"Master Harold"...and the Boys, by Athol Fugard takes place in the apartheid regime of South Africa.

... "Master Harold"...and the Boys, by Athol Fugard takes place in the apartheid regime of South Africa. The main theme in the play is racism, and the characters Hally, Sam and Willy confront its realities in various ways throughout the play. Fugard uses symbolism as a way to explore racial tensions. He uses four key symbols to establish the themes of racism and division as well as hope, freedom and harmony. These include the meaning of the segregated bench, the flying kite, the ballroom dancing and the crippled father. Hally's favorite memory as a young boy is flying a kite with Sam in the park. Flying the kite symbolizes overcoming racial barriers between black and white people. Sam makes the kite for Hally to help him overcome his sense of shame because of his father's drunkenness. The kite is made from "tomato-box wood and brown paper, flour and water for

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