Question

one of the strongest human drives seems to be desire for power. write an essay in which you discuss how a character in a novel or drama struggles to free himself or herself from the power of others or seeks to gain power over others

Answer 1

In "Wuthering Heights" we are introduced to a story in which power when misused creates suffering even for those we love.

This theme is represented through the character Heathcliff. At the beginning of the book, Heathcliff has no power in the society in which he lives, which makes him a victim of the most varied abuses, besides being prevented from having what he wants. However, the hurt and the will to take revenge causes Heathcliff to seek power above all the people who have harmed him.

When Heathcliff gains power and control against the entire family that mistreated him, he spares no effort in mistreating them back, pursuing his descendants and causing suffering to everyone, including his beloved Catherine, causing her death.

This narrative shows that obtaining power is not beneficial if the individual does not know how to use it progressively for good. That's because even reaching his revenge and having the power he never had, Heathcliff lives in an unhappy and empty way.