The Power of Authority in 'A Few Good Men' and Selected Nonfiction Madeleine LeMasters College

A dark and peaceful night at the United States Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, turned into a life changing situation for Private First Class Louden Downey and Lance Corporal Harold W. Dawson. The two men shown are personally given an order from Lieutenant Jonathan Kendrick, passed down from Colonel Nathan R. Jessep. Dawson and Downey must follow orders, no matter what it is. Private First Class William T. Santiago is sleeping in his room while Dawson and Downey break in. They force a piece of cloth into Santiago’s mouth, they place duct tape over his mouth and eyes. They also wrap the duct tape around his wrists and ankles. Santiago starts convulsing, therefore Dawson and Downey take the tape off of Santiago’s mouth, causing blood to drip down out of his mouth.

Throughout the movie, A Few Good Men, it further explains who takes responsibility for the death of Santiago. While many believe everyone is responsible for his actions, a power of authority excludes a person from taking full responsibility. Dr. Stone fails to accept responsibility for his actions. Santiago, unfortunately, was the weakest person in his platoon. Being the weakest person in his unit, made it easier for people to attack him. Santiago has specific...