The Corruption Of Power In 'The Stump'

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Murataj 1 Endi Murataj Ms. Knight ENG4U1 June 1st, 2012 The Corruption of Power Power; it has meaning to every person and his life, whether one is helpless or dominant; it touches all people in some way or another. Those who possess power control those who lack it. These individuals must choose the manner in which they wield their authority. While some will use their influence for the betterment of humanity, others will make a conscious and corrupt decision to act only in their best interest. This abuse of power has been seen throughout history by figures such as Dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Gaddafi, a ruthless man, controlled Libya for years; robbing…show more content…
Constable Morris, a man of the law and form of protection for all of the citizens of "The Stumps", is corrupted by his title and the badge he carries. He uses authority as a way to manipulate those around him for his own personal gain. His abuse of power is clearly evident as his obsession with Elly Henderson grows. After their initial meeting Elly becomes the object of Morris's desires. He wishes she could be his. Morris cannot bear the fact that she is married to Sydney and is determined to separate the two by any means necessary. When the couple visits him at the police station to voice their concern over the threatening letters they have received, the Constable sees his chance. In an effort to make Sydney lose his temper, he begins bullying him in front of Elly. He asks Sydney if he likes "picking on women" and if he "comes from the Bartibog in some shack". Morris attacks Sydney's pride and honour before attempting to inflict physical damage. He challenges Syd, asking him "to step outside, I'll take my uniform off and you can have a go at a real man - see how you measure up - oh yes, look at your face - I'd love to wipe that smirk from it. So you want to come outside and fight me?" (Richards, 135) The Constable asserts pressure on Sydney, an innocent man who he sees as his enemy, in an effort to make him a criminal; a man who would assault an officer of the law. Morris holds all the cards and sees himself as a "real man" who others cannot "measure up" to. He uses his title and aggressive nature in an attempt to impress Elly. When Morris realizes she will never leave Sydney for him, his bullying behaviour only worsens. Constable Morris understands that
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