To what extent does the book, Master Harold and the Boys bring out the theme of racism?

The overarching theme of "Master Harold" . . . and the Boys is the concept of racism in 1950 South Africa. The play takes place during the time of apartheid when there was a deep division between the country's black and white population and racial segregation was the law of the land. In the beginning of the play, however, Sam and Hally treat each other almost as equals and it is clear that the two have a deep friendship. However, Hally has been raised by a father who clearly harbors the deep feelings of racism that pervade his country and despite Hally's resentment toward his father, he has passed those attitudes on to his son.

Early in the play, there are a few subtle hints that Hally is not as evolved as he believes himself to be as he reminds Sam and Willie to get to work and mentions that when he was growing up, his mother believed he should not get too close to the two black men. When Hally becomes frustrated and distraught over his home situation, however, his first instinct is to turn his anger toward the men he continues to believe are beneath him, He even goes so far as to spit in Sam's face -- an act that is seen as acceptable under these circumstances but would be unheard of if a black man had spit on a white one.

Despite Hally's despicable treatment of him, Sam proves himself to be the bigger man by rising above his anger and hurt to teach Hally a lesson about human nature. Whether Hally will embrace that lesson remains to be seen.