What is the one thing every person, regardless of their race, wealth, or nationality, desires to possess in abundance? If it is a type of paper that is green and easily bendable, with various denominations printed on the front, then money is the solution. Regardless of the time period, whether it’s the 19th, 20th, or 21st Century, individuals labor, pilfer, and idolize money. Humans are not always content with their financial resources, prompting them to exert more effort, engage in theft, robbery, or deception in the hopes of fulfilling their obsession with wealth.
This passage discusses the exploits and conduct of Frank Lucas, an individual known as the “American Gangster.” To support his family and amass wealth, Frank resorted to the illegal trade of drugs. Despite his violent and deceitful nature, which posed a threat to other gangsters involved in drug trafficking in the North East, Frank Lucas captivates the audience with his fascinating and charming personality. This highlights the idea that the temporary joy derived from acquiring possessions through illicit means is ultimately unsatisfying. Frank Lucas believed he had achieved everything.
He had the most pure drug available on the street at that time, selling it for a lower price. Additionally, he had an untraceable system and was earning a considerable amount of money. The question arises as to how and why Frank Lucas transformed into this persona. In his earlier days, Frank used to drive around the renowned dealer who eventually met his demise through a fatal gunshot. Frank had a close relationship with this individual, who played a paternal role in his life during his youth. Inspired by him, Frank aspired to emulate his success and consequently decided to establish his own drug trafficking enterprise.
Frank, like Satan in Paradise Lost, had a strong thirst for power. Similar to Satan, who used to be an angel of God but aspired to surpass Him, Frank Lucas aimed to establish himself as the dominant figure in the slums up north. Just as Satan sought “to set himself in glory above his peers” (1. 39), Frank embarked on a similar path. Initially, this lifestyle seemed appealing to Frank and brought him financial prosperity, greatly aiding his family’s financial struggles. However, as time passed, the challenges and difficulties became increasingly overwhelming for Frank.
However, as his business gained attention, Frank Lucas’ life became increasingly miserable due to threats towards him and his wife, forcing him to keep his life hidden from society. Similarly, Satan begins to recognize the difficulties of staying at the top, as ‘the thought of lost happiness and lasting pain torments him.’ Both Frank Lucas and Satan are faced with unexpected consequences as a result of their thirst for power. Furthermore, the intrigue they present is appealing to both readers and audiences.
Frank Lucas exudes a powerful aura that commands respect and fear from those around him, making him the center of attention. This same sense of power and intrigue is also evident in his brothers, who are willing to abandon their own dreams in order to attain the wealth and fame that Frank possesses. This magnetic allure is reminiscent of Satan, who similarly exudes confidence and a belief in his own ability to rival God. His decision-making process captivates and leaves one curious to see if he will ultimately succeed.
Both Frank Lucas and Satan are skilled at attracting followers and inspiring admiration. However, their desires for power and success are ultimately unfulfilled. Frank Lucas is captured and imprisoned, while Satan is left constantly yearning to be equal with God. Despite being despised by society, the reader and audience may find themselves finding a certain likeness in these intriguing characters.
