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Date: | Thu, 24 Jul 1997 17:51:35 EDT |
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I have a question that I've been wondering about for a while but have not
had a chance to really dig into.
When I teach Intro to Lit, I always teach Huck Finn followed by a modern
drama by the South African writer, Athol Fugard. The play "Master Harold
. . . .and the boys" juxtapositions nicely because the title character is
a young boy similar to Huck Finn. But at the epiphanal moment Hally does
not choose to "go to Hell" for his "father figure" who resembles Jim.
My question is: Does anyone know whether or not Fugard was influenced by
Huck Finn? I know Fugard play is semi-autobiographical, but there are so
many similarities between Huck and Hally that I find it hard to think
that Twain did not influence Fugard.
While this is not a pressing question, it is one that could AGAIN trace
Huck Finn's (and Twain's) continuing influence on literature.
And if you have not read or seen a dramatization of the play, do so. It
is a very effective and moving play. There's a video version of the Yale
(I believe) Repertory Theater's production that I show to my students.
Matthew Broderick plays the title role; it is well worth the time to
watch yourself or show to a class.
I'll look forward to any of your input.
Carolyn Richey
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