Setting/Props
What is the significance of the jukebox?
Jukebox - power to define a space with music. Highlights economic disparity.
What is the significance of Fugard comparing the quickstep and the foxtrot? What does he do it with?
Fugard establishes the teacher student dichotomy between Sam and Willie, primarily through juxtaposition.
"You the cream in my coffee, you the salt in my stew" (9). How does this lyric influence the dynamic of Hally's entrance into the tea room?
Situational irony: Willie sings this lyric as Hally enters and does not offer any growth besides exercising his deep-rooted racism. Lack of connection between Willie and Hilda. One-sided relationship, illustrates maturity on men's behalf and ignorance on Hally's behalf.
How can Hally's character be compared to Fugard? How does Fugard use the personality of Hally to criticize his own past?
Fugard's life almost directly parallels this play. He criticizes his past by portraying Hally as innocent yet arrogant which can be seen in his unawareness to sexual jokes and his berating of the older men.
What is the trigger that escalates the conflict in this scene?
"You can speak out loud. Your Mom's not here" (10). Sam informs Hally that he doesn't need to censor what he says and thus the conversation is opened for Hally to express his internal feelings toward his father.
How does Fugard indirectly comment on the racial divide in South Africa through setting?
chair and table, comics, jukebox
What literary device emphasizes Sam‘s dominance in dance? To what effect?
Parataxis (8) mirrors the rhythm of the quickstep. The foxtrot is known for a mix of slow and fast steps, with very wide strides. The quickstep- which Sam demostrates- is essentially a more sophisticated version of the foxtrot. Fugard extends the unifying metaphor of dance to connect directly to the level of maturity in each character.
How do the music choices shed light on the relationship between Willie and Hilda?
Cream in my coffee: Willie cannot love Hilda while abusing her, just like he cannot dance while slurring Hilda's name. Discusses romances of life and lack of appreciation for love.
Scandalizing my name: Willie does not recognize importance of respect in partnerships.
When Fugard was a teenager he spit into the face of a Black man, how does Fugard utilize his personal experiences to develop the play?
Fugard incorporates personal experiences to create realism by initiating a simple conversation with a much deeper meaning.
What contrast between Willie and Hally are made in this scene and how?
- Willie is willing to learn and tries while Hally refuses to learn. Sam attempts to be the teacher.