CHARACTER

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Characterization
1. Howard Kirk is a charismatic and intellectually formidable sociology lecturer who is deeply
committed to Marxist beliefs and revolutionary ideals. However, beneath his charming exterior
lies a manipulative and self-serving nature, leading to moral contradictions and personal
hypocrisy. His indulgence in extramarital affairs and casual sexual encounters reflects his
disregard for traditional moral values.
• Barbara Kirk describes him like this: "Howard is brilliant, but sometimes his passion blinds him
to the consequences of his actions."
• Flora Beniform descibes him like this: "Howard is like a revolutionary hero, fighting against
injustice and inspiring us to change the world."
• Henry Beamish describes him as follows "Howard's theories are interesting, but he lacks the
discipline and rigor of true scholarship."
• Felicity Phee describes our main character as: "Howard represents everything wrong with the
patriarchal system. He manipulates and exploits others to maintain his power."
• 2. Barbara Kirk is portrayed as an intelligent and conflicted wife to Howard Kirk. Despite her
initial loyalty to Howard, Barbara becomes disillusioned with his hypocrisy and infidelities,
leading her to engage in her own extramarital affair. Her actions reflect her struggle to reconcile
her personal desires with her loyalty to Howard, highlighting the moral ambiguity and
complexities of human relationships. Throughout the novel, Barbara's character undergoes a
process of introspection and growth as she confronts the contradictions in her marriage and
seeks to assert her independence.
• Howard Kirk: "Barbara is my anchor, always there to support me no matter what."
• Flora Beniform: "Barbara seems so wise and understanding. I wish I could confide in her about
my feelings for Howard."
• Henry Beamish: "Barbara is a strong woman, but I worry that she's sacrificing too much for
Howard's sake."
• Charles Boon: "Barbara is a lovely woman, but she deserves better than Howard's constant
infidelities."
• Felicity Phee: "Barbara is a role model for women like me. She's independent and doesn't let
Howard dictate her life."
• Henry Beamish is Howard´s best friend even if Howard slept with his wife, but Henry might
be described as skeptical, traditional, and principled. He could be seen as a voice of reason
amidst the chaos of Howard's radicalism, someone who values academic integrity and
opposes Howard's manipulation.
• Charles Maddox is a colleague and friend of Howard Kirk. He shares Howard's hedonistic
lifestyle and womanizing tendencies. Charles is portrayed as a cynical and opportunistic
character who uses his charm and wit to navigate the complexities of university politics. He
serves as a contrast to Howard's idealism, embodying the amorality and self-interest prevalent
in academia.
• Flora Beniform is a young, idealistic student who is drawn to Howard Kirk's charismatic
persona and radical ideas. She is naive, vulnerable, and seeks validation, often overlooking
Howard's flaws in her pursuit of acceptance. Throughout the novel, Flora undergoes a process
of growth and transformation as she begins to question her beliefs and assert her own agency,
ultimately breaking free from Howard's influence.
• Felicity Phee is Howard´s mistress and student in the same time. Felicity might be described
as passionate, determined, and outspoken. Others might view her as a fearless activist who
challenges Howard's authority and fights for social justice.
Major Themes

• "The History Man" by Malcolm Bradbury explores several major themes, reflecting the social and
cultural landscape of the 1970s:
• Academic Hypocrisy and Radicalism: The novel satirizes the hypocrisy and self-righteousness of
radical academics like Howard Kirk, who espouse revolutionary ideologies but engage in
manipulative and self-serving behavior.
• Sexual Liberation and Morality: The characters grapple with issues of sexual liberation and
morality, as Howard and others engage in extramarital affairs and unconventional relationships,
challenging traditional notions of fidelity and monogamy.
• Intellectualism and Ideology: The clash of ideologies within the academic setting highlights the
tension between intellectualism and practicality, as characters debate Marxist theories, feminist
principles, and conservative values.
• Gender and Power Dynamics: The novel explores gender dynamics and power struggles
within relationships, academia, and society at large, particularly through the lens of Howard's
patriarchal attitudes and the feminist resistance led by characters like Felicity Phee.
• Social Change and Unrest: Set against the backdrop of the 1970s, the novel reflects the
social change and unrest of the era, with characters grappling with issues such as class
struggle, political activism, and the legacy of the 1960s counterculture.
• Identity and Authenticity: Characters struggle to define their identities and reconcile their
personal desires with societal expectations, grappling with questions of authenticity, self-
expression, and the pursuit of happiness in a rapidly changing world.