Power in O'Connor's The Artificial Nigger and Mason's ShilohFlannery O'Connor's story The Artificial Nigger and Bobbie's story Ann Mason Shiloh both have characters who wield power. Mr. Head, the power-wielding main character in The Artificial Nigger, is a racist old man who claims to know everything. In Mason's story, Norma Jean, a simple Southern woman who wants change in her life, is the main character who wields power. The two characters are similar in their successful exercise of power; however, the effects of their power are different. Head's exercise of power has a negative effect on her grandson, Nelson, while Norma Jean's exercise of power is a way to take advantage of herself. Mr. Head's main goal is to make Nelson think of black people as "niggers" and be afraid of the city. Mr. Head's controlling nature affects Nelson in a negative way. From the beginning of the story, Mr. Head's powerful and authoritative personality is evident when the narrator states: "...he saw half the moon five feet away in his shaving mirror, stopped as if waiting to enter” (249). ). Mr. Head's desire for control also extends to all aspects of life. His intentions toward Nelson are clear when he says, “…but I want him to be satisfied once and for all” (254). By making Nelson feel powerless, Mr. Head steals his innocence. Before influencing his grandson, Nelson describes a black man as "a man," but later in the story, Nelson begins to see black people as "niggers," just like his grandfather (255). Fear of the city also has a negative effect on Nelson. He is proud to have been born in Atlanta, but his grandfather wants to teach Nelson that "he had no reason to be proud just because he had been... middle of paper... . taking classes, she is able to slowly but surely regain her independence Norma Jean finally tells her husband that she wants to leave him because she does not want to "...feel like eighteen again" ( 500). By leaving Leroy and starting a new life, Norma Jean is able to forget the pain and embarrassment she felt many years ago. The power she possesses allows her to realize her. wish to move forward The characters in both stories have similarities and differences. Mr. Head and Norma Jean use their power to get what they want Both are similar because they are successful in wielding their power and are. different because their power has different effects. Mr. Head thrives on control and succeeds in his plan to control his grandson. Norma Jean works on self-improvement. she can leave her husband and continue living the life she dreams of.