Title: The Temptation of Power and Desire: Consequences in Literature

Thesis: Throughout various works of literature, authors explore the themes of power and desire,
often depicting the consequences that arise from their pursuit. In "The Princess Bride" by
William Goldman, "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien, "At the Mountains of
Madness" by H.P. Lovecraft, and "The Lathe of Heaven" by Ursula K. Le Guin, characters are
driven by their ambitions, leading to both personal and societal repercussions that serve as
cautionary tales about the dangers of unchecked desires and the corrupting nature of power.
In William Goldman's "The Princess Bride," the pursuit of power and desire is portrayed through
characters like Prince Humperdinck, who seeks to marry Princess Buttercup to further his
political ambitions. His desire for power blinds him to the feelings and well-being of others,
ultimately leading to his downfall. Similarly, Count Rugen's desire for scientific advancement
and the power it brings leads him to conduct cruel experiments, showcasing the dark side of
unchecked ambition.
J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Fellowship of the Ring" explores the corrupting influence of power
through the character of Sauron, who desires the One Ring for its immense power. The ring's
allure leads individuals like Boromir to betray his companions, demonstrating how even noble
intentions can be twisted by the temptation of power. The journey of Frodo and his struggle
against the ring's influence highlights the theme of resisting temptation and the importance of
self-control.
H.P. Lovecraft's "At the Mountains of Madness" delves into the consequences of unchecked
curiosity and desire for knowledge. The explorers' desire to uncover the mysteries of Antarctica
leads them to discover ancient, malevolent beings that drive some of them to madness. Lovecraft
emphasizes the dangers of pursuing knowledge without considering the potential consequences,
suggesting that some truths are better left undiscovered.
Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Lathe of Heaven" explores the consequences of using power to alter
reality. The protagonist, George Orr, possesses the ability to change reality through his dreams,
but his desires to fix the world's problems often lead to unintended and disastrous consequences.
Le Guin's novel serves as a cautionary tale about the limitations of power and the importance of
accepting the world as it is.
In conclusion, these works of literature illustrate the complexities of power and desire,
showcasing how the pursuit of these ideals can lead to both personal and societal consequences.
Through the characters and their struggles, readers are reminded of the importance of tempering
ambition with empathy, and the need to consider the consequences of one's actions.