Comment on the attitude shown by Taplow towards Crocker-Harris in the play, ‘The
Browning Version’.
Answers
Answer:
Taplow has a strange attitude towards Crocker Harris. Although he does not appreciate the teacher much, he tells Frank, “The funny thing is that in spite of everything, I do rather like him. I can't help it.” On one hand, Taplow feels that Crocker is a master who cannot appreciate the extra work done by the students.
Answer:
Taplow is respectful towards Mr. Crocker-Harris and likes him for his principles. He criticises him for being a feeling less person yet regards him an extraordinary master. He is mortally afraid of him and dare not cut the extra work even on the last day of the term.
Mr Crocker-Harris is a middle-aged schoolmaster. He is a teacher in the traditional mould. He is a strict man who is more feared than respected. He follows rules and regulations with all sincerity.
Taplow is in the lower fifth standard. His attitude towards Mr Crocker-Harris is mixed. He recognises his sense of discipline, sense of devotion and stoic nature. But he has a personal feeling of ill-will against Mr Crocker-Harris. He is given extra work on the last day of the term as punishment because he missed a day the previous week when he was ill. Mr Crocker-Harris is a hard taskmaster. That’s why he gave extra work to Taplow. He doesn’t bother that it is the last day of the term.
Taplow feels that Mr Crocker-Harris is devoid of feelings, is strict and can never be flattered. In spite of everything, Taplow rather likes him. Mr Crocker-Harris doesn’t tell the results like the other masters before they are formally announced. Hence, Mr Crocker-Harris is different from other teachers. Taplow doesn’t consider Mr Crocker-Harris a sadist. He doesn’t get pleasure out of giving pain to others. In his view, a sadist shows some feelings but Mr Crocker-Harris has none.