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Character Motivation in "Master Harold and the Boys" and "A Streetcar Named Desire

Explore the ways in which character motivation is presented in the works of Athol Fugard and Tennessee Williams. In "Master Harold and the Boys," motivation is linked to the play's setting and creates internal conflict, while in "A Streetcar Named Desire," motivations are more personal and result in external conflict. Compare and contrast the techniques used in both plays and how they impact the overall story.

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Character Motivation in "Master Harold and the Boys" and "A Streetcar Named Desire

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  1. May 2010 HL “We are often puzzled by the things people do, uncertain as to their motives.” In the light of this statement, consider ways in which the character motivation is presented in works by at least two dramatists you have studied. Character motivation – What compels and inspires a character to pursue a particular course of action. What ways- Techniques Introduction: Character motivation is what compels and inspires a character to pursue a particular course of action. In Athol Fugard’s, “Master Harold and the Boys” and Tennessee Williams’, “A Streetcar Named Desire” character motivation is presented through dialogue, character actions and character description. In, “Master Harold and the Boys” this motivation is heavily linked to the play’s setting and psychical environment, creating an internal conflict within the character of Hally. In, “A Streetcar Named Desire” these motivations can be found in more personal attitudes and the realm of the psychological, creating an external conflict between Blanche and Stanley. Therefore while both plays may share techniques utilized in order to present motivation, these motivations are separate in their origins and nature, having differing effects on the play as a whole.

  2. Choice of Plays/Characters • Master Harold and the Boys • Hally and Sam A Streetcar Named Desire Blanche and Stanley

  3. Similarities/Differences A Streetcar Named Desire Master Harold and the Boys Internal conflict - Hally External conflict – Blanche and Stanley Dialogue Actions Flashbacks Descriptions Setting/Time period more significant in forming motivation ‘Racism’ Psychological state of Blanche ‘Sexism’

  4. Conclusion • In conclusion in Athol Fugard’s, “Master Harold and the Boys” and Tennessee Williams’, “A Streetcar Named Desire” character motivations are presented with similar techniques yet with contrasting natures, effects and goals. In, “A Streetcar Named Desire” character motivations can be found in more personal psychological beliefs and states, with the actions it inspires resulting in an external conflict between the character of Blanche and Stanley. However in, “Master Harold and the Boys” the social and cultural setting of the play is of much more significance in regards to the formation and presentation of motivation, with it inspiring an internal conflict within the character of Hally. Therefore while both plays use similar techniques in order to present the motivations of these characters, the origins and effects of these motivations, as well as how they relate to the overall play, differ.

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