A book that stands out is one that not only highlights racism but also creates awareness about the society we live in today. Racism is a deeply ingrained issue that has plagued our world for far too long. This particular book delves into the various aspects of racism, exploring its roots, manifestations, and the impact it has on individuals and communities. By shining a light on this important topic, the book aims to educate readers and encourage them to take a closer look at the world around them. It challenges us to question our own beliefs and biases, and to work towards creating a more just and equal society. Through powerful storytelling and thought-provoking analysis, this book has the potential to make a significant impact and bring about positive change.

I really liked Sam and the ballroom dancing motif in the play. It added a touch of elegance and charm.

However, aside from that, the rest of the play just didn't seem to hold my interest. It felt like a waste of time.

The story didn't develop in a particularly engaging way, and the characters didn't have much depth.

I found myself looking at my watch several times during the performance, hoping it would end soon.

Maybe if the playwright had focused more on developing the other aspects of the play, it could have been a lot better.

As it was, I was left feeling disappointed and wishing I had spent my time doing something else.

Overall, while the ballroom dancing motif was nice, it wasn't enough to save the play from being a rather forgettable experience.

“Anybody who believes that there is nothing amiss with this world truly requires a mental examination. Just when everything seems to be progressing smoothly, inevitably, someone or something will emerge and ruin it all. This ought to be inscribed as a fundamental law of the Universe. The principle of unending disappointment. If indeed there is a God who fashioned this world, He should discard it and commence afresh.”

This passage presents a rather pessimistic view of the world. It suggests that no matter how well things are going, there will always be an element that disrupts the harmony. The idea of a "principle of perpetual disappointment" implies that disappointment is an inherent and unescapable part of life. The author even goes so far as to suggest that if there is a God, He should consider starting over, perhaps indicating a sense of dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. This perspective may resonate with those who have experienced setbacks or disappointments in their lives and feel that the world is constantly working against them. However, it is important to note that this is just one point of view, and there are many others who may see the world in a more positive light.

I had to read this for a theater class that I am taking as an elective, and I immediately fell in love with it.

The story is extremely easy to follow, which makes it accessible to a wide range of readers. Moreover, it contains a plethora of important lessons that are relevant even today.

What is truly scary is that it was based on a time just 63 years ago. In those days, an African could not sit on a bench with a white boy whom he had practically raised. This shows the depth of racial discrimination and inequality that existed during that era.

Overall, it is a very good story that not only entertains but also educates and makes us reflect on the past. It serves as a reminder of how far we have come in terms of social progress and how much further we still have to go.

This was truly remarkable and filled with so much enjoyment in the beginning. However, as the story progressed, it took a terribly sad turn.

Hally was continuously condescending towards Sam and Willie, even prior to the fight. Sam and Willie were like father figures to him, yet he lashed out, which was absolutely devastating.

I find myself longing to know what becomes of their relationship. But given that Sam and Willie possess the kindest of souls, I have a feeling that they will forgive him.

The line "his trousers are longer but he is still just a boy" really emphasizes the fact that despite Hally's physical growth, he still has a lot of maturing to do emotionally.

It makes one wonder if he will ever truly understand the impact of his actions on those who care about him the most.

Overall, this story leaves a lasting impression and makes the reader reflect on the complexity of human relationships and the importance of forgiveness.

A fairly short but masterful drama, "Master Harold"... and the Boys, is set in Fugard's home country of South Africa in 1950.

The plot is fairly straightforward, featuring a cast of only three - Master Harold and the boys, as it were. While the play is not particularly action-driven, being set entirely in a single room and with all three characters on stage virtually throughout, it delves into profound theoretical questions facing apartheid society and humanity in general.

The characters are vivid and relatable, allowing the audience to truly sympathize with their problems, goals, hopes, and ideals. Despite the heavy subject matter, Fugard manages to inject a few laughs along the way, as the three characters reminisce about the good old days and discuss the great figures of world history.

All in all, it is a superb play that offers a powerful exploration of race, class, and human relationships.

If you prefer a film version, I highly recommend the one with a very young Matthew Broderick, which can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRIx-...

