strength

In my culture, strength is represented in a variety of ways. I suppose the most basic representation of strength would be by glorified athletes. However, strength can also be represented by large numbers – for example, a large army. Personally, however, I believe the best representation of strength is when someone believes strongly in something and stands up for it with determination. Martin Luther King Jr., for example, represents strength, in my opinion.

In Achebe, strength is represented by pure animal strength, as far as Okonkwo is concerned. To him, strength is the ability to be a champion wrestler, to be able to be a good provider for his family and community, etc. However, what Okonkwo doesn’t realize is that his idea of “strength” is little match for the invading Western powers.

In Shelley, I’m honestly not sure what strength is represented by. When I think of Frankenstein, the first thing that pops into my head at the mention of strength would just be the pure physical strength of the monster, but I feel like that’s not really enough to answer the question. I think that, more the strength, weakness is represented throughout the novel by Dr. Frankenstein, who refuses to deal with his mistakes, and consequently, is responsible for the misery and deaths of multiple individuals.

In Nietzsche, strength is represented by “master morality.” People with master morality are the genuinely free people, who do not have to “manufacture” happiness, as opposed to the weak and oppressed people of “slave morality.” Because they are naturally happy and free, the people of “master morality” not only strong, but also energetic and wise. Nietzsche also argues that strength is the will to overpower, “a thirst for enemies and opposition and triumph.”