Hector uses the phrase “not being in the swim” which means not being engaged in current affairs or social activities, etc. This is how Hector feels about himself because he has some homosexual tendencies but that goes against the norm so this part of him must stay hidden. He is ‘not in the swim’ also because the curriculum and education is modernising and this is not what he’s used to or happy to be like as he prefers to teach in an eccentric way. This also links to Posner because he has these homosexual feelings and Hector is aware of that which is why he asks him a direct question asking him if he can relate. There are uses of the abstract nouns “diffidence” and “shyness” in which Hector is describing Hardy, but beneath that he is also describing Posner, who has an obvious difference to the other boys. The use of the 3 images that all reinforce ideas of isolation, connect Hector, Posner with the two poets. They are all feeling a lack of something in there life and they all feel segregated from the real world because they feel untouched by anything that matters to them.

Hector's focus on the drummer boy and explanation to Posner when it comes to he drummer boy suggests that he sees a slight connection between the drummer boy and Posner and maybe in a sense, himself. He recognises Posner as a human being which is what Hardy does with the drummer boy.

Hector: "Is it? So it is. But no. Not today. No. Today i go a different way."

When Hector responds to Dakin, he uses a lot of simple short sentences and repetition of the word "no" and uses negative adverbs "no" and "not". His short sentences show sad emotion and that Hector is thinking about his life and has realised that his inappropriate actions have ruined his life and career. Hector says "is it?" as if he forgot it was Dakin's day on the bike however this shows he is distracted, like time has stopped for Hector. He Feigning ignorance., pretending he didn't know it was Wednesday. "Today i go a different way." is very ambiguous, it could be literal, like he is actually going a different way or it could be metaphorical, as this "different way" could mean a different way in life, a new path.

Hector says this after Dakin walks in, and says it's his turn on the bike. Hector declines, and continues to talk about him going a different way today, as if to suggest him thinking differently of the matter.

The quotation is from Shakespear's 'Love's Labour's Lost'. Mercury is known as the God of war, conflict and reality, and is here portrayed as the Headmaster. Apollo is the sun God, of love, song, and poetry, which is meant to reflect Hector, or even Posner. The quotation is supposed to show the clear contrast between the headmaster and Hector, and in the way they approach things, and their attitudes. He says, 'The words of Mercury are Harsh after the songs of Apollo' referring to the Headmaster directly insulting and dismissing Hector's teaching style, and what Hector deems relevant. 'Fuck the Renaissance. And fuck literature, and Plato and...', The headmaster very clearly shows his dislike, and lack of care and appreciation for Hectors craft. ' You that way, we this way' suggest the clear disagreement between the two, showing that Hector will continue to pursue what he believes, and he'll have to part ways with the system.

The stage directions emphasize him leaving even more, as he leaves the boys rather confused. They are not used to Hector being particularly focused on himself, and Hector kind of leaves them in the dark about the situation. Posner is usually left in the dark, however this is new to Dakin. Hector seems to not necessarily be eager to go, but ready to go. He has accepted his ' loss ' and is moving forward with it.

Hector hides behind the words of others. The fact that he ends with a quotation from someone else, not only shows his love for literature and poetry, but also emphasizes the theme of passing on knowledge, and using other thoughts and concepts. It also shows his need to shield himself.

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When Posner then responds to hectors answer it gives Posner the chance to explore his thoughts on the poet rather than the poem. By Posner saying ‘No. Hardy.’ It allows hector to then really speak his idea’s through the poem

This is set just after Hector has been talking to the headmaster who has found out about his motorbike antics and forced him to retire so he is now sad.

Him being in his motorbike gear signifies a barrier going up against the boys because at the start of the novel Hector removes his gear at the boys encouragement (in French) which signifies he's removing his barrier in front of his students.

Hector sitting alone in the classroom also signifies his isolation from society because of his actions on the bike and his own feelings of loneliness and confusion after his chat with the Headmaster and he is now aware of his early retirement and the loneliess he'll feel without teaching others things that they can pass on.