Question

Comment on the attitude shown by Taplow towards Crocker-Harris.

Answer 1

Hint: The context of the above question is given in the chapter “The Browning Version” written by Terrence Rattigan. The chapter is an excerpt from the play “The Browning Version”.

Complete answer:
Crocker-Harris is a middle-aged man. He was Taplow’s teacher for the English language.
Taplow is a young boy of 16 who has come to help Crocker-Harris with his extra work. Taplow’s attitude towards Crocker-Harris is evident from his conversation with Mr Frank(another master).

Taplow finds Crocker-Harris weird for the following reasons-
i) Crocker-Harris is not lenient like other teachers.
ii) Crocker-Harris is strict regarding the rules set by the administration. It is evident when Taplow says that he does not show the result before the result date like other teachers.
iii) Crocker-Harris is not lenient in his marking. This is evident from the incident when Taplow asked Crocker if he had passed his class and Harris Crocker replied ‘ I have given you exactly what you deserve. iv) No less, and certainly no more.’
v) He doesn't like the people who like him.
vi) He portrays himself as emotionless and closed.
vii) Taplow feels that Crocker-Harris doesn’t take no for an answer. It is evident when he says ‘Oh, no, I couldn’t cut. Cut the Crock — Mr Crocker-Harris? I shouldn’t think it’s ever been done in the whole time he’s been here. God knows what would happen if I did. He’d probably follow me home, or something…’

Despite the fact that Taplow doesn’t like Crocker-Harris much, he doesn’t hate him either. Taplow maintains his common politeness towards him. Sometimes Taplow feels sorry for him.

Note: Crocker Harris' behaviour must have been governed by some experiences of his own life which must have made him closed off. This is exactly the theme of the play ‘The Browning version’ about how personal successes and failures shape up the life of a person.