Use of Polarization in Goodbye, Mr. Chips Essay -- Goodbye, Mr. Chips

Use of Polarization in Goodbye, Mr. Chips  Ã‚   Opposites attract.   James Hilton uses this fact in Goodbye, Mr. Chips to create tension in the story; however, he makes greater use of this polarization to develop the character of Chips.   Mr. Chips and Katherine Bridges may be viewed not only as opposites but also as arguments.   Hilton uses thesis in the form of young Chips and antithesis in the form of Katherine Bridges to arrive at synthesis, the personality and character of the mature schoolmaster. Hilton portrays young Chips as lacking in confidence.   During an interview, Chips, a schoolteacher in his early twenties, admits to Wetherby, the head of Brookfield, that disciplining young boys was not one of his strong points at Melbury, his previous school.   Wetherby counsels Chips that "youth and age often combine well" and offers Chips a second chance at Brookfield, an old established school (4).   At Brookfield Chips assumes a scowl and a no nonsense attitude to cover his inward nervousness.   During the next ten years, Chips realizes that his discipline "although good enough ...