Anne Stanton in All the Kings Men

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Despite being a minor character in the novel All the Kings Men, Anne Stanton plays a key in role in the development of the story as well the development of the characters. Anne’s loss of innocence brings about her brother Adam’s death, her lover Willie Stark’s assassination and self destruction, and towards the end of the novel the narrator, Jack Burdens happiness. Whether Anne knows it or not her decisions and reactions are vital to the other character’s progress whether it be emotionally or mentally. Without Anne, the storyline of All the Kings Men would lack substance and maturation. As Anne transitions from an innocent girl to a devoted humanitarian her struggle to keep the only known surviving member of her family, Adam Stanton happy is a daunting task. During Anne’s childhood her older brother, Adam Stanton protected her and took her along on trips to the beach with his friend Jack Burden. Adam, in chapter three holds Anne back from going swimming when it appears that a storm is approaching. Annes persuasive attitude convinces Adam that it is okay to swim and he and Jack join after her. This shows Adam’s ability to trust Anne and his willingness to take risks. As Anne grows up she views her brother as a loner with no love interests who does not take proper care of himself. Anne, quite possibly seeing a little bit of Adam in herself decides to push Adam into taking a job Jack has offered him through means of Jack’s boss, Willie Stark. Although Anne only wants Adam to do more with his life then live in a shabby apartment playing piano, she does not know of Adam’s insecurity as a surgeon and as a man. As Anne says to Jack, “He has to take the job. I mean it. To save himself. For himself.” (Warren, 247) Initially Anne does no... ... middle of paper ... ... his assassination as well as her brothers murder. During the aftermath Anne leans on Jack for support and eventually realizes she loves him because of this Jack no longer involves himself in the great sleep and marries Anne. Without Anne’s moments of weakness and self discovery Jack would never end up being with Anne. Without Anne three important characters, Adam Stanton, Willie Stark and Jack Burden would not have materialized into the roles their characters were meant to play. Anne Stanton although seemingly insignificant is vital to all three of their roles. Each of their roles is a crucial component to the novel as a whole and in the larger scheme of things a domino effect that adds purpose and meaning to the story. Anne’s loss of innocence displays maturation of a young girl to a women growing up surrounded in corruption of people she thought she could trust.

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