Power and Violence
The Power imagines a world in which women worldwide suddenly acquire the ability to conduct and send electricity through their hands. While this ability is an inherently neutral one, women quickly discover what becomes its primary use: to hurt others by sending them severe electrical shocks. Alderman examines the 10 years between women acquiring this power and an event called “the Cataclysm,” focusing on several primary characters: Margot, the mayor of an unnamed New…
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Corruption
In an interview, Alderman stated that in writing The Power, she wished to interrogate the belief that women would make better leaders than men. As the balance of power tips from men to women in her book, Alderman argues that this would not be the case. The book demonstrates that regardless of gender, power is an inherently corrosive and corrupting force that leads not to a desire for the betterment of society, but rather…
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Gender Reversals and Sexism
The Power provides a critical look at gender dynamics. At the beginning of the novel, gender relations reflect contemporary society: a patriarchy in which men are more generally dominant, which Alderman posits is due to the fact that men are more able to inflict violence, and therefore more able to gain power. But after women start to gain the power, they turn those gender dynamics on their heads. Alderman makes a point to highlight the…
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Stories, History, and Perspective
The Power is a book with in a book—and its framed structure highlights the consequences of how society’s stories are told. Neil, the author of the book within Alderman’s novel, as well as Tunde, both reveal how important perspective can be to the creation of history. Through these characters, Alderman indicates that history and stories are yet another branch of power, because how a story is told can shape how society remembers its…
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Religion and Manipulation
In addition to government and media, Alderman also examines how power manifests in another influential institution: religion. One of the main characters in The Power, Allie, escapes abuse in Alabama and travels to a convent, hoping to find safety. She feels, however, that she will never be truly safe until she is in control of the convent—and later, in control of the world. She uses her power to ignite a new religion, but…
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Revolution and Social Change
As the power disrupts not only individual dynamics but also governments and countries, Alderman poses a central question of the possibilities of social change. The transition of power in the novel is rarely smooth: often men try to resist the loss of any power, or resort to old methods of suppression. Gradually the women start to recognize that gradual change, even in the direction of progress, will not allow them to gain the power that…
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