Historical Context
Nigeria
During this transformative era, Nigeria faced a whirlwind of change across political and social landscapes. Having been under British colonial rule, the nation celebrated its newfound sovereignty in October 1960, anticipating a dawn of stability and progress. Yet, independence ushered in a storm of turmoil that plagued the country for years. Initially, Nigeria was divided into four self-governing regions: the west, east, north, and mid-west. This division fostered tension and discord, with many observers suggesting that the four figures in The Raft symbolize these regions. In 1963, the formation of a republic intended to dissolve these regions into twelve states, a move that was hoped to quell regional strife. However, the troubles persisted. Two censuses conducted in 1962-63 and 1963-64, marred by allegations of corruption and manipulation, sparked fierce debates over parliamentary power distribution. The flawed processes led to contentious federal elections on December 30, 1964, which were shrouded in accusations of deceit. Consequently, the government, led by President Nnamdi Azikiwe and Prime Minister Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, disintegrated within a year. Further destabilization came from a violent regional election in the west, tainted by murder and arson. The years 1965 and 1966 were marked by civil unrest and riots.
A military coup on January 15, 1966, not only catalyzed the transition to military rule but also resulted in significant loss of life. This tumultuous phase culminated in a civil war in 1967, steering Nigeria into a prolonged period under military governance that spanned the better part of the next two decades. On the social and economic fronts, the nation continued to grapple with profound challenges that delayed its progress.
The United States
The early to mid-1960s also heralded a period of upheaval for the United States, with international tensions casting a long shadow over the nation. The relentless Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union kept the world teetering on the edge of nuclear catastrophe, threatening the very existence of humanity. In 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the U.S. to the precipice of nuclear conflict. Soviet missiles, installed in communist Cuba a mere ninety miles from American shores, posed an ominous threat. Although diplomacy prevailed as the Soviets agreed to dismantle the missile sites, the Cold War persisted for three more decades, its specter possibly influencing Clark's creation of The Raft. Likewise, the escalating American engagement in the Vietnam conflict cast an unsettling shadow over the period, as both financial and troop commitments surged.
Domestically, the United States was embroiled in its own strife. The decade was overshadowed by civil unrest, primarily centered on the fight for African American civil rights. The nation grappled with intense debates over integration, voting rights, and other pivotal issues. A landmark moment came with President Lyndon B. Johnson's signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, legislation designed to dismantle racial discrimination in public venues and employment. However, despite such legislative strides, racial tensions simmered, especially in the South. From 1964 to 1968, cities like Newark, Los Angeles, and Detroit erupted in large-scale race riots. Much like the characters in The Raft, many Americans found themselves adrift in uncertainty, unsure of what the future would bring.
Style and Technique
Setting
The Raft unfolds in a time concurrent with its creation, set against the majestic backdrop of the Niger River in Nigeria. The narrative commences amidst the vibrant life of the Niger Delta, eventually drifting beyond the bustling port city of Burutu. Every moment of the story is tethered to the modest confines of a raft, upon which four men undertake the daunting task of ferrying logs to Burutu. Their journey is a voyage into the unknown, as they are carried by...
(This entire section contains 292 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
the river's whims towards an uncertain destiny. The ebb and flow of the play’s events are intricately woven with the natural and mystical essence of the Niger River.
Allegory
The debate among scholars and critics is lively, with many asserting that The Raft stands as an allegory, despite Clark’s reluctance to affirm this intention. An allegory cloaks real-world experiences or ideologies within the fabric of its narrative and characters. In this instance, the play is often interpreted as a reflection of Nigeria’s political turbulence during its quest for independence. Readers who embrace the allegorical lens see in the four men a representation of Nigeria’s four historic regions; the dissolution of the raft signifies the fragmentation of one of these regions, while the river becomes a metaphor for the unpredictable journey towards independence.
Symbolism
Regardless of whether The Raft is embraced as a political allegory, it teems with symbolism, inviting a spectrum of interpretations. Consider the river and the raft; both could be envisioned as emblems of life itself, with its future shrouded in mystery. Surprises, like sudden rapids, can arise at any turn. Almost every element within The Raft can be perceived as representing facets of the human condition, offering a rich tapestry of existential reflection.
Compare and Contrast
1960s
1960s: In the aftermath of gaining its hard-won independence, Nigeria finds itself besieged by social, political, and economic turbulence.
1960s: Throughout much of this decade, elected leaders hold the reins of power, yet a tumultuous military coup in 1966 dramatically alters the nation’s political landscape.
1960s: A tense chapter unfolds in 1962 with the Cuban Missile Crisis, a flashpoint in the prolonged Cold War, a high-stakes showdown between the United States and the Soviet Union over nuclear dominance.
1960s: African Americans bravely advance their fight for civil rights, securing legal victories. However, societal shifts lag behind. The movement's momentum is muddied by the tragic losses of transformative figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, casting a pall of uncertainty over the struggle’s future.
Today
Today: Nigeria continues to grapple with lingering political, economic, and social upheavals that refuse to fade into history.
Today: Since 1999, Nigeria has embarked on a democratic path, electing officials in a civilian manner, yet its inaugural democratic leader, President Olusegun Obasanjo, hails from a military past.
Today: Although the Cold War has receded into the annals of history, and numerous treaties have been forged to curtail nuclear arms, the specter of nuclear conflict still looms as various nations possess or seek nuclear capabilities.
Today: Significant strides have been achieved for African Americans in civil rights, with societal attitudes evolving. Yet, a cloud of doubt persists about whether true equality will ever be a reality for all.
Bibliography
Sources
Ashaolu, Albeit Olu, "The Tragic Vision of Life in The Raft," in Obsidian Black Literature in Review, Vol 3, No 3, Winter 1977, pp. 20-25.
Astrachan, Anthony, "Like Goats to the Slaughter. Three Plays by John Pepper Clark," in Black Orpheus, No. 163, October 1964, pp. 21-24.
Clark-Bekederemo, J P., The Raft, in Collected Plays and Poems, 1958-1988, Howard University Press, 1991, pp 71-106.
Ferguson, John, "Nigerian Drama in English," in Modern Drama, Vol 11, No. 1, May 1968, pp 10-26.
Irele, Abiola, "Introduction," in Collected Plays and Poems, 1958-1988, Howard University Press, 1991, pp xi-liv.
McLoughlin, T O , "The Plays of John Pepper Clark," in English Studies in Africa A Journal of the Humanities, Vol 18, No. 1, March 1975, pp 31-40.
Wren, Robert M., "J. P Clark," in Dictionary of Literary Biography, Volume 117: Twentieth-Century Caribbean and Black African Writers, edited by Bernth Lindfors and Remhard Sander, Gale Research, 1992, pp 112-33.
Further Reading
Cartey, Wilfred, Whispers from a Continent The Literature of Contemporary
Africa, Vintage Books, 1969.
This book discusses many African waters, including Clark, and offers extensive
commentary on The Raft and its companion plays in the trilogy.
Falola, Toym, et al, History of Nigeria 3. Nigeria in the Twentieth
Century, Longman, 1993.
This history text considers many aspects of Nigerian history as it evolved from
a British colony to self-rule.
Graham-White, Anthony, The Drama of Black Africa, Samuel French,
1974.
This nonfiction text analyzes several African playwrights, including Clark, and
spends a chapter discussing how his plays compare to Greek tragedies.
Wren, Robert M , J P Clark, Twayne Publishers, 1984.
This critical biography considers the whole of Clark's career, including his
dramatic works and poetry.