I saw the play many years ago at the reportorial theater. It was an extremely powerful performance that truly moved me. I witnessed this play during a time when people were actively boycotting companies that were supporting apartheid. Moreover, it was before Nelson Mandela was released from prison. Fugard's work gave a voice to the suppressed emotions and experiences that had been pent up for such a long time. The impact of the play reverberated throughout the theater, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the audience. It was a moment that made me realize the importance of art in bringing attention to social issues and giving a platform to the voiceless. I will always remember that play and the powerful message it conveyed.

You would think that a mere 50-page play, featuring just 3 characters and set entirely within a single room, with a runtime of scarcely 100 minutes, would be ill-equipped to offer a profound commentary on something as complex and systemic as Apartheid. However, you would be mistaken.

Everything remarkable about this play actually stems from its supposed "littleness." In contrast to, for instance, Tony Kushner's epic works, "Master Harold" is minimally concerned with grand spectacle. It is less about the harrowing and shocking accounts of slavery and segregation and more about the ways in which hatred reveals itself in the small, everyday aspects of life. Every element of this play serves as a microcosm, a masterclass in minimalist writing.

The tea room in 1950s South Africa and those three men are all that is required - not only to understand the fundamental problem but also to fathom the origin of hate itself. And here lies Fugard's pièce de résistance: Hally, the one dispensing the hate, is likable, intelligent, and charming from the outset. Once you become attached to the character in this way, Fugard compels you to bear witness to his racism while still continuing to empathize with him.

It's a captivating journey - with snappy, light language that flows effortlessly. This play will take you, at most, an hour to read. Do read it.

P.S: There's also a metaphor within - comparing ballroom dancing to wars and global conflicts - which is definitely making its way onto my list of favorite metaphors.

A Thoughtful Play on Racial Relations in Apartheid South Africa

The play delves deep into the relationship between a white boy and two black men set in the apartheid-era South Africa. It is a profound exploration that offers a unique perspective on the complex social fabric of that time.

This play was written by Fugard as a means of grappling with his own complicity in the white supremacy that pervaded his childhood environment. It vividly depicts how the servants in his family played a crucial role in his成长过程. They not only contributed to his physical growth but also had a profound impact on his ideological and behavioral transformation.

Through their interactions, the white boy begins to question and eventually move beyond his early racist ideology and behavior. This transformation is a powerful testament to the potential for change and growth even in the most challenging of circumstances.

The play serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and empathy in building a more inclusive and harmonious society.

A privileged white kid grows up in a seemingly idyllic world, shielded from the harsher realities of life.

One day, however, he stumbles upon the truth that racism exists in South Africa. At first, it's just a passing thought, a "ho hum" moment. But as he delves deeper, he realizes the magnitude of the problem.

The kid begins to see the division and inequality that plagues the country. He witnesses the pain and suffering of those who are discriminated against because of the color of their skin.

His eyes are opened, and he starts to question his own privilege and the role he can play in making a change. This newfound awareness becomes a turning point in his life, as he decides to take action and stand up against racism.

No longer content with a "ho hum" attitude, he becomes an advocate for equality and justice, determined to make a difference in the world around him.

I am truly relishing the process of teaching this book.

At first, it seemed like a rather bold move considering it is such a verbose play.

However, as we have delved into it, it appears that we are capable of extracting and exploring some really interesting aspects.

The combination of kites and politics within the narrative adds an extra layer of intrigue.

It's fascinating to see how these two seemingly disparate elements interact and develop throughout the story.

Love me some kites and politics indeed!

It makes the teaching experience all the more engaging and fulfilling.

As we continue to study this book, I look forward to uncovering more hidden gems and sharing them with my students.

Who knows what other surprises and insights this talky play has in store for us?

It's extremely challenging to determine the direction this play is going in at the opening. However, once you reach the end, you wind up pondering a great deal more about the play than the mere hour or two it requires to read. The play assumed even greater significance for me when I discovered that it was semi-autobiographical. The author also concedes that the way actors portray "Master Harold" in the final moments of the play can signify hope for change or the evolution of a boy into a racist. While the former is what the author sanctions as having occurred in his own life, he also deems the latter to be a fitting interpretation.

This play seems to have a hidden depth that gradually reveals itself as one delves deeper into it. The semi-autobiographical aspect adds a layer of authenticity and makes the reader more invested in the story. The different interpretations of the character's actions in the final moments offer a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the potential for both positive and negative change. It makes one wonder about the forces that shape our beliefs and behaviors and how we can strive for a more just and inclusive society.