Examining Andorra and Master Harold's Boys, there is a strong presence of discrimination, and prejudice. I found both plays to be similar in the fact that the main characters of both plays fall victim to discrimination. One is the target of it, and one is the perpetuator of it. It was very interesting for me to compare the two characters, how they relate to prejudice and how they handle discrimination, considering the substantial difference in both of their lifestyles. It is easily said that both of them give into discrimination, but I think they both have vastly different motives, and circumstances. .
Athol Fugard's Master Harold is about Hally, a white young man, and the damage done by the apartheid and alcoholism. The play takes place in South Africa, in 1950, in Hally's parents" restaurant. This is where two black servants, Sam and Willie, work for the white family. Sam and Willie have been part of Hally's life as he is growing up, and they are close friends. Hally has educated Sam with the knowledge he has from his school books, but Sam has been trying to teach Hally vital lessons necessary for a healthy lifestyle. With a racist environment and an alcoholic father, Sam has been a great role model for Hally.
Master Harold and the boys also has a lot of interesting symbols, and I always find that using symbols is one of the most effective ways of putting out a certain message. The kite, bench, and disease (alcoholism) are are conflicting forces competing for Hally's future. The kite symbolizes Hally rising above the sense of defeat, disappointment and failure he felt growing up. Sam made him the kite so that he could be proud of something, and most importantly proud of himself. Sam gave him the phenomena of flying, of climbing high above his shame. Hally remarks that flying the kite and feeling that something was alive behind him, tugging as if it wanted to be free. The kite conjures up ideas and feelings of believing in miracles, of being alive, and free.
