All The King's Men: Written Response
How are memory, the past, politics, transformation, corruption and alcohol related to one another? In Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men, Governor Willie Stark is both disturbed and unconcerned by his past. The Governor is adored by his people, and finds that he has outright control of any situation from its establishment to its resolution. Subordinate people encircle him; however, they prove to be part of a larger problem. Stark is seen to possess a dynamic, yet influential persona with the ability to mesmerize and overcome those around him. Jack Burden often flashes back to the past; leading us to the meaning of the text that understanding one's true past is necessary for a satisfying life in the present.
Willie Stark is on his way to Mason City, accompanied by Sugar Boy, the governor's driver, his wife Lucy, their son Tommy, Jack Burden, and the Lieutenant Governor, Tiny Duffy. While stopped at his father's house for a press picture, Stark is met by adoring fans that manage to persuade him to give an "impromptu" speech. His demonstration as a political figure with confidence merely masks his deep internal struggle with his own past. Jack doesn't talk about Willie's superb memory often, but it's probably one of the things that explain their mutual attraction. To both of them, memory is everything.
Memory has a profound impact on the relations that Willie shares with others. A flashback to Jack Burden's origin and that of Willie Starks reveals that Jack is the only person Willie appears to respect. Willie came from a farm in Mason County, while Jack came from a mansion in Burden's Landing. Willie came to power after instituting liberal reform designed to help poor farmers, while Jack had been given status for his family name. Another example comes from the recollection of Jack's first time meeting Willie while at Slades, a man who sells liquor. Tiny Duffy tries to bully Willie into drinking beer, which Willie refuses to accept, showing that Willie's effect on people worked even before he was in power. In a cruel twist of fate, Tiny, who once was a tax assessor of previous Governor Harrison, becomes Stark's submissive underling.
While driving from Willie's childhood farmhouse to Burden Landing, Willie directs his driver to stop at Judge Irwin's house for a talk on endorsing Callahan because of a leak of information on another governor runner up. Irwin was a paternal figure to Jack in his childhood, and jack proceeds to inform Willie that he does not get scared easily. After Stark told Irwin to retract his support, or dirt would be turned up on him. Judge Irwin angrily kicks out Willie and Jack.
Upon leaving the Judges house, Willie Stark orders Jack to find dirt on the judge, and "make it stick". Three years later, Jack reflects of this conversation, realizing that power over someone leads to corruption. He recalls that Judge Irwin is dead and Willie himself is dead. This search for dirty secrets lasts for many months, and results in the death and transformations of many people. Jack remembers, "Little Jackie made it stick all right", revealing that politics and corruption can cause unforeseen tragedy.
Jack considers himself to be an idealist, which is his first try to circumvent the idea that actions have consequences. His search for information on the judge, and of many people in his past lead Jack to the theme that understanding and accepting ones past is necessary for satisfying life in the present.
Already have an account? Log In Now
4980