In the novel, Marcus's teacher talked to her students about the glory days when people began to question the government and ask for equal rights in the 60's and 70's. She was fired and replaced by a new teacher who was helping ensure that what the government was doing was viewed as right. This can be seen in Harry Potter when one of his teachers at Hogwarts was replaced by the Ministry of Magic, to ensure that their ideals were being taught. Harry's new teacher is very strict to her teachings, and will not allow any questioning ideas in her classroom.