Sophomore English/2016-2017

[Pages:1]Sophomore English/2016-2017 Gods and Monsters Berger-White

Reading Journal Questions: "Master Harold"...and the boys

Your last reading assignment before winter break is to read in its entirety Athol Fugard's "Master Harold"...and the boys. It's a one-act play, and it will probably clock in at about two hours reading time for most folks.

Take a good look at the following writing questions before you begin reading the play. Each pair of questions is due on the date listed below.

Due Friday, December 9th

(1) The play is set in South Africa in 1950. Why is this context important? What was life like in this time and place? How was the society structured for whites? For Blacks? For almost all of us, this will require some research.

(2) Consider the conversation between Hally and Sam about the man of magnitude (17-22). How would you describe this dialogue? The relationship between Hally and Sam here? Once you have finished the play, please write about why this conversation is important in the scheme of the play as a whole.

Due Monday, December 12th

(1) Hally clearly prizes the kite flying memory (32-35). Why is it such a special and important memory for him? How does Sam's version of the event complicate the event? Why is it important that Hally knows the truth?

(2) Plays are built on dialogue and action. What are the five most important physical actions of the play? Why? How do these moments give us something that could not be captured fully by language?

Due Tuesday, December 13th (6th period) or Wednesday, December 14th (8th period)

(1) Hally is pulled in a number of different directions. What people, emotions, and ideas compete for a piece of him? How does he ultimately respond to this divided sense of self?

(2) Argue how the ending is bleak. Argue how the ending is hopeful. Make a full and persuasive case for each.

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