What is the setting of 'Master Harold'... and the Boys?

The play is set in 1950s South Africa during apartheid, in a small tea room in Port Elizabeth.

Who is Hally?

Hally, or Master Harold, is a 17-year-old white boy and the central character of the play.

What internal conflict does Hally face?

Hally struggles with the conflicting emotions of adolescence and the harsh realities of apartheid.

What does Hally's quote about the world reveal?

It encapsulates his disillusionment and internal conflict.

Who is Sam?

Sam is a Black man in his forties who works as a waiter and is a father figure to Hally.

What does Sam symbolize in the play?

Sam embodies wisdom, patience, and dignity despite the oppressive system.

What invitation does Sam extend to Hally?

Sam invites Hally to join him, symbolizing an attempt to bridge the racial divide.

Who is Willie?

Willie is Sam's coworker and friend, providing comic relief and representing the struggles of Black South Africans.

What is a central theme of the play?

Racism and apartheid are central themes, illustrating how systemic racism affects personal relationships.

What does Hally's coming of age represent?

Hally's journey from boyhood to manhood involves struggles with his father and betrayal of his friends.

How is education portrayed in the play?

Education is shown as a tool for empowerment and a source of division, contrasting Sam's self-education with Hally's formal schooling.

What does Sam believe about dreams?

Sam believes in the transformative power of education and aspiration, as highlighted in his quote about dreams.

What does ballroom dancing symbolize?

Ballroom dancing symbolizes racial harmony and social grace.

What does the kite represent?

The kite symbolizes hope, freedom, and the potential for racial harmony.

What is the climax of the play?

The climax occurs when Hally spits in Sam's face, shattering their relationship.

What is the resolution of the play?

The resolution is bittersweet; Sam and Willie return to dancing, but their relationship with Hally is damaged.

How is the dialogue style described?

Fugard employs a naturalistic dialogue style, allowing conversations to flow organically.

What is the critical reception of the play?

'Master Harold'... and the Boys is regarded as one of Fugard's masterpieces for its portrayal of racism and human characters.

What does the play explore?

The play explores racism, friendship, and the painful process of growing up.