Throughout history, time and time again, individual people have changed the course of humanity. It is vital that we recognize the enormous capabilities and power of one person, whether it be for good or bad. In the story “Nightjohn,” by Gary Paulsen, the characters, such as Clel Waller and Nightjohn himself, change the lives of each other in many positive and negative ways, thus proving that an individual’s power can change the lives of many.
To establish, the Master of the plantation, Clel Waller, greatly influenced the lives of his slaves base upon the way in which he treated them. When a mentally addled slave, Alice, disobeyed his commands, he punished her harshly. Sarny describes: “Then the master he whipped her his ownself with a rawhide whip cut from an old gin belt used on the cotton gin” (p. 43). Waller’s horrific method of punishment drove Alice to the edge, causing unimaginable pain. Alice and the witnessing slaves were severely affected by the atrocious acts of one man and his power over them.
Additionally, Clel Waller also used his immense influence to rule over the will of his dogs by raising them to be cruel and mad creatures. He brought them up to obey his will and commit violent acts. When a former slave, Jim, decided to attempt to escape the plantation, “The master set the dogs on him and they tore and ripped what …show more content…
His ability to read and write properly allows him to have the opportunity of spreading this knowledge to those who are eager to learn. A fine example of said person is Sarny. When Sarny attends a pit school with Nightjohn, he reassures her: “Soon, Sarny, soon you’ll be able to read them all. All of you will” (p. 89). By providing an education and attempting to broaden the world of enslaved people, Nightjohn is changing their world. His positive impact is outstanding, the will of one genuine man and its effects on the people around
To establish, the Master of the plantation, Clel Waller, greatly influenced the lives of his slaves base upon the way in which he treated them. When a mentally addled slave, Alice, disobeyed his commands, he punished her harshly. Sarny describes: “Then the master he whipped her his ownself with a rawhide whip cut from an old gin belt used on the cotton gin” (p. 43). Waller’s horrific method of punishment drove Alice to the edge, causing unimaginable pain. Alice and the witnessing slaves were severely affected by the atrocious acts of one man and his power over them.
Additionally, Clel Waller also used his immense influence to rule over the will of his dogs by raising them to be cruel and mad creatures. He brought them up to obey his will and commit violent acts. When a former slave, Jim, decided to attempt to escape the plantation, “The master set the dogs on him and they tore and ripped what …show more content…
His ability to read and write properly allows him to have the opportunity of spreading this knowledge to those who are eager to learn. A fine example of said person is Sarny. When Sarny attends a pit school with Nightjohn, he reassures her: “Soon, Sarny, soon you’ll be able to read them all. All of you will” (p. 89). By providing an education and attempting to broaden the world of enslaved people, Nightjohn is changing their world. His positive impact is outstanding, the will of one genuine man and its effects on the people around