Master_Harold_and_the_Boys

Write a character description of Hally’s mother and father, in your discussion make sure to include what you think is their relevance/contribution to various events in the play. An in depth analysis on the relevance of Hally’s mother and father in the play, “Master Harold and the boys”. The play, “Master Harold and the boys”, written in 1993 does have certain roles played by Hally’s parents throughout the play. The role of the relationship between Hally and his parents effects Hally’s character and his feelings towards certain prospects in life in the play. Hally’s mother plays the role of the communicator in the play relaying information to Hally about his father’s medical condition. Hally is very honest with his mother and tells her exactly how he feels at the prospect of his dad moving back into the house. He does not hold any feeling back with his mother showing that he trusts her and wants to influence her to not allow his father to get out of hospital just yet. Hally however does hold a sense of power over his mother continuously barking instruction and not showing much respect as he tends to talk down to her. He does however show some kind of respect in apologising for his tone, “I’m not being disrespectful” (Fugard 38). This shows that the reader can sense he is normally much more respectful but because of the current situation he allows his anger and frustration to get the better of him and he cannot hold back his feelings. This may come across in a disrespectful manner; however the reader must have some kind of a sense of justification on his part, as he is angered by the situation of his father’s return. Hally’s relationship with his father on the other hand is more complicated within the play. Very early on he makes it clear that he does love his father dearly in the lines, “Don’t misunderstand me chaps. All I want is for him to get better. And if he was. I’d be the first person to say: ‘Bring him home’” (Fugard 27). By saying this to both Sam and Willie he shows his care for his father however he does not believe it right for him to return as yet. He feels his father should stay in the hospital until he is almost totally better, as he knows his father will complain about the pain as soon as he is back in the house. We are not told what Hally’s father is in hospital for, however we can tell it is very serious and has been mounting for some time, as Hally clearly knows what his father’s reaction will be when he arrives home. Hally believes that his father staying at the hospital is both better for him and for Hally and his mothers situation at home, he shows this in the line, “but I’m sick of emptying stinking chamber pots full of phlegm and piss” (Fugard 38). This shows his anger as the current predicament and although he loves his father he cannot handle his in the current state. Hally does also show his anger at his father’s drinking habits in throwing the bottle of Brandy meant for his father against the wall in frustration and anger. It is clear the relationship between the two is very complex and situations bestowed upon them have seemingly covered the love they once had for one another. The role of the Hally’s parents in the play, plays a drastic part in his actions and feeling. He is succumbed by the feeling of dread from the current situation with his father and this makes him and irrationally and disrespectfully to all those around him. This gives place to the major role of the play, the inner turmoil of the young boy named Hally. Bibliography * Fugard, Athol. Master Harold and the boys. New York. Oxford University Press. 1993 ...