The Stranger: Powerful or Powerless?

"As if that blind rage had washed me clean, rid me of hope; for the first time, in that night alive with signs and stars, I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world. Finding it so much like myself—so like a brother, really—I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again. For everything to be consummated, for me to feel less alone, I had only to wish that there be a large crowd of spectators the day of my execution and that they greet me with cries of hate."

Throughout the entire novel, it is most definitely apparent that Meursault seems to regard human affairs with a cold indifference. He observes, never casts judgments, and remains impartial in matters of the heart. Most of the novel, it is not apparent whether or not there is a higher power ruling his actions and morals. However, it is not until the chaplain suggests he turn to God before his execution that Meursault finally comes to the realization that the world is also indifferent to the suffering of people. Since he has no one else at the end of the novel to relate to, he finds companionship in the indifference of the world, regarding it as “a brother.” Meursault attempted to grasp at this concept throughout the novel, but it wasn’t until he realized the inevitability of his death that he finally accepted this generalization.

My big question, as previously defined, is: How does someone of something ultimately exercise complete power over another individual?

In a way, Meursault was overpowered by this realization and surrendered to the world, his "brother." Hoping to see “a large crowd of spectators that greet [him] with cries of hate” the day of his execution, Meursault demonstrates his belief that the cold indifference of the world controls him and his fate. This proves that he is not powerful, but rather powerless. He does not care to ameliorate his situation, and does not care that he is not in control.

Crime and Punishment: Evidence of a Superman?

"What's to be done? Break what must be broken, once for all, that's all, and take the suffering on oneself. What, you don't understand? You'll understand later. Freedom and power, and above all, power! Over all trembling creation and all the ant-heap! That's the goal, remember that!"

Rodya's journey throughout the novel is most definitely not one of mundane phenomenons. In fact, what is most intriguing, is the means he uses to justify the murders he commits. As many believe, his general awareness of himself correlates to that of an individual with a "superman" complex. This complex gives Rodya the ability to somewhat "float" above the rest of humanity, for he has even committed one of the most condemned sins and is still living as he did before the act. It also causes Rodya to separate himself from the rest of society.

After Rodya has committed the murders, he feels as though he is on top of the world, and better than everyone else in existence; thus supporting his separation from a significant portion of society. In fact, he is confident that the murders he committed further justify his "superman" position in society. He reasons that he rid of two worthless individuals, and that if he is able to make good of his act, it will be beneficial to all of society, and thus greatly defended. However, this vaunted estimation of his abilities and worth is not used to bring Rodya glory and success, but rather strenuous anxiety and torment throughout the novel. When he becomes aware of the fact that his act has not brought good into the world, a conflicted Rodya contemplates a confession.

My big question, as previously defined, is this: How does someone or something ultimately exercise complete power over another individual? In the case of Rodya, it is not until he gives himself over to Sonya and his love for her, that he is able to escape the "superman complex" he had so willingly placed upon himself in the hope of ameliorating society. Up until this realization, the "superman complex" within Rodya controlled, manipulated and commandeered every thought or action he had. This love for Sonya releases Rodya from "superman's" grasp, and he is able to relax, even if it means turning himself in. When he does allow this to happen, he comes back into the folds of society, for he is no longer better or above anyone else, but rather a common vagrant within an institution.

Rodya realizes that although he held the power while allowing the "superman" complex to dominate every faction of his being, admitting and accepting his love for Sonya, is much better-even if it means a great loss in power and control for his being. While holding the secret of his horrific crime, Rodya was extremely troubled. When surrendering the truth, there comes a peacefulness over his persona and his consciousness regarding reality.

Pride & Power

"I'll tell thee: Life and death! I am ashamed That thou hast power to shake my manhood thus; That these hot tears, which break from me perforce, Should make thee worth them. Blasts and fogs upon thee! The untented woundings of a father's curse Pierce every sense about thee!"

Power, as is demonstrated in King Lear, goes hand in hand with pride. In the above excerpt, Goneril strips King Lear of his last company of knights, subsequently emasculating him. Lear once had a great standing. The decision to divide his kingdom among his three daughters depleted all he had ever known in life. When Goneril takes from him the last significant source of his power, Lear is left in shambles; unaware of his surroundings and left without his dignity.

Throughout the play, there are transfers of power to various rulers. Each, in their own respect, is power thirsty beyond comprehension. And, as always, the following question pertains to this particular work of Shakespeare:

How does someone or something ultimately exercise complete power over another individual?

