Priscilla Roseberry Vs. Monk Klutter in Richard Peck's "Priscilla and The Wimps"

The Rise of Priscilla Roseberry

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” The wise words of President Lincoln can relate to the story, “Priscilla and the Wimps”, by Richard Peck. The story displays a school overrun by adolescent gang of bullies and portrays two figures, Monk Klutter and Priscilla Roseberry, who hold greatly immense power. However, one may find Priscilla to hold more power. This is due to her calmness, physical capabilities and regulation of her power.

To begin with, Priscilla’s personality is very calm and focused, and to be calm is to display power intact and in control. Right off the bat, the narrator describes Priscilla as “very calm, as only the every big can be.” Also, she doesn’t seem to notice Monk’s delinquents known as Klutter’s Kobras. This suggests that she views the Kobras as a lesser class and shouldn’t be noted. Also, her calmness through the final confrontation supports this idea. Priscilla didn’t go on a rageful fit when Monk targeted Melvin; instead, she just brushed Monk aside. This shows Priscilla finds Monk as only a minor pest, annoying but can be dealt with easily for some people. Although, some may find Monk more powerful with his manipulation of the kids at the school. Nonetheless, this only seems to display him as an overlord, desperate for power that will decline eventually.

Moreover, Priscilla excels over Monk because of her physical capabilities. Priscilla was described as “the largest student in our particular institution of learning.” This trait gave her intimidation which aided her in defeating the Kobras. Another example is her obvious strength, which is used in her upheaval against Monk. Not only that, Priscilla has techniques, strung along her strength, which she used to counter Monk’s assault on Melvin. This shows that Priscilla also has a bit of technically mental strength to accompany her.

Subsequently, Priscilla’s power is considerably greater than Monk’s power due to the control of her power. A notable detail is her previously stated calmness. This characteristic not only gives her power but allows for control over it. She also does not abuse her power to perform atrocious acts and “organized crime.” This shows that Priscilla has another form of power, willpower which causes her to resist in not using her power for tyrannical acts. Nevertheless, these details do not prevent her from using it entirely. She just so happened to use it to defy Monk and his Kobras in defense for her friend, Melvin. This reveals that Priscilla used her power for her significant needs such as protecting a friend. Although, some may point out that Monk has a gang of bullies which increases his power. Yet, Priscilla does not require a group of sorts to stay at such a level of power. In fact, it is very probable that Priscilla can dominate the Kobras and reign over their puny gang.

All in all, the character of Priscilla Roseberry has far more power than Monk Klutter. This can be proven be her calmness, athletic abilities, and usage of power. Nevertheless, upon analysis, one may conclude that it shan’t matter the amount of power an individual holds. It is the action pertaining to the power of the individual that determines their valued worth.