Power in Literature

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Shakespeare > Anthony and Cleopatra

Power in Literature

An analysis of the power plays and power struggles that are depicted in William Shakespeare's play "Antony and Cleopatra" and William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies".

1,452 words () | 5 sources | MLA | 2005 Australia

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" and William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" explore the interrelationships of different types of power and its effects on society and individuals. It looks at how although the two texts are written 250 years apart and the plots are in no way similar, they do share particular types of power. While one is about the interaction of three historic Roman figures and the other is about the results of a bunch of students who are thrust on an isolated island with no law. It analyzes how the similar powers are the power of the imagination and political power and how the most important difference between the two texts is the result of these power plays.

From the Paper:

"As power of the imagination is the key power of Antony and Cleopatra, as is political power the main power of Lord of the Flies. Many different political systems are exhibited throughout the novel, and many characters are representations of the ideals of those political systems. The novel begins with an element of militaristic power as a group of choir boys is marched in by Jack, who personifies anarchy and savagery, but soon that is overwhelmed by democratic power. A vote is taken to vote Ralph in as the leader of the group. He is the embodiment of democracy and order. Soon, however, primal instincts gradually begin to take over, and rule and order are destroyed in the way. Slow at first, the boys start testing the borders of the law."