Denham is one of the significant characters in "To Sir, with Love" by E.R. Braithwaite, a novel set in a British secondary school. Denham is portrayed as a student who is initially quite arrogant and disrespectful. He represents the typical rebellious student who challenges authority and shows little regard for the rules or the people around him.
At the start of the novel, Denham exhibits a sense of entitlement and disdain towards his teacher, Braithwaite, whom he sees as an outsider, especially because Braithwaite is from a different racial background. His initial behavior reflects his ignorance and the social prejudices that were prevalent during that time.
However, as the novel progresses, Denham undergoes a transformation. He slowly begins to realize the importance of respect, hard work, and the value of the education provided by Braithwaite. This change is not immediate but comes about as Denham witnesses Braithwaite's dedication and commitment to teaching. By the end of the novel, Denham is one of the students who shows growth in terms of maturity and respect for his teacher.