“The measure of a man is what he does with power.” —Plato Many literary texts explore the way in which people use power, which may be represented as authority, influence, knowledge, or strength. Using textual details, both structural and stylistic, write a well-crafted five-paragraph essay about a literary work of your choosing in which you analyze how a person can be measured by what she or he does with power. Your essay should analyze the main characters and explain how their response to power, or lack of power, illuminates their inner character. Your essay should not be a plot summary. You may select a work from the following list or another novel or play of literary merit. Frankenstein Invisible Man King Lear Madame Bovary Pride and Prejudice The Scarlet Letter Tess of the D’Urbervilles “Trifles” Wuthering Heights
In Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein," the main characters Victor Frankenstein and his creature both grapple with the complexities of power and its consequences. Victor, a brilliant scientist, creates a being out of dead body parts and bestows life upon it. However, he quickly realizes the true extent of his power and the havoc it has wreaked upon the world. Instead of taking responsibility for his creation, Victor shuns and rejects the creature, ultimately leading to a tragic chain of events. Victor's misuse of power demonstrates his internal flaws of selfishness and pride, ultimately leading to his downfall.
On the other hand, the creature also possesses power in the form of physical strength and intelligence. Despite being rejected by Victor and society as a whole, the creature seeks companionship and understanding. However, when his attempts at connection are met with fear and hostility, the creature retaliates by seeking revenge on Victor and those around him. The creature's response to power reveals his loneliness and desire for acceptance, yet his actions ultimately reinforce the idea that power can corrupt when used for destructive purposes.
Through Victor and the creature's interactions, Shelley explores the consequences of wielding power without empathy or understanding. Both characters are measured by their response to power, with Victor succumbing to hubris and the creature resorting to violence in order to seek revenge for his mistreatment. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of compassion and responsibility in its use.
In conclusion, "Frankenstein" serves as a powerful exploration of how individuals can be measured by their response to power. Victor's misuse of power and the creature's struggles with acceptance and revenge highlight the complexities of human nature and the consequences of wielding power without restraint. Ultimately, the novel emphasizes the importance of empathy and responsibility in navigating the complexities of power and its impact on both individuals and society as a whole.