The greatest source of power in this play is not through the head, but rather through the heart. Within the heart lies the conception of one's self-worth, and, in many cases, the individual's purpose in life. The pride one takes in his or her self-worth can sometimes be slightly overestimated. In the case of the characters in King Lear, pride contrives a lust for power. This lust for power is relentless, and does not stop to uphold mere moral principles. Once power rests in the hands of an individual, he or she will do anything and everything to maintain its confinement.

It's as though the loss of power, for these individuals, signifies their diminishing levels of pride. Without power they feel they have nothing... No self-worth, purpose or direction in life. Within the kingdom, it has been established that those without power have little pride. However, if one is to maintain in power, his or her pride will mirror this success. Although easier said than done, one's pride should not stem from the amount of power possessed, or lack there of. In King Lear, this is a constant struggle; one that stems from the heart's desires, not from one's head.

The power of the heart to ultimately decide what is best is finally obtained, for, "Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say."

Oedipus Rex: The Ruinous Power of Chance

As Wallace Grey states, "the Oedipus story show[s] the devastating power of chance, a power no intelligence can anticipate." It is one that illumines the true potential of dramatic irony by demonstrating one man's ignorance of his very own self-destruction. Although many do not wish for certain events to occur, reality insists that the ruinous power of chance does, in fact, exist.

The Priest speaks of Oedipus as "the first of men in the chances of life." In response, and unaware of his true incest, birth, and marital status, Oedipus proclaims to be whole-heartedly dedicated to the search for the past King Laios's murderer. It is with the Priest's words, that Oedipus eventually meets his doom. Oedipus is given the chance to save the city and lift the plague, and in the process, forms his own demise.

My big question, as previously defined, is this:

How does someone or something ultimately exercise complete power over another individual? In the case of Oedipus, this "something" is chance. By chance, Oedipus was saved and carried to another palace to live and to flourish. By chance, after hearing his potential future, he fled exactly into the hands he was fervently trying to avoid. Anyone in their right mind would not knowingly cause his or her own epic downfall. Oedipus was in his right mind. He believed that what he was doing was for the good of his people, and for himself. He simply was ruined by the power of chance; a power that intelligence truly cannot foresee.

This concept of chance defines the entire cumulation of power in Oedipus. In fact, it dictates the unfortunate series of events that unfold. Oedipus, serving as a true king, believes that he has all the power to lift the plague, and to solve all of the significant issues placed upon the kingdom. Little does he know that his actions, in fact, are not exercising complete power. It is the chance within his actions that are, per se, "doing the heavy lifting."

The big question truly helps define the reason for the tragic demise of Oedipus, his incestuous family, and his kingdom. Chance has been, is, and will always be a fundamental power. And, in this case, a ruinous power of chance.

What is Power?

"I don't love you, nor have I ever cared about what you do with your life." The words hit me. They ripped through my body like thorns in my veins. My face flared. My knees buckled.

I looked into his eyes. There was no sign of remorse for what he had just said. In fact, he seemed pleased with the bullets he had fired at me from his snarling lips.

That moment, I finally realized what it felt like to be completely and utterly under the power of a man who had not a single care for my existence. It was also the moment I decided to untangle myself from his web, regardless of how isolated and confused I was going to feel once free from his grasp.

This occurrence sparked a question in my very being...

How does someone or something ultimately exercise complete power over another individual?

He had exercised complete power over me, but how had he done so? Was it because I felt threatened? Was I afraid of being abandoned to stand on my own two feet? Why did it take me so long to wake up, and as many would say, "smell the coffee?" To this very day, I ponder these questions.

I believe that for every situation reflecting the cumulation of power, there is a mastermind at work. Someone or something that possesses the power to completely control another human being. But, how do they do it? And how can it be undone?

In The Road, by Cormac McCarthy, a young boy and his father are fighting to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where basic morals and cautionary actions are thrown to the wind. When all of society has been stripped away from them, there is no basis of government or a foundation from which an individual is to exercise power. They are under the power of death, and death alone:

The Woman: No, I'm speaking the truth. Sooner or later they will catch us and they will kill us. They will rape me. They'll rape him. They are going to rape us and kill us and eat us and you wont face it...We used to talk about death, she said. We dont anymore. Why is that?

The Man: I dont know.

The Woman: It's because it's here. There's nothing left to talk about.

This quote is indeed troubling. It leads us to believe that there is no hope, and that everything is destined to be consumed in flames. McCarthy instills this in his audience. For the Boy and the Man, death is their master. The threat of death has complete power over this duo. One wrong move, and death takes over. One wrong move, and the game is done.

Throughout all aspects of life, the concept of how power is obtained and executed is questioned:

Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment and the other by acts of love. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent than the one derived from fear of punishment.

-Mohandas Gandhi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L53gjP-TtGE

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/dreamworks/thehelp/