Miss Brodie the Classicist

From The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie:

"It is obvious," said Miss Brodie, "that these girls are not of cultured homes and heritage. The Philistines are upon us, Mr. Lloyd." (p.51)

And

Miss Brodie had already prompted them as follows: "I am not saying anything against the Modern side. Modern and Classical, they are equal, and each provides for a function in life. You must make your free choice. Not everyone is capable of a Classical education. You must make your choice quite freely." So that the girls were left in no doubt to Miss Brodie's contempt for the Modern side.

Later she has the girls report back to her about their Greek studies in an attempt to learn the language later in life.


Not that Miss Brodie is an exemplary model of the Classical teacher. And there are signs of this in the lifeless way she repeats the etymology of "education", etc.