Abuse Of Power In The Ninny By Anton Chekov

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In a short story “The Ninny,” Anton Chekov illustrates how easy it is for those who wield power to exploit and take advantage of the people below them. Firstly, the employer holds jurisdiction over his governess’s paycheck. Since he has this leverage over her, he can pay her whatever he thinks is befitting. In this case, he is generous and hands her the full amount. However, we know that not all her employers are so charitable. She tells him “In my other places they gave me nothing.” [44] Furthermore, he hired her for the position. If she argued with his decision on her paycheck, he could simply terminate her from the position. Secondly, he is wealthy, powerful, and has authority. On the other hand, the governess is poor, weak, and has no authority. …show more content…

Therefore, the man holds authority over every person in the house, including the governess. If something were to break or become embezzled the man can simply put the blame on the governess and make her pay for it. For example, “…around New Year’s Day [the governess] broke a cup and saucer,” [44] he could have taken the money from her if he wanted. Another example would be, “Due to [the governess’s] carelessness Kolya climbed a tree and tore his coat.” [44] Had the man not been generous he could have taken off more money. Even before he told her he was playing a trick on her, she accepted that she would not earn the 80 rubles instead she would receive 11 rubles. Thus, explaining how easy it is for people that wield power to exploit the powerless. Lastly, in the time this story took place (19th century), women were not accepted to hold the same rights, freedom, and respect as they do now. The man was not only wealthy and her employer, he was additionally a male. This is why she would be required to sit quietly and listen. Had she spoken up against him, it would have been extremely

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