The clumsy attempts at dialect and characterization in the current pages 30 - 31, especially that of Hally, seem rather contrived and cliched.

It gives the impression that the author is trying too hard to fit the characters into certain molds without much thought or creativity.

However, I assume that this is just a setup and that the characterization is going to be inverted or subverted in some way.

Perhaps the seemingly one-dimensional and cliched portrayal of Hally is actually a guise, and as the story progresses, we will see a more complex and unexpected side of him.

Or maybe the dialect and characterization will be transformed as the plot unfolds, adding depth and nuance to the story.

Only time will tell how the author will handle this aspect of the narrative, but for now, it is a bit disappointing.

"Master Harold" … and the boys is a short play that packs a powerful punch. Set in a tea room in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, it delves deep into the relationships between three characters. Hallie, the seventeen-year-old white son of the tea room's owners, has a complex bond with Sam and Willie, the two black employees. The characters are vividly brought to life, with their flaws and aspirations on full display. At times, we find ourselves appreciating them, sympathizing with them, and even shaking our heads at their actions. The play's strength lies in its exploration of racial dynamics. Harold and the boys grapple with the tensions between race, class, social habits, and personal relationships. It forces us to question how we would behave in similar situations. Do I recommend it? Absolutely. It's short but full of substance. Would I teach it? Yes, it's a wonderful tool for character analysis and reading between the lines. The lasting impression is that of a South African white boy growing up with the help of two black men he takes for granted, in a play filled with complex and endearing character relationships.

"Master Harold" … and the boys is truly a remarkable piece of theater.

Amazing! It is truly wonderful. The play is so thought provoking and well strung together that it leaves a lasting impression. Every moment of it is filled with depth and meaning. The way the story unfolds and the characters develop is simply captivating. I find myself completely immersed in the world created by the playwright. It makes me think about various aspects of life and human nature. I can't help but wish that it was a much longer play. There is so much more that could have been explored and delved into. I would have loved to spend more time with these characters and follow their journey further. This play has the potential to be a masterpiece if it were given more length and scope. It has the power to touch the hearts and minds of many and leave a profound impact on them.

A fairly hard-hitting harangue of apartheid South Africa is presented in this short play.

It showcases all the hallmarks of Fugard at his finest. The dialogue is snappy, full of energy and life, while also maintaining an academic playfulness. However, there is a tinge of pensiveness about the shadows that loom large in South Africa's future.

Although it's not quite a tragedy, as the overall tone lacks the fatalistic quality required for that, it still serves as a fairly stark warning. It highlights the perils of prejudice and emphasizes the urgent need to stand up against the social pressures that enable injustice to flourish.

This play forces the audience to confront the harsh realities of apartheid and reflects on the importance of taking a stand for equality and justice.

Exceptional play!

It was truly outstanding, yet I found myself desiring even more. The way it beautifully illustrated the complex dynamics that both separated and bound the races together in Apartheid South Africa was simply remarkable.

It was a powerful read that left a lasting impression on me. I can't help but envision it being performed on stage.

The use of dance as a metaphor throughout the play was just lovely. It added an extra layer of depth and emotion to the story, making it even more engaging and thought-provoking.

I believe that if this play were to be brought to life on stage, it would have a profound impact on the audience, allowing them to experience the struggles and triumphs of the characters in a more visceral way.

Overall, it was a wonderful piece of work that I highly recommend.

South Africa in 1950 was a country deeply divided by apartheid.

This play set in that era was not only moving but also incredibly sad. It was filled with some truly beautiful imagery, such as that of ballroom dancing and flying kites.

As the play came to an end, I found myself constantly longing to see the next scene, the one where Hally would return the next day and somehow set everything to rights.

However, there was a part of me that, deep down, knew that this final scene in my imagination was highly unlikely to happen.

The harsh reality of apartheid and the complex relationships portrayed in the play made it clear that there were no easy solutions or happy endings.

Despite this, the play left a lasting impression on me, making me reflect on the power of theater to bring to life the struggles and hopes of a nation during a difficult time.

It served as a reminder of the importance of understanding and confronting the past in order to build a better future.

