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Sam
Willie is also a middle aged black worker in ’s mother’s shop. He is a less talented dancer than , and has neither taken it upon himself to learn Hally’s school lessons nor has he acquired Sam’s wisdom. Though he isn’t the fastest learner, Willie is diligent, and by the play’s end, thanks to Sam’s gentle prodding and, inadvertently, Hally’s racist outburst, Willie resolves to cut off the cycle of abuse he thoughtlessly promotes when he beats the women close to him. Willie’s resolution to stop beating his dancing partner, Hilda, is among the play’s more hopeful moments, a sign that it is possible for things to get better.
Willie Quotes in "Master Harold" … and the Boys
The "Master Harold" … and the Boys quotes below are all either spoken by Willie or refer to Willie. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
"Master Harold" … and the Boys
Quotes
SAM: That’s your trouble. You’re trying too hard.
WILLIE: I try hard because it is hard.
SAM: But don’t let me see it. The secret is to make it look easy.
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Love story and happy ending! She’s doing it all right, Boet Sam, but it’s not me she’s giving happy endings. Fuckin’ whore!
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I’ve been far too lenient with the two of you. But what really makes me bitter is that I allow you chaps a little freedom in here when business is bad and, what do you do with it? The foxtrot! Specially you, Sam. There’s more to life than trotting around a dance floor and I thought at least you knew it.
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You’re right. We musn’t despair. Maybe there’s some hope for mankind after all. Keep it up, Willie.
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HALLY: To begin with, why don’t you start calling me Master Harold, like Willie.
SAM: Do you mean that?
HALLY: Why the hell do you think I said it?
SAM: If you make me say it once, I’ll never call you by anything else again
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Willie Quotes in "Master Harold" … and the Boys
The "Master Harold" … and the Boys quotes below are all either spoken by Willie or refer to Willie. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
"Master Harold" … and the Boys
Quotes
SAM: That’s your trouble. You’re trying too hard.
WILLIE: I try hard because it is hard.
SAM: But don’t let me see it. The secret is to make it look easy.
Related Characters:
Related Symbols:
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Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
Love story and happy ending! She’s doing it all right, Boet Sam, but it’s not me she’s giving happy endings. Fuckin’ whore!
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Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
I’ve been far too lenient with the two of you. But what really makes me bitter is that I allow you chaps a little freedom in here when business is bad and, what do you do with it? The foxtrot! Specially you, Sam. There’s more to life than trotting around a dance floor and I thought at least you knew it.
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You’re right. We musn’t despair. Maybe there’s some hope for mankind after all. Keep it up, Willie.
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HALLY: To begin with, why don’t you start calling me Master Harold, like Willie.
SAM: Do you mean that?
HALLY: Why the hell do you think I said it?
SAM: If you make me say it once, I’ll never call you by anything else again
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