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Quotes from Master Harold"...and the Boys — Athol Fugard

1932–2025 South Africa

← All quotes by Athol Fugard

38 quotes

"It doesn't have to be that way. There something called progress, you know. We don't exactly burn people at the stake anymore.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

Life is just a plain bloody mess, that's all. And people are fools.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

Not just me. What I'm saying to you is that everybody's got it.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

We need a definition of greatness, and I suppose that would be somebody who... somebody who benefited all mankind."

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

In fact, I was shit-scared that we were going to make fools of ourselves.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

Aah, violence is the only way I can make people pay attention to me.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

Sam, Willie ... is he in there with you boys?

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

Tonight I find Hilda and say sorry. And make promise I won't beat her no more. You hear me, Boet Sam?

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

There’s no question he’s smarter than I am, but does that give him the right to call me a name like that?

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

I thought I was keeping it straight and I’ve suddenly wondered whether it is straight, and whether it matters whether it is or not.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

A hint of water, a whisper of foam. Long, white tails streaming behind them as they twist and turn in the bay.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

Don’t talk crap, Hally! You don’t even know what the word ‘sympathy’ means.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

You were scared of the ball because it was big and hard and could hurt you, just like life can hurt you.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

Be careful, Hally." "Of what? The truth? I seem to be the only one around here who is prepared to face it.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

Hally: I oscillate between hope and despair for this world as well, Sam.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

I'm all right on oppression.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

I mean, how do I wash off yours and your father's filth?...I've also failed. A long time ago I promised myself I would do something, but you've just shown me...Master Harold...that I've failed.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

Mr. Sam was our father. He knew about our dreams and ambitions.

Master Harold"...and the Boys (1982)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Athol Fugard (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.