Ceremonies in Dark Old Men: Analysis of Major Characters
"Ceremonies in Dark Old Men" presents an intricate exploration of family dynamics and personal ambitions through its major characters. At the center is Russell B. Parker, a widowed barbershop owner whose amiable nature contrasts with his lack of ambition, highlighting themes of nostalgia and familial love as he navigates complex relationships with his children. His oldest son, Theopolis "Theo" Parker, is drawn into a bootlegging scheme, revealing a struggle for respect and power within the family and his own moral dilemmas while being manipulated by the more cunning Blue Haven. Theo's younger brother, Bobby, grapples with feelings of inadequacy and rebellion, leading him down a reckless path that ultimately ends in tragedy. Their sister, Adele, serves as the family's backbone through her hard work, yet finds herself trapped in an abusive relationship, reflecting societal issues of gender and vulnerability. William Jenkins, a close friend of Russell, provides a counterpoint to the family's struggles, as their camaraderie offers moments of levity amidst the tension. The character of Blue Haven embodies the predatory nature of streetwise figures who exploit the weaknesses of others, adding a layer of social critique. Overall, the interplay of these characters reveals deep-seated themes of ambition, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life.
Ceremonies in Dark Old Men: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Lonne Elder III
First published: 1969
Genre: Play
Locale: 126th Street, Harlem, New York
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: Early spring in an unspecified year, probably in the 1960's
Russell B. Parker, a widower who runs a barbershop that has no customers and who lives upstairs with his daughter and two sons. Parker is not an ambitious man, but he is amiable and ordinarily honest, at least until he is talked into going along with Theo's schemes. He loves his children, and his attempts to recover his youth are touching.
William Jenkins, Parker's friend and checkers opponent who finds himself drawn into the crooked dealings that Parker's sons undertake with Blue Haven. He and Parker obviously feel deep affection for each other as they engage in badinage over their checkers games, which Jenkins always wins.
Theopolis Parker, Russell Parker's older son, known as Theo. He teams up with Blue Haven to set up a bootlegging business but finds himself doing all the work while his father dips into the till. Theo is eager to run a con, and he has better judgment than his brother Bobby.
Bobby Parker, Russell Parker's younger son, an expert burglar and shoplifter. As the second son, Bobby resents playing second fiddle to Theo, whose thoughtless insulting descriptions of Bobby probably help compel Bobby to perform reckless criminal acts under the spell of Blue Haven, acts that lead to his being shot by a security guard.
Adele Eloise Parker, Parker's hardworking daughter, who supports the whole family with her office job. Adele is intelligent and conscientious, but the man she is seeing beats her, and she seems doomed to be used by men.
Blue Haven, a tough man of the streets who knows how to get along and exploit weaker men such as Theo and Bobby. In his blue ensembles and dark glasses, carrying his gold-headed cane, Blue Haven can appear menacing.
Young girl, the unnamed pickup with whom Parker becomes infatuated after he gets a few dollars from Theo's till to spread around. She is callous and exploitive, and she is a great disappointment to Parker.