How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #10
WILLIE. [. . .] (A dangerous few seconds as the men stand staring at the boy. WILLIE turns away, shaking his head) But maybe all I do is go cry at the back. He's little boy, Boet Sam. Little white boy. Long trousers now, but he's still little boy.
SAM. (His violence ebbing away into defeat as quickly as it flooded) You're right. (1784-1790)
As Willie and Sam stare at Hally, the stage is supposed to be filled with danger, according to the stage directions. What is the risk? The two men are bigger, stronger, and more experienced than Hally, and he just insulted and humiliated them. The potential for violence is always there, but the societal restraints on the older men keep them from acting on it in this case. The men know that in this society, it would only take a word from Hally to get them thrown into prison.