The Radiance of the King opens with an intense scene that thrusts readers into the narrative through the perspective of Clarence, a white man in a foreign land. This third-person narration exquisitely captures Clarence’s limited understanding of his surroundings, unveiling an irony in his observations and interpretations. As Clarence waits for the revered "king of kings" in a bustling plaza in Adrame, a fictional northern African city, his desperation for work in the King’s service becomes increasingly apparent.

Clarence's Misadventures in Adrame

The novel gradually unveils Clarence’s backstory, illustrating a series of misfortunes that have led him to this point. He nearly met with disaster on a reef while journeying to this unnamed country, and upon reaching Adrame, he squandered his money through gambling with other Europeans. This reckless behavior resulted in his disgraceful eviction from a European hotel and forced him to reside in a dilapidated African inn, where his financial woes continued as he was unable to pay for his stay.

Despite his dire straits, Clarence remains fixated on the King, hoping to gain an audience with the ruler during his rare public appearances. In the meantime, Clarence encounters an elderly black beggar and two mischievous boys, Nagoa and Noaga, whom he struggles to differentiate. His requests to meet the King are quickly dismissed by the beggar as futile, yet Clarence counters by asserting his imagined superiority, insisting, “I am not ‘just anybody.’... I am a white man.”

Confusion and Cultural Clashes

The beggar's indifference highlights the societal norms that typically exclude white men from interacting with the King or mingling with the native population. When the King finally appears, Clarence is awe-struck by the sight of a frail boy adorned in white robes and gold bracelets. He accepts the beggar’s proposition to advocate on his behalf, but during the beggar’s absence, Clarence hears unsettling screams.

According to Nagoa, these screams are from the King’s sacrifices of unfaithful subjects, whereas Noaga claims they come from devoted subjects, willing to be sacrificed. When the beggar returns unsuccessful, he dismisses the notion of screams or sacrifices, leaving Clarence more bewildered than ever. Obsessed with the notion of meeting the King, Clarence agrees to follow the beggar to the South, where the King’s next appearance is anticipated.

A Turmoil-Filled Journey South

Returning to the inn to gather his belongings, the group shares a meal and indulges in palm wine, during which Clarence finds the natives' customs bewildering and nonsensical. Yet, his desire to meet the King eclipses his embarrassment over his mounting debts, compelling him to give up his suit coat to settle his account with the innkeeper.

The journey south is abruptly interrupted when Clarence is arrested on charges of theft. The farcical trial is riddled with absurdities, and Clarence’s attempts at rational defense are dismissed, largely due to the boys having stolen back his coat. His protestations are seen as further evidence of his deceit, solidifying the case against him.

In a panic, Clarence seizes the beggar's assistance to escape. Just as he’s on the verge of capture, a topless dancer intervenes, offering him refuge in her home. It is there Clarence discovers her father is the judge who presided over his trial, but the man acts as if the trial never occurred. In this surreal twist, the judge hosts a lively feast before Clarence, the beggar, and the boys resume their journey southward.

Integration and Alienation in Aziana

In Clarence's perception, their trek through the dense rainforest is an endless maze. The intoxicating scent of tropical flora almost makes him abandon hope of ever seeing the King. Upon...