Master Harold... And the Boys

A Pivotal Moment 12th Grade

In the lives of all, one will inevitably have a figure or figures in their lives to whom he or she looks up to. This may be a parent, educator, older sibling, or even peer. While it is always beneficial to have role models, at one point or another, an individual must grow up and take the spot that he or she was filling for oneself. These role models cannot and will not continually provide wisdom, guidance, and assistance for one's entire life. Therefore, there must be a pivotal moment when the impressed is no longer under the molding of the impressor. He or she must grow up. This type of impressed and impressor relationship may be seen in the play"Master Harold... and the Boys," authored by Athol Fugard, between Hally and Sam. Towards the closing of the piece, an argument occurs in which Hally recognizes that he cannot always look up to Sam. He experiences an epiphany wherein he must finally grow up and out of his boyish ways. This conflict, in a nutshell, is Hally's pivotal moment.

Throughout the play, flashbacks through storytelling occur wherein Hally and Sam reflect on memories with another; ones that often have stemmed from Hally's family life. It is understood that not only is Hally's father is sick, but also a habitual...

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