Literature Rarely Shows Power Being Used Well

Due to the fact that 'well' is a rather nebulous concept, it can be hard to place a judgement upon whether this statement is more often than not correct. Nevertheless, especially in the works of 'Volpone' by Ben Jonson and 'Songs of Innocence and Experience' by William Blake, power is very rarely, if not ever, depicted as being used responsibly and for the good of others. It is, however, almost always seen to be used to the advantage of the person who possesses it. This in itself could be seen as using power 'well', as they have enhanced their own lives; whether or not this is to the detriment of others may not even enter into the question. It is also true that power can come in many forms, and whether or not this comment is consistent for all definitions or manifestations of power is a separate matter.
The power of men over women and indeed society as a whole at the time of writing for both of these authors was immense. Jonson, writing in 1606, lived in a society in which men's unerring dominance over women was not in question whatsoever, they could not get a divorce for any reason and had no right to own property or businesses, and only white women achieved a basic education before being taught to be housewives and mothers. Blake's writings during the late 18th Century showed slightly more freedoms for females. Many more were educated and held political opinions (although these were close to useless as they still held no power in the political system, as well as still being regarded as the property of their husband). Literary critic Mary Beard made the comment that 'Vocal women in literature are now and always have been treated as freakish androgynes'. There is a prime example of this in 'Volpone' when the especially outspoken Lady Politic is expressing her concern for the apparently bedridden Volpone, he mockingly describes her as a 'dreadful tempest' and even goes so far as to characterise her as a 'disease'. The use of these especially venomous insults can