Extract from Chapter 7 of 'David Copperfield' by Charles Dickens (first impressions of school)

Right, David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, chapter seven.

 

School began in earnest next day. A profound impression was made upon me, I remember, by the roar of voices in the schoolroom suddenly becoming hushed as death when Mr Creakle entered after breakfast, and stood in the doorway looking round upon us like a giant in a story-book surveying his captives. Tungay stood at Mr Creakle's elbow. He had no occasion, I thought, to cry out "silence!" so ferociously, for the boys were all struck speechless and motionless. Mr Creakle was to speak, and Tungay was heard, to this effect. "Now, boys, this is a new half. Take care what you're about, in this new half. Come fresh to the lessons, I advise you, for I come fresh to the punishment. I won't flinch. It will be no use rubbing yourselves; you won't rub the marks out that I shall give you. Now get to work, every boy!"