← Back to Concept Index

monarchy-and-power

The chapter explores the establishment of monarchy as a form of centralized power and its implications for individual freedoms.

1 chapter across 1 book

The Power (2016)Naomi Alderman

Chapter 5

This chapter recounts the biblical story from 1 Samuel 8 where the people demand a king to lead them, despite the prophet Samuel's warnings about the oppressive consequences of monarchy. Samuel describes how a king will conscript their sons and daughters, seize their lands and resources, and impose heavy burdens, ultimately leading to their enslavement. Despite these warnings, the people insist on having a king to be like other nations, and God consents to their request.