Once more unto the beach dear friends, but before that comes yet another annual rite, the 1996 THES Examination Howler competition. (Yes, another year really has gone by already). This was won last year by the Old and Middle English student at University College, Dublin who shed fresh light on the devices and desires of one of the major literary figures of the period: "Chaucer would have regarded the Prioress as a noble, goodly lady - fitting company for a valiant night."
The examiner, Elizabeth Baldwin, won a bottle of Chateau Antithesis for a record-breaking list that took the first four places, with the runner-up recording disciplinary techniques undreamt of even by Michael Howard: "There were strong penalties, canning etc, for students who did not comply." Can your examinees do better . . . or worse? Entries to Antithesis, here at The THES, by Friday June 28 for consideration by our expert jury. The usual prize is up for grabs for the best entry.