Everything we know about power we learned from Nucky Johnson. The dude has it made: He runs Atlantic City's local Republican Party, rules the criminal underworld with an iron fist, and most importantly, he always spends his night in the company of beautiful ladies.
As fun as this all might sound, though, all of this power comes with its fair share of downsides. Everyone is gunning for your throne, other powerful people are scheming to take you down, and even your closest friends can't be trusted. As we watch Nucky and his successors struggle to adapt to life at the top of the food chain in Boardwalk Empire, we get a first-hand lesson in the way that power can change us—and not always for the better.
Questions About Power
- Which of Atlantic City's bosses become the most powerful? Explain.
- Compare and contrast Nucky and Hap's response to gaining power.
- Does Nucky use his power wisely? Explain.
- In your opinion, why does Nucky willingly give up his power after getting released from jail? Back your answer up with evidence from the text.