The Influence Of Power In The Ruminants By Alexandra Leggat

Power is the ability to directly influence the behaviour of others or the situation at hand, with the use of their words and actions coming at the user's discretion. “The Ruminants” by Alexandra Leggat and “My Family’s Slave” by Alex Tizon, demonstrate the influences of power from individuals in a positive and negative light. The use of power by the individuals in both texts indicates the potential oppressive abilities with it, placing others beneath them to pursue their own personal gain. Throughout the texts, however, certain individuals spread the influences of their power to positively impact the lives of others and themselves. They use their powers to benefit others, not just for their own goals but to raise others up alongside them. While

In "My Family’s Slave," Alex's mother lies to Lieutenant Tom when he arrives home about information concerning a boy she was to avoid, making Tom furious. Fearful, she tells her father that Lola will receive her punishment, dismissing Lola's pleas to reconsider. “Tom raised the belt and delivered 12 lashes, punctuating each one with a word. You. Do. Not. Lie. To. Me. You. Do. Not. Lie. To. Me. Lola made no sound.” (Tizon 12). Despite the fact that Alex's mother is at fault, she has Lola endure her punishment in her place, with her words and actions deeply hurting her. In "The Ruminants," the protagonist's mother expresses her concerns while visiting with her

In “My Family’s Slave” after having an opportunity to stand up for Lola, Alex pushes aside his fears and comes to Lola’s defence as his parents shame her at home. “Ling said she wasn’t hungry,” I said again, almost a whisper. I was 13. It was my first attempt to stick up for the woman who spent her days watching over me.” (Tizon 27). Standing up against his parents for the first time hesitantly, he does what he believes is right, overcoming this fear for Lola’s sake. In "The Ruminants," the protagonist gazes out into the park, reflecting on the carefreeness of youth in comparison to their own. “The babies trudge forward, fearless. At what point in their lives do the young become cautious, and fearful? At what point did I?” (Leggat Par. 5). After viewing herself in the same light, she realises how she is living her life, and this realisation motivates them to better themselves in the future. Similarly to Alex, they find the words and reasoning to stand against what's holding them back, pushing through to a better version of themselves. Although the obstacles at hand are different, both use the power within themselves to go beyond the situation for the better. Power can have a great influence on those around them, but can have an even greater impact