The Road to Mecca
Athol Fugard - 1988
Study Guide Questions
EXCERCISE p. 75
(1) How many characters are there in the play?
Three – Marius Byleveld (the local dominee or priest), Elsa Barlow (a teacher from Cape Town) and Helen
Martins, known as Miss Helen (an artist in Nieu Bethesda).
One character, Elsa Barlow, is based on a real person and the other two are fictional.
Elsa's character is based on a social worker from Cape Town which had a significant friendship with Miss
Helen.
Marius Bylevel's character is there because a little town such as Nieu Bethesda would, naturally, have had
a church and a priest.
Miss Helen lived from 1897-1976 and provided the inspiration for the character. She was born in the
closing years of the 19th century, and grew up in the early part of the 20 th century, when there were strict
expectations of all members of society (but particularly for women).
In Miss Helen's real life, she divorced her husband and returned to Nieu Bethesda in the 1930's to care
for her ill mother. Her mother died in 1941 and she was left alone.
She inherited a small house in the village, Nieu Bethesde, known as “The Owl House”.
(2) Who is the most important character? Why do you say this?
Miss Helen. She is the protagonist of the play. The author used the real life of Helen, the setting and
other aspects that were part of her life, but stated it was basically a “self portrait”.
The entire play is played out in her home. She is also the reason Elsa comes to New Bethesda, to visit
Helen because she is worried about her emotional state. Helen is also the reason for Marius’s visits; he
cares for her and tries to fit her into his world. All of the characters gather at Helen’s home to discuss her
emotional state and future.
Athol Fugard - 1988
Study Guide Questions
EXCERCISE p. 75
(1) How many characters are there in the play?
Three – Marius Byleveld (the local dominee or priest), Elsa Barlow (a teacher from Cape Town) and Helen
Martins, known as Miss Helen (an artist in Nieu Bethesda).
One character, Elsa Barlow, is based on a real person and the other two are fictional.
Elsa's character is based on a social worker from Cape Town which had a significant friendship with Miss
Helen.
Marius Bylevel's character is there because a little town such as Nieu Bethesda would, naturally, have had
a church and a priest.
Miss Helen lived from 1897-1976 and provided the inspiration for the character. She was born in the
closing years of the 19th century, and grew up in the early part of the 20 th century, when there were strict
expectations of all members of society (but particularly for women).
In Miss Helen's real life, she divorced her husband and returned to Nieu Bethesda in the 1930's to care
for her ill mother. Her mother died in 1941 and she was left alone.
She inherited a small house in the village, Nieu Bethesde, known as “The Owl House”.
(2) Who is the most important character? Why do you say this?
Miss Helen. She is the protagonist of the play. The author used the real life of Helen, the setting and
other aspects that were part of her life, but stated it was basically a “self portrait”.
The entire play is played out in her home. She is also the reason Elsa comes to New Bethesda, to visit
Helen because she is worried about her emotional state. Helen is also the reason for Marius’s visits; he
cares for her and tries to fit her into his world. All of the characters gather at Helen’s home to discuss her
emotional state and future.
