Misuse of power leads to regret.
Write an essay in support of the statement with illustrations from A Man of Awesome Power by Naguib Mahfouz. (20 marks)
Introduction
The misuse of power is a recurring theme in "A Man of Awesome Power" by Naguib Mahfouz, highlighting the detrimental consequences that arise from individuals abusing their authority for personal gain. This has been discussed below:
The Body
Tayyib al-Mahdi serves as a compelling illustration of the consequences of misusing power driven by greed. His actions lead to the downfall of his own morality and faith. When he manipulates Sulayman Bey into confessing to the tax prosecutor and promising to pay his debts, Tayyib's initial sense of power and control is overshadowed by the immorality of his actions. This misuse of authority ultimately leads to his own downfall as he loses his perceived blessing and suffers the consequences of his reckless pursuit of power.
Furthermore, Mahfouz expertly showcases Tayyib's regret and longing for the return of his lost power. Despite his attempts to regain what he has lost, Tayyib's efforts are in vain. His regret is palpable, and he experiences a profound sense of loss and a depletion of his inner confidence as a result of his actions. This portrayal emphasizes the futility of pleading, the uselessness of distress, and the ineffectiveness of regret when one's actions are driven by recklessness, immorality, or an insatiable greed for power.
The narrative also effectively brings to light the detrimental effects of power misuse, not only on the individual wielding the power but also on the broader societal moral fabric. Through Tayyib's experiences, readers are confronted with the sobering reality of the irreversible consequences of unethical behaviour driven by a desire for power and control.