The Radiance of the King: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Radiance of the King" delves into the transformative journey of Clarence, a bankrupt white man in Africa, who seeks to find purpose and redemption. Stripped of his wealth and societal privileges, Clarence navigates a tribal society where his previous values and identity hold little significance. Accompanied by a cynical beggar and two mischievous young boys, he embarks on a quest that reveals uncomfortable truths about himself and the cultural dynamics around him. The story explores themes of power, identity, and the complexities of colonialism, as Clarence confronts the harsh realities of his situation, including his dehumanization and the commodification of people.
Key characters include the beggar, who serves as both a guide and a source of frustration for Clarence, and the Master of Ceremonies, who bluntly informs him of his fate. Akissi, Clarence's wife, embodies the theme of betrayal and complicity within the narrative, while Samba Baloum provides insight into the inner workings of the king's harem. Through encounters with various characters, including a fortune-teller and a blacksmith, Clarence's journey culminates in a humbling confrontation with the king, challenging his understanding of radiance and true value. The narrative ultimately invites readers to reflect on the intersections of race, class, and individual agency within a complex societal framework.
The Radiance of the King: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Camara Laye
First published: Le Regard du roi, 1954 (English translation, 1956)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Adramé (a city) and Aziana (a village), in Africa
Plot: Philosophical
Time: Unspecified
Clarence, a bankrupt, middle-aged white man in Africa. His previous occupation is not mentioned. Having lost all of his money and even incurred debts playing cards with his peers, he has been evicted from his hotel and landed in a miserable inn, where he also owes money. Destitute and wholly dependent on Africans in this tribal society, he thinks that he, as a white man, will be admitted to see the king and will be taken into the king's service. His quest takes him from Adramé, a city of the North, to Aziana, a village of the South, in the company of an old beggar and two young dancing boys. Through painful, strange, and bewildering adventures, Clarence comes slowly to comprehend that his values (money, time, work, rights, and sex) carry no weight here; his color only makes him different from others. The beggar barters him to the Naba, the ruler of the South, for a donkey and a woman. Clarence is used to breed mulattoes through women from the Naba's harem under the influence of aphrodisiac scents; the discovery that this is what is happening is deeply humiliating to him. When Clarence is stripped of his false pride and values, he does come into the radiance of the king, who draws him into his embrace, the end of his quest.
The beggar, a cynical old African in rags who accompanies Clarence to the South. Abrupt in speech, contradictory, sharp, and repetitive, he responds not only to Clarence's questions and comments but also to his thoughts, interpreting events and sometimes enlightening, sometimes confusing, and sometimes irritating Clarence.
Nagoa (nah-GOH-ah) and Noaga (noh-AH-gah), young grandsons of the ruler of the South. They are lively and mischievous boy dancers who accompany Clarence and the beggar on the journey to the South, often annoying the beggar and teasing or interpreting for Clarence. In the last scene, Clarence sees them among the chosen who surround the king.
The Master of Ceremonies, a hard, legalistic man assigned by the king to organize festivities. It is he who reveals to Clarence that the latter has been sold into slavery and for what purpose.
Akissi (ah-KEHS-see), the African woman who is Clarence's wife. She comes and goes, waiting on him and doing what he asks. Only as part of the denouement of the story does Clarence learn that she has left their bed each night, to be replaced by a woman from the Naba's harem.
Samba Baloum (SAHM-bah BAH-lewm), a eunuch and guardian of the Naba's harem. He lets Clarence look inside briefly.
Diallo (dee-AHL-loh), the blacksmith who is trying to forge a perfect ax blade for the king. His dialogue with Clarence helps to clarify some principles.
Dioki (dee-OH-kee), an old village fortune-teller from whom Clarence tries to learn when the king will come. His contact with her and the snakes that surround her fills him with revulsion. He does not receive an answer to his question.