summary of albert einstein at school
Answers
‘Albert Einstein at School’ is an extract from The Young Einstein, written by Patrick Pringle. In this extract he describes the circumstances which led to Albert’s expulsion from a German school. Albert did not like the school since he had been admitted to it. He didn’t like the orthodox and traditional teaching methodology at the school. He had adjustment problems, especially with the History teacher, Mr. Braun. One day he had an argument with him concerning the Franco-Prussian war. The teacher complained to the headmaster that Albert did not let him teach in the class. On the contrary, Mr. Koch, Albert’s math teacher considered him a genius.
Albert was equally disappointed and unhappy with his temporary lodging. His landlady was noisy and quarrelsome. Albert wanted to go back to Milan, in Italy. He discussed his problem with Yuri, his friend and asked him if he knew a doctor who could give him medical certificate for nervous breakdown. He wanted to use the certificate to get a long leave from the school. Yuri found him a doctor, Ernest Weil who easily issued him the certificate. Before going to the Headmaster’s office, Albert got a commendation letter from Mr. Koch.
However, Albert could not use his medical certificate. As soon as he reached the school, he was called to the headmaster’s office where he was asked to leave the school on his own accord otherwise he would be expelled. When Albert asked his fault, he was charged of disturbing Mr. Braun. Without much argument, Albert willingly left the school, as this is what he wanted.In school, albert’s demeanor was very straight forward. So, there were lots of students who thought he was stubborn. Young Albert also hated the education system. Albert Einstein favourite subjects were always neglected and he used to feel frustrated on account of that. He was more interested in reasoning. He liked to know the why and not the how and the when. His mathematics teacher was the only one who recognized the genius. Albert was a resident of the poorest section of Munich. Though poor, he loved to play the violin.