Film: "Master Harold and the Boys"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the nature of the servant and master relationship in the film "Master Harold and the Boys". The author points out that interracial relations are linked not just with racism and prejudice but also with sexism, classicism and stereotypes, as seen through the narrow world views of each character. The paper suggests that the play has hope for understanding.

From the Paper:

"The overt oppression and resistance of Guerrillas and the shocking overt racist words and actions in Harold and the Boys are merely symptoms of the power dynamics in interracial interaction. The actual structure that gives rise to the master and servant relationship is hidden. What is observed in both works is anger and reaction as misunderstanding because the structure is not understood. Harold, for example, projects his father on the world. The final words of Guerillas are deadly miscommunication: "Are you hearing me Jimmy?" "Massa" (248). The term `massa' seems pleading, subservient, but is used by a character who has total control and seemingly wants to have revenge for Bryant's madness."

More papers on Film: "Master Harold and the Boys":

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• Analytical Essay # 64797 : "Master Harold and the Boys"
• Analytical Essay # 127664 : "Top Girls" and "'Master Harold' and the Boys"

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