Master Harold and the boys - Inclusion in the Curriculum Essay

Master Harold and the boys - Inclusion in the Curriculum Essay In his masterpiece "Master Harold" and the boys, Athol Fugard has journeyed deep into sensitive issues including racism and growing up, without sacrificing the high technical standard that often distinguishes great theatre. The poignant and enlightening journey that is Fugard's piece undoubtedly deserves inclusion in any English curriculum, with the work's characterization, themes, conflicts and motifs all earning this distinction. With only three characters sharing dialogue and one of these playing a minor role, detailed characterization is a highlight of "Master Harold and the boys. The major protagonist, Hally, is a white seventeen-year-old intended to be an autobiographical depiction of a younger Fugard. Hally is an intelligent and thoughtful young man, whose cheerfulness is dulled in the book with the news that his father may be returning to his home from hospital. Essentially, Hally is ashamed of his alcoholic, crippled and untrustworthy father, and dislikes having him at home. In a conversation to his mother, he states "I'm sick and tired of emptying stinking chamberpots full of phlegm and piss" (48) revealing this discontent. Thus, whenever he is mentioned, Hally becomes autocratic and aggravated towards the other men - he unreasonably expects the "boys" to seamlessly move between scapegoat and friend. Nonetheless, when we reach the climax of the novel, Hally says with great pain "I love him, Sam" (58). Thus Hally is divided in his heartfelt emotions of both love and anger. The other major characters in "Master Harold" and the boys are Sam and Willie - the 'boys'. These two black men are servants of Hally's mother, and work at the tearoom in which the play is set. Sam is a competent, intelligent and intuitive man, and it seems that in any other society, he would be a valued and successful citizen considering his abilities. From Sam's intellectual and emotional aptitude, Fugard clearly depicts to readers the injustice of the South African Apartheid system of racist segregation during which the play is set. Willie, on the other hand, is portrayed as a character that would be an outcast regardless of the societal values that surround him. Little is heard from him during the novel. Thus, Fugard has depicted to us the three echelons of Apartheid society... ...ve something truly special. Nonetheless, their friendship is broken by the Apartheid system, represented by the final motif - the bench. The "Whites Only" bench is symbolic of the theme of white supremacy and segregation, which splits relationships and friends apart. Sam realizes this and comments to Hally: "You know what that bench means now, and you can leave it any time you choose." (60) This is Fugard's underlying message - that if we look past racist ideals and walk away from them, we can "fly another kite" (59) and establish a society where equality and harmony are paramount. "Master Harold" and the boys is a masterfully composed, poignant piece of drama, and undoubtedly deserves inclusion in English studies. With technical aptitude in characterization and motifs, and moving, sensitive issues explored in its themes and conflicts, this work will undoubtedly encourage students to question racial prejudice and segregation in modern society. Just as Fugard intended, it will educate young minds that to be just and fair in regard to racism in society, "All you've got to do is stand up and walk away from it." (60). That is perhaps the most important lesson of all.