Michael Corleone

Michael is probably the only character that has developed so far in the movie "The Godfather". He starts off as a quiet character who does not like to associate himself in the family business. Coming to his sister's wedding in military clothing shows that he is distant from his family. Throughout the beginning plot of the movie, he stays this way. After Don Corleone was shot, Michael goes to see his father. He notices right away that no one is in the hospital to guard his father. Michael immediately takes calm and swift action. He moves his father's bed to another room and goes to watch for the killers outside. After warding off the killers, he encounters cops. The police chief is suspected of working for the Tattaglia mafia family. Michael plans calmly how to get rid of the police chief and Sollozzo, Don Corleone's shooter, at the same time. His calm brother, Tom Hagen, tries to think of a way but is unable. His hot-headed brother, Sonny, is seen trying to solve the problem with force.

Michael is a foil for Tom and Sonny. He can be calm and very intelligent when necessary. Just as the time when they are devising a plan, Michael takes charge and constructs an outstanding plan. Michael also displays Sonny's aggressiveness. Michael, who had always been trying to stay away from his family's business, suddenly changes and decides to murder not one, but two people at once. I think this literary feature was used to show that Michael can be as violent and aggressive as Sonny but to think things through before taking action. This emphasizes his intelligence.

The Godfather Part 1: Literary Feature Hunt #2

In "The Godfather Part 1", the literary feature, allusion is used. Around the mid section of the movie, Don Vito Corleone is seen near a fruit stand. At that moment, an assassination attempt on Don Corleone takes place. Vito is shot 5 times. This is an allusion to Christ. Jesus had 5 wounds and he revived after his death. Don Corleone was shot but was saved in the hospital.

The question is why was this allusion used? I believe the allusion to Christ was used to emphasize how powerful Don Corleone is. He also has much support and respect from various people. It displays how even the most influential, protected, powerful people can have dangerous enemies waiting for an opportunity to attack. It proves that the most powerful people can fall but they will recover because of the support they have.

The Godfather Part 1: Literary Feature Hunt

I have not been able to catch up on "The Godfather: Part 1" yet so I this post will be short. I will add to it once I have caught up.

Juxtaposition is one literary feature that I have been able to find in the movie. The example of this is near the beginning of the movie. The setting was very dark and had a chilling atmosphere. Don Corleone was seen in a meeting with another man. The room was dimly lit and the shadows on the people gave the setting the sinister feeling. When the meeting ended, the scene suddenly changed to a wedding party. It caused a lot of the viewers to 'jump in their seats' because of the sudden, loud music. This comparison allows the viewer to see Don Corleone's dangerous side and his 'normal' side.

The Godfather Part 1: Archetype

So far, there is one archetype that is clearly visible. In the "Hero's Journey" by Joseph Campbell, Joseph Campbell stated that in mythology, if one has a companion, the friend will stay with the main character throughout the story and help out wherever possible. In the "The Godfather Part 1", Don Corleone has many companions or people he could trust. He is always consulting with them and depending on his followers to carry out his orders.