Master Harold and his Father in Athol Fugard's Master Harold

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Master Harold and his Father in Athol Fugard's 'Master Harold'

Master Harold is very similar to his father. Although Harold probably doesn't want to become like his father, or think like him, he will grow up to be just like his father. When Harold gets involved into arguments, only then does his fathers instincts kick in. Although Harolds father is never in the play, we can learn a lot about him just by Harold and a single phone call. Harold inherited his fathers need for power and control, his racism, hatred, and negative attitude.

Harold likes to be in control. In Harolds family situation, his fathers dominates his mother. For instance when Harolds father made up his mind that he wanted to leave the hospital, and that?s just what he did. Even though Harolds mother tried to talk him out of it, she made no difference in the final decision. This could mean that Harolds father is always the one who?s in control, and his wife just looks after him and has no say in anything. In a marriage there shouldn?t be domination. Harolds situation is a lot like his fathers. Harold dominates Willie, and Sam. If you?re a servant, of course your master is the one in control. But in this situation Willie and Sam are more to Harold than just servants, they?re good friends, and in a friendship there should not be domination. Harold does take advantage of the fact that he is Sam and Willies master. for example, if there is an argument, then Harold threatens to fire Sa...

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