knowledge vs ignorance blog

In the novel “All The Kings Men” by Robert Penn Warren, he uses the contrast between knowledge and ignorance to highlight the inner turmoil of the main characters Jack and Willie.

Ironically knowledge is seen as a bad thing to have. Jack is often in the shadows not wanting to be a part of politics like Dumonde says he is. He even advises Willie on how to win over the ignorant townspeople, “they don’t believe in God, so it’s up to you to give ‘em something to stir ‘em up and make ‘em feel alive again. Just for half and hour. That’s what they come for. Tell ‘em anything. But for sweet Jesus sake don’t try to improve their minds” (108). It is ironic that in order to run smoothly over the country townspeople the leader must withhold knowledge from them. Looking at why they don’t respond to the facts, shows that they need a sense of connection to the leader rather than simply spewing facts. It should be of interest that Willie takes the initiative to find out how to correctly help people of all classes, but Jacks wisdom allows him to see through to the core of the individuals. Having everyone generalized as needing to feel alive through the lies told to them presents this contrast of whether knowledge is then good or evil. The fact that Willie becomes reminiscent shows that though seen as ignorant, by being used by Saddie and others, he is truly intellectual and knows how to win an election. Politicians should be informing the public through taking the knowledge of the the government and simplifying it for everyone, but instead he has to focus on simply winning an election. Also, with the knowledge that he has been used he then uses everyone in his sight, even black mailing a judge. Knowledge in this novel leads to hurt therefore making it a bad thing.

With knowledge of life comes a greater understanding of the world around you. The fact that life is seen as a symbol of death is alarming. Jack’s character having his life constantly interrupted by men coming and leaving has molded him into the sarcastic character that he is. Earlier he says the townspeople don’t believe in God but here he is almost preaching, “For life is motion toward knowledge. If god is complete knowledge then he is complete Non-Motion, which is Non-Life, which is Death. Therefore, if there is such as God of Fullness of Being, we would worship Death, the Father” (226). Knowledge is supposed to give life purpose and even bring excitement to the dullest of matters. Having death worshipped is unusual because people strive to thank God for life and fear death. It’s a paradox of faith based religion as it incorporates the amalgamation of knowledge. Faith is the opposite of knowledge because one doesn’t need hard paper evidence; they simply need a supreme ignoramus lord over all. This is the character of Willie. Ignorance is needed to thrive in this community in order to function which is the reason for both Jack and Willies downfall.