Weiland

People frequently possess more power than he or she may often think. Humans are able to control somebody with or without knowing that they are doing so. In Wieland, the reader initially recognizes Carwin as the person with the most control. He uses fear as his means of manipulation. Being an accomplished biloquest, Carwin is able to throw his voice in order to make Clara live in constant fear of him. This voice also portrays a supernatural or higher power, which as a result raises Carwin to a position of authority. However, I believe that Clara possesses the most power within, and she is completely oblivious to this. Carwin's secret infatuation with Clara gives her extreme power because she can easily manipulate his actions by toying with his emotions. Women during this time period generally didn't play the roles of power and were typically portrayed as weak and obedient. Brown's feministic approach to the novel is unique and revolutionary for the time period in which he lived. Manipulation is both present and potential in Wieland. Carwin's contemplated plan to gain power is concrete manipulation; while on the other hand, Clara unknowingly has the power to manipulate Carwin through his obsession with her actions.

Authority can be synonymous to fear for many people. Fear is one factor that drives manipulation. Clara is overcome with terror by the ventriloquism that Carwin uses. His double tongue deception emotionally disturbs many of the characters throughout the story. His misinforming messages horrify people and lead them to act in ways that they most likely would not if they had known the truth. But they are not informed of the truth, and the Wieland's obey his voice. This puts Carwin into a powerful position. His manipulation is hard to match, and Carwin easily takes control of the Weilands' lives.

Carwin's power over the family could have been diminished by Clara if she only knew about the control that she acquires. Clara never realizes that Carwin secretly becomes obsessed with her every move. Emotion is a major factor in manipulation. Both Clara