The impact of power on a person’s character is a topic that sparks extensive discussion in society. Abraham Lincoln, famous for his quote, suggests that true character can only be observed when someone is given authority. According to Lincoln, most individuals can handle difficult situations, but it is the granting of power that reveals their genuine nature. This idea is exemplified in George Orwell’s Animal Farm and William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. In Animal Farm, Napoleon takes advantage of the other animals to increase productivity while Jack utilizes his power in Lord of the Flies to establish a primitive community.
Both Napoleon and Joseph Stalin have been likened to each other. Both leaders, similar to how Napoleon is portrayed as a sly pig who seizes control of Animal Farm following the rebellion, relied on brutal strategies to assert their dominance. While Napoleon utilized nine attack dogs to enforce his authority over the other animals, Stalin employed a range of methods such as purges and executions. Both leaders were also unhesitant in imposing strict rations and demanding arduous working conditions for their subordinates, disregarding lives in the process. These actions aimed at instilling fear among the populace demonstrated their egotism and disregard for others.
The story tells of Jack and a group of boys, ages six to twelve, who find themselves marooned on a tropical island. Jack is depicted as an ambitious and power-hungry individual, longing to take charge of the group. He is ready to go to any lengths in order to gain authority, even if it means disregarding the unity among the boys. As time passes, there is a noticeable shift from organization and civilized behavior towards chaos and savagery. This transformation ultimately results in Jack rising as the leader of a newly formed faction called the Hunters.
The Hunter’s priorities are driven by Jack’s blood lust, as he is determined to hunt and kill pigs rather than seek civilization. This starkly illustrates Jack’s inherent savagery, as he prioritizes killing over the safety of himself and others. This mindset demonstrates the profound ways in which power can corrupt an individual, ultimately leading to the inevitability of embracing savagery.
Both Napoleon and Jack are manipulative characters who use fear to gain power and control over others. Napoleon implants fear into the other animals, manipulating them and bullying his way into power. Similarly, Jack learns to use fear as a weapon, realizing that it allows him to control the behavior of the other boys. He creates a beast that he convinces them is real, using their fear to force them to follow him and kill it. The actions of both Napoleon and Jack reveal their power-hungry natures, demonstrating the destructive influence that power can have on individuals. This serves as a warning of the dangers of dictatorship and the potential for savagery and chaos in society when it is not opposed.
