How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #7
SAM. [. . .] A long time ago I promised myself I was going to try and do something, but you've just shown me…Master Harold…that I've failed. [. . .] You're ashamed of so much!...And now that's going to include yourself. That was the promise I made to myself: to try and stop that happening. (1793-1830)
Part of growing up white in the apartheid system, for Hally anyway, means taking on the guilt and shame of the injustice that privileges him. Unfortunately, instead of breaking away like the social reformers he admires, he makes himself worthy of all that shame by debasing Sam.
Quote #8
SAM. [. . .] You hadn't done anything wrong, but you went around as if you owed the world an apology for being alive. I didn't like seeing that! That's not the way a boy grows up to be a man!...But the one person who should have been teaching you what that means was the cause of your shame. If you really want to know, that's why I made you that kite. I wanted you to look up, be proud of something, of yourself…(Bitter smile at the memory) (1833-1841)
Sam has clear ideas of what it means to grow up, to be a man. Unfortunately, Hally's father was too busy getting wasted to teach Hally anything about growing up. He modeled an idea of manhood that meant having contempt for black South Africans. One thing is clear: Sam believes that shame keeps us from growing up and maturing.
Quote #9
SAM. [. . .] Hally…I've got no right to tell you what being a man means if I don't behave like one myself, and I'm not doing so well at that this afternoon. Should we try again, Hally?
HALLY. Try what?
SAM. Fly another kite, I suppose. It worked once, and this time I need it as much as you do.
HALLY. It's still raining, Sam. You can't fly kites on rainy days, remember. (1866-1874)
Here's a real piece of role modeling about what it means to be a man; it means taking responsibility for your own actions, something Hally's been sorely lacking. Hally's at a crossroads in this scene. He can grow up or stay stuck in his world of intolerance.