The History Boys is a play written by Alan Bennett. It was first performed in 2004, at the National Theatre in London. It was also made into a successful film.
Hector and the boys are having a lesson entirely in French. It is decided to set the scene in a brothel. The Headmaster and Irwin interrupt and the class conspire to tell them they are acting out a scene involving a wounded soldier, which is why Dakin has no trousers on. Although Irwin speaks in excellent French, the Head talks in English. Hector refuses to give up one of his lessons, so Irwin can prepare the boys for the exams. Inappropriately, Hector offers a lift on his motorcycle to the boys. Posner is refused, but Scripps goes. It is clear there is something odd about riding pillionBeing the second rider on a motorbike (or horse), behind the main rider. with Hector.
Irwin and the boys are in class. Irwin returns a pile of essays which he dismisses as competent, but dull. The boys, led by Timms the joker and Dakin, their leader, try to wind him up.
At the end of the boys鈥 conversation, it is revealed:
Posner is in love with Dakin
Rudge is having sex
Dakin is seeing the Headmaster鈥檚 secretary, Fiona
there is a further reference to what happens on the back of Hector鈥檚 bike which is not explicitly explained