It could be argued, however, that modern methods of dealing with bullying have been, if anything, less successful. While the students in T.B.S.D. went too far one way, frequently we go too far in the opposite direction. Authorities, unsuccessful in dealing with actual bullies, seek to compensate by micromanaging minor issues which would be better left to children to handle themselves. Swooping in to protect kids from every rude comment and hurt feeling fosters a sense of victimhood and leaves them ill equipped to work through conflicts on their own. Old Brooke actually addresses this issue in his farewell speech to the Schoolroom.
Agree or disagree, I defy anyone to read the account of Tom and East thrashing Flashman without a sense- sneaking or overt- of satisfaction at justice being done.
F.Y.I.
* Rugby School was founded in 1567 in the town of Rugby, Warwickshire, and is one of the oldest independent schools in England.
* The game of rugby developed from the football game played at Rugby School, of which there are several descriptions in the novel.
* Years later, author George MacDonald Fraser wrote a series of books based on Flashman as an anti hero.