Question

Comment on the attitude shown by Taplow towards Crocker-Harris.

Answer 1

Taplow has a strange attitude towards Crocker Harris. Although he does not appreciate the teacher much, he tells Frank, “The funny thing is that in spite of everything, I do rather like him. I can’t help it.”

On one hand, Taplow feels that Crocker is a master who cannot appreciate the extra work done by the students. Taplow says that Crocker is “hardly human”. He asserts that Crocker is no “sadist” as he has no feelings at all. He is “like a nut”. Taplow believes that Crocker seems to hate people who like him. He is a teacher who a student can never disobey. And therefore, Taplow feels scared to escape meeting him and waits for him even when Crocker is late.

However, Taplow still likes Crocker. He laughs at his poor jokes to make a common gesture of politeness. He is respectful towards Crocker and dares not cut the extra work even after Millie Crocker-Harris suggests him to do that. He only moves out when she hands him a task related to Crocker himself.