Overall, it was a powerful and thought-provoking experience that I will not soon forget.

I don't think I've literally ever hated a book more.

Every page I turned felt like a chore, a struggle to get through. The story was convoluted and made little sense, the characters were one-dimensional and unlikable.

I found myself constantly losing interest and having to force myself to keep reading.

It was as if the author had no idea how to engage the reader or tell a compelling story.

The writing was平淡无奇 and lacked any sort of style or flair.

I can't imagine anyone actually enjoying this book.

It was a complete waste of my time and I would not recommend it to anyone.

I'm just glad I finally finished it and can move on to something better.

I re-read this play before seeing the production at the National Theatre. It was written in the early 80s and set in post-WW2 South Africa in 1950.

Having also learnt to ballroom dance, my impressions are always biased. Of course, the play transports the reader to that specific time and place.

But with division in politics all around, the idea of a “world without collisions” seems as idyllic as ever. On this re-reading, I had a new realization. I understood that Willie is just as integral as Sam and Master Harold to the plot.

I had not previously seen how pivotal he was. He is far more than just a foil to Sam or a filler while we wait for the petulant teenager to arrive on stage.

This play is truly stunning. The issues it explores, such as inequality, coming of age, and the purpose of life, are timeless. They resonate with audiences across different eras and cultures.

It makes us think deeply about our own society and the relationships within it. The play's power lies in its ability to engage our emotions and make us question the status quo.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in thought-provoking literature that delves into the human condition.

Honestly, parts in the middle were a bit glossed over. (Plays can be that way for me, lol.) However, if I were to go back, I would definitely want to read more about Tolstoy and Nietzsche in the context of this play. For example, why did Hally and Sam mention them? It would be interesting to explore the deeper significance and connection.

The bench metaphor at the end was top tier. I really thought it appealed to any reader. It added a layer of depth and complexity to the overall theme of the play. It made me think about the different perspectives and experiences that people have.

This play also made me want to learn more about apartheid. It served as a reminder of the injustices and inequalities that existed during that time. I am now more curious to understand the historical context and the impact it had on people's lives.

A privileged white boy makes a startling discovery. When his anger reaches a certain point, he reveals his true feelings towards the black men who have played a significant role in his upbringing.

This play is indeed enjoyable, yet it fails to be truly thought-provoking at its core. The writing suffers from a disconnect and inconsistency that constantly pulls the audience out of the story. I am aware that there are deeper layers to explore, and I have actually dissected the play throughout. However, aside from the bench, dancing, and the kite, there simply aren't enough thought-provoking metaphors. These elements are only elaborated on at a surface level.

Nonetheless, I do believe that there is a strong portrayal of rage and how it influences one's reactions to stressful events that have an impact on their interpersonal relationships. The play effectively showcases the power of anger and its potential to disrupt and damage connections.

This was an interesting format to write a book in as well as an interesting topic.

It really caught my attention from the very beginning. Although I don't typically read these kinds of books, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the unique approach.

The author did an excellent job of presenting the message in a way that was perfectly clear. Every word seemed to be carefully chosen to convey the intended meaning.

I found myself completely engaged in the story, and before I knew it, I had finished the book.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking read. It truly is a gem that stands out among the rest.

That's why I gave it a well-deserved 5-star rating.

Dancing is often considered a beautiful and graceful art form. It can be seen as a powerful analogy for many aspects of life. Just as in dancing, we need to have a sense of rhythm and balance to move smoothly and elegantly. In life, we also need to find the right pace and balance in various situations.

Dancers must be in sync with the music and each other, coordinating their movements to create a harmonious performance. Similarly, in our daily lives, we need to cooperate and communicate effectively with others to achieve common goals.

Moreover, dancing requires practice and dedication. Dancers spend countless hours perfecting their skills and techniques. In the same way, we need to work hard and persevere in order to improve ourselves and reach our full potential.

In conclusion, the analogy of dancing can provide us with valuable insights and inspiration. It reminds us to be in tune with the rhythm of life, to cooperate with others, and to continuously strive for improvement. By applying the principles of dancing to our lives, we can dance through life with grace and confidence.