Ella Minnow Pea By Mark Dunn

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Corruption is a relevant conflict in today's society. Corruption is the dishonest conduct of those in power. In the novel Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn, the author uses examples of totalitarianism, conflict, and characters to create the theme that governments with excess power are corrupt. The belief in Nollope was enforced in Ella’s society and created a corrupt government. Two of the five council members continued to force an idea that they didn’t believe in. They forced citizens to be punished for any mishap in the language. They pushed the thought that the letters falling were a sign to get rid of them and that anybody who used them would be penalized. Specifically, Mr. Little, one of the council members, continued to punish people well after he realized that he thought the idea was incorrect. This showed signs of corruption within the government. Not only did council members force a belief that they didn't actually believe in, but they expected everyone to believe it without question. The society was to follow the ridiculous rules stating that any use of the letter is forbidden, and they were expected to believe and support this belief. The fact that society was to be okay and believe whatever the council said, …show more content…

Any use of a forbidden letter resulted in first a public condemnation, then either lashing or stocks, and finally ending in banishment from the island or death. The people of the community were not tolerated for any misuse of forbidden letters in language and had to face severe punishment for minor mistakes. “He yoose the letter.The Polese shoot him. They shoot him in the head.“ (Dunn 169) A man is immediately shot for the use of a forbidden letter. He was stripped of his life and was seen as a disposable member of society for not following the rules the council had given. The council didn’t stop at punishment for language. They also banned music

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