 2) Crocker-Harris’ ill health which will necessitate his retirement.

We get to see Millie Crocker-Harris’s eyes for Frank Hunter. The headmaster is a dope regarding her. He’s also a dope with the boys.

The new master comes punctually to the classroom.

Dialogue between Taplow and other classmates allows us to see the drabness of his personality. The discussion is is about how

Taplow laughs at the joke. So, Crocker-Harris dresses him down. There is nothing here but embarassment. “If you really wish to show me politeness, Taplow, then you will show me by composing verses that are less abominable than those you composed for this assignment. “

When we first receive information about Aeschylus’ Agamemnon, it’s from Taplow himself.

“The Agamemnon, line 1372: begin.”.

Andrew was good looking. Planned to become headmaster of Eton, with a knighthood.

When they kiss in the garden, we see through collocation Crock and Taplow reading about Clytemnestra per se.

“I had tried to communicate some of that excitement and emotion to others.” Crock’s translation in rhyming couplets is now lost.

Millie shows herself to be wickedly manipulative with Frank. They “couldn’t afford” more expensive seats at the concert, but had invited Frank to sit with them in the circle.

During the awkward lunch, Crock adjusts the clock.

There is a decision not to award him a pension. Buller’s precedent allowed the school to provide him a pension; but not Crocker Harris. The next favor will be to allow him to yield the pride of place to Fletcher.

Himmler of the Lower Fifth … Oh yes, the Gestapo Chief.

The Headmaster told the new guy this.

It didn’t take much discernment to realize that I was an utter failure.

He did his Agamemnon before their marriage.

As Taplow comes to visit, he throws his own work in the bin. Taplow later finds it discarded.

“She’s out to kill you.”

“Powdered glass, you mean?”

“I don’t think that either of us has the right to expect anything from the other.”

sympathy, encouragement, and humanity

degraded the noblest calling that a man can follow, the care and moulding of the young

“It’s a jolly sight better than old Browning’s. … It’s a pity you haven’t finished it.”