Deluded liberal that I am, I persist in thinking that those with a streak of sexual unorthodoxy ought to be more tolerant of their fellows than those who lead an entirely godly, righteous and sober life. Illogically, I tend to assume that if you ( Philip Larkin) dream of caning schoolgirls bottoms, it disqualifies you from dismissing half the nation as work-shy.
Alan BennettNo mention of God. They keep Him up their sleeves for as long as they can, vicars do. They know it puts people off.
Alan BennettCloisters, ancient libraries ... I was confusing learning with the smell of cold stone.
Alan BennettIt's subjunctive history. You know, the subjunctive? The mood used when something may or may not have happened. When it is imagined.
Alan BennettI've never forgotten that experience. But I had nobody at school that was either like Hector or Irwin. The masters had no idea what was expected of you in the scholarship exam, so you just had to busk it really.
Alan Bennett