History Literature / UpTheDownStaircase

''Up the Down Staircase'' is a 1964 novel by Bel Kaufman. A bestseller, it was adapted into a [[TheFilmOfTheBook 1967 film]] and later on a stage play.

* WeightWoe: Vivian Paine's defining characteristic. Her mother asks Sylvia, as if it's her responsibility, not to let her eat so much. She demonstrates "coming out of her shell" and beginning to like herself better by the fact that she is starting to lose weight.

* DramaticEllipsis: Linda peppers her love letter to her crush, English teacher Paul Barringer, with a series of these. He's enough of an ass to send her a GrammarCorrectionGag response in which (in addition to correcting other errors) he points out that she's using them incorrectly.

The book tells the story of a young, idealistic teacher named Sylvia Barrett (played by Creator/SandyDennis in the film). Fresh out of college, Sylvia begins her first job as an English teacher at an inner-city public high school in [[BigApplesauce New York City]]. Unfortunately, many of Sylvia's students are more interested in disturbing the class and goofing off than learning anything. Sylvia is not dissuaded and continues to try and teach her students about literature nevertheless.

The book tells the story of a young, idealistic teacher named Sylvia Barrett (played by Creator/SandyDennis in the film). Fresh out of college, Sylvia begins her first job as an English teacher at a public {{high school}} in inner-city [[BigApplesauce New York]]. Unfortunately, many of Sylvia's students are more interested in disturbing the class and goofing off than learning anything. Sylvia is not dissuaded and continues to try and teach her students about literature nevertheless.

''Up the Down Staircase'' is a hit 1964 book. It was later adapted into a 1967 film and later on a play.

The book tells the story of a young, idealistic teacher named Sylvia Barrett (played by Creator/SandyDennis in the film). Fresh out of school, Sylvia begins her first job as an English teacher at a NYC inner-city high school. Unfortunately, many of Sylvia's students are more interested in disturbing the class and goofing off than anything. Sylvia is not dissuaded and continues to try and teach her students about literature nevertheless.

* WeightWoe: Vivian Paine's defining characteristic. Her mother asks Sylvia, as if it's her responsibility, not to let her eat so much. She demonstrates "coming out of her shell" and beginning to like herself better by the fact that she is starting to lose weight.
* YouMakeMeSic: PlayedForDrama when a teacher corrects a character's love letter in front of her. It's so embarrassing that [[spoiler:she tries to kill herself afterwards]].

* WeightWoe: Vivian Paine's defining characteristic. Her mother asks Sylvia, as if it's her responsibility, not to let her eat so much. She demonstrates "coming out of her shell" and coming to like herself better by the fact that she is beginning to lose weight.

* FatGirl: Vivian Paine's defining characteristic.

* DeanBitterman: J. J. [=McHabe=], also known to Sylvia as Admiral Ass. His official title is Administrative Assistant. He signs his memos Adm. Asst., from which sprang Sylvia's nickname for him.

* TeacherStudentRomance: Alice has a crush on a male teacher.

* ADayInTheLimelight: By appointing shy, quiet José to be the judge presiding over the mock trial, Sylvia provides this for him. He later comments that it made him feel "real," and the experience gives him self-confidence. Whereas before he had always signed his written suggestions and comments "Me," he now proudly writes out his name.

* FatGirl: Vivian Payne's defining characteristic.

* AllPsychologyIsFreudian: Sadie Finch, full stop.

* DeanBitterman: J. J. Mc Habe, also known to Sylvia as Admiral Ass. His official title is Administrative Assistant. He signs his memos Adm. Asst., from which sprang Sylvia's nickname for him.

The book tells the story of a young, idealistic teacher named Sylvia Barrett (played by Creator/SandyDennis). Fresh out of school, Sylvia begins her first job as an English teacher at a NYC inner-city high school. Unfortunately, many of Sylvia's students are more interested in disturbing the class and goofing off than anything. Sylvia is not dissuaded and continues to try and teach her students about literature nevertheless.

* AbusiveParents: [[spoiler:Linda]]'s dad beats her. He gives her a black-eye at one point.

* TeacherStudentRomance: Alice has a crush on a male teacher.

[[redirect:Film/UpTheDownStaircase]]