use and abuse of power (casablanca)

Question 1

what kind of society does Casablanca portray

Answer 1

•a highly hierarchical society, with power concentrated in the hands of the few

Question 2

who does power nominally lie with

Answer 2

•in the hands of Captain Renault, who constantly abuses it by extorting money or sex from desperate refugees, winning at rigged roulette and drinking for free after hours

Question 3

although renault is charming…

Answer 3

•there’s a dark side
•ugarte’s attempt to ‘resist arrest or suicide’ betrays Renaults ruthless abuse of power

Question 4

despite renaults claims that ‘In Casablanca I am master of my own fate’, who really has the power

Answer 4

•the real power lies with the Nazis in the guise of General Strasser

Question 5

General Strasser is clear on the Nazis plans for total domination from ‘Russia to the Sahara’.

Answer 5

•anyone why challenges this authority is ruthlessly suppressed, be it a resistance fighter gunned down in the street or Victor Laszlo
•Laszlo is a symbol of resistance to authority and as such must be destroyed