Goodbye Mr. Chips by James Hilton Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Goodbye Mr. Chips by James Hilton - Essay ExampleA true educator will not say I teach English, Math, German etc. but rather, I teach children/pupils/students... As Kathie Chipping puts it so well, schoolmastering is so important, dont you think To be influencing those who are going to surface up and matter to the world... (Hilton, 35).On the surface, the style and methods of the old teacher appear conservative and conventional, like all good educators, he is open to change, when it is for the good, and not that for its own sake. By incorporating new ideas, use humor, gentleness and wisdom, better results are achieved. By earning respect and love, such a teacher then becomes an inspiration and at long last finds contentment and self-worth in knowing they have done a good job. Evidence of this is shown in the achievements of his pupils, his boysConflict The outward manifestation of the principal conflict is the fervent argument between Chips and Ralston, the young headmaster. The underlying differences are those of values and motivation. On one side, there is Ralston, efficient, ruthless, ambitious, modern and materialistic. On the other, is Chips, representing years of tradition, old fashioned teaching methods, using a gentlemanly, timeless approach to what pupils should be produceing, and with a genuine dedication to their personal development. Ralstons stance can be illustrated thus, when trying to get rid of ChipsYour boys dont learn even what theyre supposed to learn. None of them last year got through the Lower certificate. (Hilton, 75).In seeking to make money, and a reputation for himself, Chips perceived him to be streamlet Brookfield like a factory, a factory for turning out a snob-culture based on money and machines. (Hilton, 76). He detested the results of such activity, as Vulgar..ostentatious...all the feverous rotten-ripeness of the age...no sense of proportion. (Hilton, 77). Their personalities and views on educational methods reflect oppo sing values. Ralston demands modernity, and changes which seek to show his perceived talents in a favorable light, not because it is better. Chips subscribes to the view that if it aint broke, dont fix it, why make change for its own sake, certificates do not make better human beings.In the historical context, the conflict occurs in a period of amicable change. Victorian morality had given way to a frenetic, well-heeled, Edwardian decadence. But a huge gap still existed between the rich and the poor. While Ralston courted the rich for their money and power, Chips, influenced by the socialist, idealist and democratic beliefs he had absorbed from Kathie, hoped for change which3.would encompass education for all, a