Master Harold and the Boys: A Deep Dive
Setting and Context
"Master Harold"... and the Boys is set in 1950s South Africa, during the height of apartheid. The play unfolds entirely within the confines of a small tea room in Port Elizabeth, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors the oppressive racial tensions of the era.
Note
The limited setting serves as a microcosm of South African society, allowing Fugard to explore complex themes within a confined space.
Characters
Hally (Master Harold)
Hally, a 17-year-old white boy, is the central character of the play. He's intelligent and well-read but struggles with the conflicting emotions of adolescence and the harsh realities of apartheid.
HALLY: "It's a bloody awful world when you come to think of it. People can be real bastards."
This quote encapsulates Hally's disillusionment and the internal conflict he faces throughout the play.
Sam
Sam, a Black man in his forties, works as a waiter in the tea room. He's a father figure to Hally, embodying wisdom, patience, and dignity despite the oppressive system he lives under.
SAM: "You don't have to sit up there by yourself. You can come down and join us."
Sam's invitation to Hally symbolizes his attempt to bridge the racial divide and offer Hally a different perspective on life.
Willie
Willie, also a Black man in his forties, is Sam's coworker and friend. He provides comic relief but also represents the struggles of Black South Africans under apartheid.
Themes
Racism and Apartheid
The play is steeped in the realities of apartheid-era South Africa. Fugard masterfully illustrates how systemic racism affects personal relationships and individual psyches.
Example
Hally's casual use of racial slurs and his eventual spitting in Sam's face demonstrate how deeply ingrained racism is, even in those who claim to be above it.
Coming of Age
Hally's journey from boyhood to manhood is a central theme. His struggles with his alcoholic father, his relationship with Sam and Willie, and his eventual betrayal of their friendship all contribute to his painful maturation.
