Freedom described in "Master Harold" ... and the boys.

Essay by CeauHigh School, 11th gradeA+, February 2006

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In the story "Master Harold" ... and the boys freedom is presented a very dramatic way, making the reader a bit shocked at the end.

The story has three characters Sam and Willie, two black waiters working in a restaurant, and Hally, the son of the owners of that restaurant. Sam and Willie have been a part of Hally's upbringing and are close friends. Hally has educated Sam with the knowledge acquired from school textbooks, but Sam has been trying to teach Hally lessons necessary for a healthy lifestyle. In this way Sam is trying to help himself become free of all the prejudices and racism that were still present in South Africa and at the same time turn Hally on the right way, knowing his difficult family situation.

One important detail is the kite made by Sam. The kite is a metaphor symbolizing freedom and also the tool to break the racism and prejudices in the country.

He tries to fly the kite together with Hally. Although at some point in the story is seems that they will be able to fly the kite, they never do.

Towards the end of the story Hally's racism impregnated by his racist father appears, and a fight emerges between Sam and Hally. Hally directs all his rage at Sam, crossing the decency point, which he realizes only later.

At the end the kite appears again, but Hally is uncertain if he will ever fly, and he admits he has done wrong. The story shows that freedom is hard to achieve, especially this intellectual freedom. Sam seems to gain this freedom, but with a taste of bitterness that he couldn't teach this freedom to Hally.