Boy, Roald Dahl - 'Captain Hardcastle'
Captain Hardcastle
Items in this lesson
Captain Hardcastle
What do you already know about strict teachers in literature?
Learning Objective
At the end of this lesson you will be able to describe Captain Hardcastle’s character and explain his impact on Dahl’s experience at school.
Introducing Captain Hardcastle
Captain Hardcastle is a World War I veteran teacher at Dahl’s school. He is known for being harsh, unforgiving, and particularly dislikes Dahl.
Key Vocabulary
Words to watch for:
mutton (sheep
brilliantine (hair oil)
corrugated (ridged)
exalted (respected)
dais (platform)
leeway (freedom)
counterfoil (receipt stub
baize (green fabric)
lacerated (cut).
Explicit Vocabulary Practice
Practice using 'flourish' and 'gallant' in sentences. Examples: The Captain’s moustache was his pride and flourish. His actions were anything but gallant, despite his military past.
Analysing Captain Hardcastle
What words/phrases about Captain Hardcastle that stand out to you.
'harsh', 'ridiculous moustache', 'disliked children'.
What detail makes him seem a caricature?
His exaggerated moustache makes him seem less real and more like a comic villain.
Discussion and Deeper Understanding
Why is it ironic these adults dislike children?
They work in schools but show little care, which is the opposite of what we expect from educators.
Which phrase is sarcastic?
'Gallant Captain' is used sarcastically because Hardcastle is harsh, not heroic.
Irony and Sarcasm
Power and Authority
Impact on Dahl and the Boys
Why did Dahl feel 'sympathy' from all the boys?
Because he was about to be unfairly punished, and all the boys knew this could happen to any of them.
Different Perspectives on Childhood
Line 1
It is worth reminding the reader once again of my age. I was not a self-possessed lad of fourteen. Nor was I twelve or even ten years old. I was nine and a half, and at that age one is ill equipped to tackle a grown-up man with flaming orange hair and a violent temper. One can do little else but stutter.
Line 2
“Captain Hardcastle is an officer and a gentleman,” the Headmaster said. “He has told me what happened. I hardly think I want to go round asking some silly little boy if Captain Hardcastle is speaking the truth.”
Dahl reminds us of his age to show his helplessness. The Headmaster dismisses boys as untrustworthy. Dahl and the Headmaster both agree adults don't believe children, but Dahl sees children as victims, while the Headmaster sees them as troublemakers.
Why do you think Dahl reminds us of his age in Line 1? Why do you think the Headmaster mentions that Dobson is a “little boy” in Line 2? What differences do you notice between Dahl and the Headmaster’s ideas about what it means to be young? Are there any similarities?
Reflection: Understanding Hardcastle
Does knowing about Hardcastle’s shell shock change your feelings about him?Consider whether you think his past explains or excuses his actions.
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
