Race discrimination.

In the beginning of the play we witnessed the friendship between the white teenager, Hally, and the black servant Sam.
We got to know how the young boy and the middle-aged servant had developed a strong and close friendship over the years.
This friendship was put to a test in the play. Hally was frustrated because of the demanding behaviour of his father.

He was in hospital, and when Hally discovered that his father would be sent home already the next day, he got angry, and he took all his anger and disappointment out on Sam, his good and helpful friend.

After having been friends, Hally chooses to be the master, and he forced Sam to call him "Master Harold". A situation developed that made Sam feel worthless. While working in The Tea Room, his coloured skin had never before been a disadvantage, but now Hally made him feel subservient.

He was humiliated in the worst way when "Master Harold" spat in his face.

I think the author managed to describe the quarrel between the men very well. We pity the kind and helpful Sam, but we also feel sorry for young Hally with his sudden change in behaviour.

In response to "Master Harold...and the boys" by Athol Fugard.