Dialogue of the day

From Alan Bennett, The History Boys (pb. ed.), pp.46-47:

Dakin: It's consolation. All literature is consolation.

Scripps: No, it isn't. What about when it's celebration? Joy?

Dakin: But it's written when the joy is over. Finished. So even when it's joy, it's grief. It's consolation. 


...


Dakin: Actually it isn't wholly my idea.

Scripps: No?

Dakin: I've been reading this book by Kneeshaw.

Scripps: Who?

Dakin (shows him book): Kneeshaw. He's a philosopher. Frederick Kneeshaw.

Scripps: I think that's pronounced Nietszche.

Dakin: Shit. Shit. Shit.

Scripps: What's the matter?

Dakin: I talked to Irwin about it. He didn't correct me. He let me call him Kneeshaw. He'll think I'm a right fool. Shit.