The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: The Winding Road to Self-Discovery in Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men Anonymous

In Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men, three major characters, Jack Burden, Willie Stark and Adam Stanton, embark on a whirlwind journey of self-discovery that leads to tragedy for some and optimistic enlightenment for others. Throughout the course of the novel, each learns something different about himself and must face realizations about their moral standing and role in the world.

Willie Stark, political powerhouse and Jack's employer, is sadly enlightened right before his death. Throughout most of the book, Willie is both politically and personally corrupt, managing the state through manipulation and having many extramarital affairs. As governor, Willie treats people kindly as long as people listen to his views and support him. However, Willie is just as committed to punishing his enemies. A staunch supporter of the principle that the "end justifies the means," Willie resorts to blackmail and manipulation to do what he feels is best for the state and his administration. Willie tries to persuade moral Adam Stanton that goodness isn't simply "inherited." "You got to make it Doc, if you want it. And you got to make it out of badness... And you know why? Because there isn't...