Question

How is the conflict between Hally and Sam symbolic of a larger conflict between white and black South Africans? In about two hundred words, describe what implied theme their conflict represents.

Answer 1

Answer: Apartheid.

The implicit issue that represents a major conflict between white and black South Africans is the APARTHEID.

This is reflected by Fugrad, writer of : Master Harold and the boys. where Hally and Sam symbolize with their conflicts this practice that did not allow black and white South Africans to live together in peace and harmony.

Fugrad reflects on Hally's attitude when spitting at Sam, the difference imposed by this absurd practice.

However, the attitude of Sam was the best, to ignore this offense, and treat it with great cordiality.

The message it conveys is totally clear: to live in harmony and without distinction of race or color.

The minor conflict of Hally and Sam is intended to reflect the discrimination suffered by black South Africans during the apartheid period, condemning them to live apart as if they were empires only because of the color of their skin.

Answer 2

Answer:

The title of this story Master Harold and the boys is symbolic. The title suggests a hierarchy. This play has been written in the South African context. The setting of the story has been South Africa. Master Harold, a seventeen year old boy, is a white. But the boys who are matures men of the forties are black and have been working in the restaurant of Hally. The boys, though grownups are called boys only on the ground of their dark complexion. But it is strange to hear a seventeen year old boy as Master Harold. The names of the boys are, respectively, Sam and Willie. They are waiters in the restaurant. The title symbolizes the racial discrimination of South Africa. South Africa was the country where the apartheid law was creating two states within a nation, state of blacks and state of whites in a nation. Racism was creating a boundary between two states. The play examines the effects of apartheid system, it is about love and hate relationship.

Explanation: