Effects of Power
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Tremendous power struggles occur in both The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit. The first example occurs between Miss Brodie and her student, Sandy, as she attempts to shape her into the "creme de la creme." The second power struggle occurs between Jeanette and her mother when Jeanette pursues "unnatural desires." Both of the power struggles have negative effects on Sandy and Jeanette. However, without the powerful presence of these women, Sandy and Jeanette would not have realized their identity and developed to their full potential.
From the beginning, Sandy's relationship with Miss Brodie is unusual. As part of Miss Brodie's "chosen" set of students, Sandy is taken into Miss Brodie's confidence. Instead of studying English grammar, Miss Brodie shares embellished stories of her love affair with the soldier Hugh. She also manipulates the girls into siding with her against the head mistress, Miss Mackay. Miss Brodie congratulates the girls when they mislead the headmistress and side-step her questions, saying "You did wellnot to answer the question put to you" (Spark 10)...