Comparing Power In Hamlet And The Glass Castle By Jeanette Walls

Power can be displayed in various different ways, whether it be physical force, manipulation, coercion or persuasion, it has an inevitable effect on the environment facing it. The nature of power influences people who have too much authority to become overly conceited, resulting in failure driven by manipulation and neglect. This phenomenon is vividly portrayed in Hamlet by William Shakespeare and The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. In both narratives, characters demonstrate an excessive abuse of power, ultimately leading to failure for themselves and those around them. The power they are given is a valid proof of Abraham Lincoln’s quote, “Nearly all men can withstand adversity; but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” For Claudius in Hamlet, his power is mainly used as manipulation, while Rex Walls in The Glass Castle abused his power in various ways, including physical force.

The abuse of power is truly demonstrated in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, when Claudius’s true character as a man is tested while being given excessive amounts of power. Claudius is the main

Rex Walls is the father in the memoir, and though he cannot acknowledge his neglect, a psychoanalysis can be made to see that his power is held over his family despite his constant neglect that is a result of his alcoholism and potential mental health issues. Rex frequently hold power over his family in various ways;

“And why don't you act like a dad?” I could see the blood surge into his face. He grabbed me by the arm. “You apologize for that comment” “Or what?” I asked Dad shoved me against the wall. “Or by God I’ll show you who’s boss around here.”...I expected him to turn and walk away, but there were six stinging blows on the back of my thighs, each accompanied by a whistle of air. I could feel the welts rising before I even straightened up. (Walls,