Jim the Narrator: That was the last time I’d seen him until today. The last years at school were better after he’d gone.
As I stared at Houseman in the bus queue he turned and looked at me. I tensed, wondering if he’d do anything, but he didn’t seem to recognise me. His eyes were glazed over and he looked rather depressed and lifeless. Perhaps he was on drugs or something. He looked scruffy, a bit like a down-and-out.
He’d forgotten me, but I would never forget him. Never.
Understand 1. Where does the action take place in the first scene?
2. Houseman says ‘You grassed on me’ and ‘got me chucked out’. Explain the terms ‘grassed on’ and ‘chucked out’.
3. How does Jim try to defend himself? 4. What happens when Mr Tomkins arrives?
Explore 3
1. Jim sees Houseman years later. What is your view of Houseman, based on Jim’s description?
2. Jim says that he ‘would never forget’ Houseman. Why do you think Jim feels this way?
3. Imagine the first scene coming to life on stage. What tips would you offer the actor playing Houseman?
Create
1. (a) Imagine the moment when Houseman began picking on Jim. In pairs, discuss what you think happened when they met for this first time. Try to imagine:
the moment when Jim first saw Houseman Houseman’s actions how Jim felt.
(b) When you have shared your ideas, work with your partner to write the script of the scene in which Jim and Houseman first meet. Model your script on the scenes above. Do not forget to include stage directions.
(c) When you have finished writing your script, perform your scene for the class. 144
