Nature of POwer

Nature of POwer



Throughout history, one person has always had more power than his fellow people. Whether this power is is corrupting or beneficial however, is a question that is not easily answered. Artists, writers, and philosophers have debated the nature of power to little avail. Two prominent books certainly have very strong opinions on the subject. Both Animal Farm and Of Mice and Men feel very strongly on this subject.The general consensus from the two novels is that power can be used both for good and evil, however in most scenarios power is abused and the common people suffer.

In Of Mice and Men, the author feels that power is almost always misused or blatantly abused. One such example is Curley. He has his wife in his possession, and constantly verbally abuses her, never allows her to talk, and harms anyone who dares talk to her. Furthermore, he attacks anyone he doesn’t like for little to no reason. After Lennie accidentally kills his wife, he tells everyone to shoot Lennie in the gut so he suffers. Other characters also abuse their power. Curley’s wife also abuses any power she gets. She tries to manipulate Lennie by using things he likes to get him to talk to her. Furthermore, she threatens to hang Crooks when he dares challenge her. Even a minor character like Carlson convives Candy to shoot his dog because it inconvenienced him. In conclusion, Of Mice and Men, demonstrates the position that power is usually abused.

In Animal Farm, George Orwell demonstrates the position that power is generally abused as well. Although the revolution starts off well-intentioned. Napoleon quickly hijacks it to use for his own personal agenda. He subjugates the other animals to incredible abuse, and kills many for made up crimes against the state. He uses his power to gain privileges for himself and the other pigs at the expense of the other animals. Squeaker tells the other animals complete lies so he can benefit. Anyone who tries to challenge the...

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