Master Harold and the Boys Quote Analysis

Master Harold Passage Analysis

Examine the role and significance of all or any silence, suggestions, and subtext in the passage.

P. 23 [Sam: Yep] - 25 [Hally: (Another good laugh)]

In pages 23-25 of the play “Master Harold”... and the boys by Athol Fugard, Sam recalls his and Hally’s first “lesson” together, in which young Hally taught Sam the map of South Africa. Willie chimes into the conversation later on, imitating Hally’s mother. The passage, albeit short, mostly develops Hally’s relationships with both Sam and Willie through its suggestions and subtext.

In the beginning of the passage, it appears as if Hally is asking questions to Sam about their first learning experience. Looking more closely at the dialogue, however, Hally appears to be more curious about his younger self, even responding to Sam’s remarks at one point by asking “Was that me?” (Fugard 24). Hally’s fascination with his younger self suggests an interest and level of self-reflection not only of himself, but also of his relationship with Sam. Although Hally does not remember these lessons, he is “buggered”, or relatively impressed with Sam’s detailed memory of their experiences together (24). This suggests that Hally may view Sam with greater respect and admiration after hearing him recall their memories so fondly and so well; Hally is finally able to see how important he is to Sam, and so, he begins to reflect on how important Sam is to him. Therefore, these suggestions of reflections develop the relationship between Sam and Hally by highlighting the importance in shared experiences.

Next, as Willie joins the conversation, the subtext in the passage develops Hally’s relationship with the other cafe worker. Willie joins the conversation only after being “attracted by the laughter”, indicating that he seems to choose to not