"MASTER HAROLD" . . . and the Boys

by Athol Fugard

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"MASTER HAROLD" . . . and the Boys Questions and Answers

In "Master Harold". . .and the boys, who does Hally name first and second as his "man of magnitude?"

In "Master Harold". . .and the boys, is Hally's relationship with Sam and Willie friendly and do they treat each other equally?

What literary devices does Athol Fugard use in the play "Master Harold" ... and the Boys to reveal how Hally's relationship with his father causes Hally to be insecure and harbor racist tendencies?

Hally initially describes ballroom dancing as entertaining but not beautiful, emotional but not intellectual. What does this reference tell us about Hally's thoughts about Sam?

What is the relationship between Hally and his mother in "MASTER HAROLD" . . . and the Boys?

What is the significance of the title "Master Harold...and the Boys"? (Why is it the boys?)

In "Master Harold". . .and the boys, what is Willie dealing with in his personal life?

Why is Abraham Lincoln viewed by Sam as "a man of magnitude" in "Master Harold" . . . and the Boys?

Why did Hally's mood change after the telephone conversation with his father?

What do Hally's conversations with Sam and Willie reveal about his racial attitude?

In "Master Harold". . . and the boys, what condition are Hally's clothes in according to the stage notes describing his entrance? What does this suggest about his home life?

In "MASTER HAROLD" . . . and the Boys, why does Sam want Hally to understand the importance of ballroom dancing?

What is Hally's relationship with his father like?

What do the kite/bench and dance metaphors mean in this book? I need quotes to back up an explanation. I need help forming two paragraphs explaining both of these. I need at least one quote as well.

In "MASTER HAROLD". . .and the boys, what feelings does Hally experience in the second telephone conversation? Are these feelings justified?

How would you describe Harold's relationship to Sam and Willie when he was still young in "MASTER HAROLD" . . . and the boys? What is the difference in their relationship now that he is older?

What is the overall message of "Master Harold" . . . And the Boys, and how does that relate to society?

Comment on the contrast between Sam and Hally's relationship in "Master Harold". . .and the boys, namely Hally's terrible betrayal of Sam at the climax of the play.

What is Hally's father like in "Master Harold". . .and the boys?

Why are the historical elements in "Master Harold" relevant to the relationships among the 3 main characters?

Why is ballroom dancing so important to Sam and Willie?

What are themes in MASTER HEROLD...and the Boys?

What happens in the ballroom dance in "Master Harold". . .and the boys?

What is the significance of the historical context and its effect on the characters in "Master Harold". . .and the boys?

What is the play "Master Harold". . .and the boys about? Who are the characters and what do they do?

In "Master Harold". . .and the boys, how old was Hally when the kite was made?

Please explain the meaning of the phrase, "don't confuse historical significance with greatness," presented in "Master Harold"... and the Boys.

What are the consequences of injustice which are inherent in the society in "Master Harold". . . and the boys?

Why didn't the author give Hally's parents names??

What does the play "MASTER HAROLD" . . . and the Boys by Athol Fugard suggest about being a good father?

Why is Hally's outlook on the world so negative in "MASTER HAROLD". . .and the Boys?

Sam's line, "it would mean nothing has been learnt in here this afternoon, and there was a hell of a lot of teaching going on," suggests that there were some lessons learned throughout Master Harold... and the Boys. What do you think are some of the most evident lessons?

What do we learn in this novel?

What knowledge of art can be gained by focusing attention on its social, cultural or historical context? Particularly regarding ballroom dancing in "Master Harold"... and the Boys.

What was the twist in the tale?

How are Hally's hopes depicted in the play?

Talk about the theme and importance of ballroom dancing in "Master Harold ... and the Boys" by Athol Fugard.

What does Willie's manner of speech reveal about him?

Consider Hally's hitting Willie and his recollection of being beaten by his teacher in "Master Harold" . . . and the boys.

What, besides ballroom dancing, is one of the American influences that can be found in Master Harold...and the Boys?

What is Hally's personality in the play "MASTER HAROLD" . . . and the Boys?

What is the symbolic meaning of dancing in the play "Master Harold...and the Boys" by Athol Fugard?

How does ballroom dancing function as a metaphor for the larger meaning of "MASTER HAROLD" . . . and the Boys?

How would you characterize Sam and Hallie's friendship?

Use the following comment as the jumping off point for a character analysis of Hally in Athol Fugard’s "MASTER HAROLD" ... and the Boys. "No one is born racist or antiracist; these result from the choices we make. Being antiracist results from a conscious decision to make frequent, consistent, equitable choices daily. These choices require ongoing self-awareness and self-reflection as we move through life. In the absence of making antiracist choices, we (un)consciously uphold aspects of white supremacy, white-dominant culture, and unequal institutions and society. Being racist or antiracist is not about who you are; it is about what you do."

In the play MASTER HAROLD...and the Boys is Harold deserving of the title master? Is Harold really the master over Sam and Willie, or is it because of Apartheid that he has this power over Sam and Willie?

In "MASTER HAROLD"...and the Boys by Athol Fugard, what argument does Harold use to persuade his mother not to bring his father home?

What has Hally learned and what has he not learned?

How does Fugard show racism in the play?

In the play "Master Harold"... and the Boys, what roles do Harold's parents play in his life?