SECTION A: African Drama DELE CHARLEY: The Blood of a Stranger Discuss the contribution of Parker to the development of the play.

Answer Details

Parker is an important character in Dele Charley’s The Blood of a Stranger because he helps to move the action from the arrival of the strangers to the violent crisis that follows. Though he is a black man, he serves as Whitehead’s spokesman and agent. Through this position, he becomes the link between the foreigner and the people of Mandoland.

Parker advances the plot as Whitehead’s spokesman. Parker speaks and acts on behalf of Whitehead, the white stranger. Since he understands the people and their language, he is useful to Whitehead in dealing with the community. His role makes the foreigner’s presence more threatening because Whitehead is able to use a local man to pursue his interests.

He reveals the hostility of Kindo towards the strangers. Kindo’s treatment of Parker and Whitehead shows that he does not trust them or welcome their influence in Mandoland. Kindo sees Parker as an ally of the white man rather than as a loyal member of his own society. This attitude develops the conflict between the defenders of Mandoland and the intruding strangers.

His report about Wara’s escape develops the suspense. Parker reports Wara’s escape from Whitehead. This information is important because Wara’s escape frustrates the plans connected with her and exposes the danger surrounding her. The report increases tension in the play and helps to bring the struggle over Wara into the open.

He exposes Whitehead’s selfishness and manipulation. Parker’s relationship with Whitehead also reveals the white man’s lack of loyalty to those who serve him. Whitehead intends to dispense with Parker and to assign his duties to another spokesman when Parker is no longer useful to him. This shows that Parker is merely an instrument in Whitehead’s plans. Through this, the playwright presents the exploitation not only of the land but also of Africans who cooperate with foreign adventurers.

Parker’s killing of Soko is a major turning point. By killing Soko, Parker turns the conflict into open violence. The act has serious consequences because it removes Soko from the struggle, heightens suspicion and anger, and deepens the crisis among the characters. It also contributes to the bloodshed and tragic atmosphere of the play.

Thematically, Parker represents collaboration and betrayal. Although he is black, Parker serves the interest of Whitehead against the welfare of his own people. He therefore represents the local collaborator who assists foreign exploitation. His actions show how greed, fear and selfish ambition can weaken a community facing external intrusion.

In conclusion, Parker contributes greatly to the development of the play by acting as Whitehead’s spokesman, reporting Wara’s escape, provoking Kindo’s hostility, exposing Whitehead’s manipulation, and causing further violence through the killing of Soko.