‘Guantanamo Boy’, written by Anna Perera, is a young-adult novel which deeply explores the concept of Authority and the Individual that being the interaction one has with bodies of governing and local authority. ‘Guantanamo Boy’ endeavors into the realm of changing views of authority over time, abuse of power, and the conflict between personal autonomy and the various types of authorities.
At the beginning of the novel, and in the opening chapters, Khalid’s parents exercise expert, referent and legitimate power over him. As his parents they are responsible for his growth and development, and as such are entitled to such power. Based on this, his parents can be seen as authorities over him. There is evidently mutual love in this relationship
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They enforced coercive, and rational-legal authority over Khalid, in order to torture and harass him, sometimes for their own sadistic pleasure. This is exemplified by the following quote, “A soldier trips Khalid, crashing him to the concrete floor with a violent yell. A familiar pain rips through his side, giving him the sensation that his arms are splintering from their sockets.” This excerpt from the novel conveys the extent to which guards and military personnel abused their power in order to torture and humiliate Khalid. Another instance of abuse of power, is when Khalid misuses his power to freedom, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and stealing from local shops. The following quote shows a particular instance in which Khalid indulged in drinking, “Besides, he has to take care to hide the fact that he’s been drinking or mum and dad will go ballistic” The metaphorical use of the term, ‘ballistic’, attempts to encapsulate the seriousness of Khalid’s actions and the repercussions that arise from his abuse of power. The fact that Khalid is aware how his parents will respond, only adds to the fact that Khalid knowingly abused his right to and power to