Relationship Bewteen Irwin and Posner

English Homework - Gabriella Parker

Discuss how Irwin and Posner’s relationship is presented in this exchange.

Discuss how Irwin and Posner’s relationship is presented in this exchange

It is clear from Irwin and Posner’s colloquy in the beginning of Act Two that the underlying tension caused by their shared interest in Dakin still plays a major role in their relationship and how they interact with each other.The ellipsis used in Posner’s question “He liked you…didn’t he?” creates a feeling of anticipation, whilst the following tag question adds an insistent nudge of doubt which has the overall effect of Posner gently drawing a response out of Irwin. In retrospect of Posner’s motivation of getting information out of Irwin for a potential article, the audience/reader begins to understand that Posner has become more astute in his ability to manipulate people for his own gain. It becomes clear that Posner would like the answer to the question for more than his article, however, with his insistent drive to gain a response and his use of the word “need” when referring to why he wants the information. The word gives connotations of a more desperate desire to have his questions answered. Their rivalry over Dakin’s affection is a heavy underlying subtext that runs throughout their conversation. In this way it is possible to infer that Posner has learned from Irwin’s examples, taken on his ideologies and is now using it against him.

Impactful linguistic techniques are used often in their exchange to accentuate the barely constrained resentment that is apparent between the two. An example of this is the forceful interrogative “You’re miked, aren’t you?” which borders on being declarative in the context as it is a rephrasing of a previous question, which shows Irwin’s shocked anger at Posner’s attempt to exploit him, by repetitive inquiry, almost like an interrogation. Posner responds in kind to Irwin’s curt dialogue, using simple sentences such as “It didn't work out.” when asked sensitive questions, which portrays Posner as being to-the-point and nonchalant, much like Irwin’s detached approach to anything emotional. The most prominent example of impact is when Irwin uses the taboo language; “Now fuck off.”, which almost comes as a climatic point to their contention, as the language is as shocking as it is contemptuous. This slip of professionalism and aggression shows the audience/reader that Irwin feels threatened and is lashing out in contrast to Posner’s carefree attitude.

The use of elevated lexis plays with Irwin’s tendencies as a teacher, as Posner needs to ask the definition of “meretricious”. Irwin's response of “eye-catching, showy, false”, an asyndetic listing of synonyms which is often associated with teachers explanations, is very reflective of Irwin’s own personality. The overall effect of this exchange shows the power imbalance between the two, with Irwin seemingly more superior in intelligence. This misleads the audience into resuming their usual impression of Posner, an unassuming person with very little manipulative intent. In effect, the revelation that Posner is in fact trying to trick Irwin becomes even more of a shock, and draws attention to the change in their relationship.

Vocatives are also very powerful in expressing the relationship between the two. Whilst in the previous section of the book, Posner seldom took part in taunting Irwin with the title “sir”, as the other boys did, in this exchange Posner uses the vocative to sound ‘appealing’ and to remind Irwin of their previous relationship as teacher and student - almost mocking, now that it is clear that Irwin is no longer a teacher. In response, Irwin refuses to sign Posner’s book with his first name David, and instead with his last; a very impersonal gesture, which he acknowledges pointedly as “unfriendly”.

In conclusion, it is both ironic and slightly upsetting for an audience member/reader to find that Posner has become most effected by Irwin’s teachings, and has turned into a manipulative person who tricks people for his own gain. This mirroring of Irwin’s personality, and the fact that Posner uses Irwin’s own tricks against him, shows that Posner has adopted the traits of a person he dislikes in order to get what he wants. It might even be possible that Posner became like Irwin because Dakin was interested in him. It is obvious Posner loathes Irwin’s teaching style by his comment on Cambridge; “I thought I’d got somewhere, then found I had to go on.” which reflects Hectors sentiments about examinations and education, and how it would be more helpful to prepare them for life rather than an exam. Despite his distaste for the man and his methods, Posner has become exactly like Irwin in order to survive the harsh realities of the world. This might be a reflection of Irwin’s own development of personality, and in this way their relationship is an interesting yet bitter portrayal of two men who never got what they wanted even though they fought for it, so instead turn to manipulation.