Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Power, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Power and Violence
Corruption
Gender Reversals and Sexism
Stories, History, and Perspective
Religion and Manipulation
Revolution and Social Change
Summary
Analysis
Margot gives Jocelyn a series of reports showing that Ryan has been on extremist websites that talk about organizing terror attacks. She shows Jocelyn a post (which Margot knows is fabricated) that Ryan had written under the username Buckyou arguing that every girl at the NorthStar camps should be shot.
Margot’s actions also show the power of bias in telling a story. Jocelyn assumes that Margot is showing her something truthful, but in reality Margot gains a lot of power over her daughter in showing her something false.
Themes
Jocelyn sobs, believing Margot’s words. She argues that Ryan has probably changed since he wrote those things. Margot puts her arm around Jocelyn, assuring her that there will be other boys. Margot says she understands that Jocelyn liked Ryan because he understood her problems, but she says that she still thinks that they can find someone to help Jocelyn so that she can “like normal boys.” Jocelyn looks up hopefully. Margot assures her that she can be like other girls.
Jocelyn’s story demonstrates another aspect of corruption. She is so desperate to fit in and be like other girls that she is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that power. This is, in essence, a parallel to the idea of toxic masculinity, in which men believe they have to prove their masculinity and strength in a way that ends up being harmful to themselves and others.
Themes
