Issues and Thematic Concerns in The Samaritan Act 4 Scene 2
1. Corruption and Selfishness
Corruption prevails in Maracas and is being perpetrated by people like Seymour who believe in misuse of municipality resources to get themselves off the hook.
Seymour says that for them to avoid Baneta express prison then they have to get money so as to fight their way out (P.121).
Jaden who is a judge displays his corrupt nature when he proposes that the only way to influence the innovative teacher is by getting the boxes of chocolate as incentives (P.127).
2. Impunity and Abuse of office
Jaden displays impunity when he gives alternatives on how to influence the case the municipal administration is facing. He gives examples like getting friendly people to lodge the case against them, and determine the case in their favor or even buy time through endless adjournments (P.124).
Elsewhere he thinks of the principle of double jeopardy. He says that they should initiate prosecutions in order to pre-empt any legal moves against them from other quarters (P.123).
Basdeo reveals that some of them have skeletons in their closets (P.121).
3. Power
Most leaders of Maracas believe in power. They believe power is everything one needs to have. They even believe that the Innovation Teacher is after power. That one’s she gets a position in the Municipality then definitely she will drop the Samaritan app. Seymour suggests that they offer her a high office since it seems that is what she is after (P. 125-126). Jaden says that they check on her as a team of the municipal leaders and they may have a helpful impression on her (P. 126).
4. Fear
Bembe is afraid that he will be prosecuted. He says that he is jittery about it (P.123).
Ramdaye too shares the fears that a number of people supporting Nicole speaks volumes (P.125).
5. Role of Media
Jaden reveals that the Media is relishing their scandals and rot to the public (P. 124-125).
6. Conflict
The public at arms and they want to put the leaders to account (P.122).