Analysis of The Theme Through The Portrayal of The Protagonist in Mario Puzo's 'The Godfather'.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ………………………………………......................i
TABLE OF CONTENTS …………………………………………....................iii
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………….......................iv
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study ………………………………………………….1
Statement of the Problem …………………………………………………4
Purpose of the Study ……………………………………………………...4
Method of Research ……………………………………………………....5
Organization of the Thesis……………………….……………………..... 5
CHAPTER TWO: DICUSSION OF THEME THROUGH THE
PORTRAYAL OF THE PROTAGONIST IN
THE GODFATHER ……………….........................................................6
CHAPTER THREE: CONCLUSION ………………………………………...18
BIBLIOGRAPHY …………………………………………………………….. 22
APPENDICES
Synopsis of The Godfather………………………………………………24
Biography of the author………………………………………………….25
iii
Maranatha Christian University
ABSTRACT
Dalam kesempatan kali ini, penulis akan melakukan analisa tema melalui
penokohan sang tokoh utama sebuah novel mahakarya Mario Puzo yang berjudul
The Godfather. Tokoh utama novel ini bernama Vito Corleone. Novel ini
menitikberatkan pada kehidupan sang tokoh utama, perjalanan hidupnya, dan
bagaimana ia akhirnya dapat memperoleh kekuatan untuk menjadi seorang
pemimpin. Melalui analisis terhadap karakteristik sang tokoh utama, tema yang
penulis peroleh ialah: “Seseorang perlu untuk menjadi pintar, berani, dan dapat
diandalkan guna memperoleh kekuatan untuk menjadi seorang pemimpin.”
Vito Corleone adalah seorang imigran asal Corleone, Italia, yang
walaupun tidak memiliki kesempatan untuk bekerja seperti kebanyakan orang,
tetap dengan sukses menjadi seorang pemimpin dengan kekuatan yang
dimilikinya. Ia digambarkan sebagai seorang yang pintar, berani, dan dapat
diandalkan. Sifat-sifat tersebut membuatnya mendapatkan kekuatan untuk
menjadi seorang pemimpin sebuah keluarga mafia yang dipercaya merupakan
yang terkuat di seantero negeri, keluarga itu adalah Corleone. Bahkan dengan
iv
Maranatha Christian University
kekuatannya ia dapat membimbing para bawahannya melewati masa-masa sukar
seperti Great depression dan Prohibition era. Ini sekaligus menunjukkan betapa
tinggi kapabilitasnya sebagai seorang pemimpin. Keberhasilannya untuk menjadi
seorang pemimpin dan kokoh berdiri menghadapi rintangan seberat apapun
dengan kekuatannya yang berasal dari sifat-sifat yang dimilikinya itu membuat
penulis yakin bahwa seseorang perlu untuk menjadi pintar, berani, dan dapat
diandalkan untuk mendapatkan kekuatan untuk menjadi seorang pemimpin.
v
Maranatha Christian University
APPENDICES
SYNOPSIS OF THE GODFATHER
The Godfather deals with the rise of Vito Corleone and his mafia clan, the
Corleone. Vito Corleone is a Sicilian immigrant who fled to the United States at
the very young age. He runs away from mafia who try to kill him. In his new
country he becomes the leader of the Corleone, the most powerful mafia clan in
the United States.
The story opens in the wedding of Connie Corleone, the only daughter of
Vito Corleone. During the wedding, Vito Corleone is requested to meet people
who seek his help. A man, named Amerigo Bonasera, whose daughter was raped,
asks Vito Corleone to punish the rapists; another man, Nazorine, needs political
support so that his daughter's fiancé, Enzo, will not be deported; another, Vito
Corleone's godson, Johnny Fontane, who is a famous singer, whose career will
fail if he does not get the movie role that a Hollywood producer has refused to
him, asks for Vito Corleone's help to persuade the movie producer to give him a
part. Also, Anthony Coppola, the son of the man Vito Corleone worked with in
railroad yards as a youth, asks Vito Corleone to loan some money to open a
pizzeria. By the end of the wedding, with his power, he answers their requests.
24
Maranatha Christian University
As the time goes by, he becomes so powerful. Therefore, his power is
generally known. It makes him be more recognized in the world of mafia. When
the Prohibition and Great Depression era strike the United States and wipe out a
lot of mafia clans, he uses his power to secure his people and lead them to
prosperity. Soon enough he becomes the prosperous, respected, and powerful
leader, Don Vito Corleone, the Godfather.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Mario Gianluigi Puzo was an Italian-American author and screenwriter
who introduced and acquired fame for his mastery in the crime fiction. He was
born on 15 October 1920 in a poor family of Italian immigrants living in
Manhattan, New York City. Puzo married Lina Broske and the couple had five
children; Anthony Puzo, Joseph Puzo, Dorothy Antoinette Puzo, Virginia Erika
Puzo and Eugene Puzo. Young Mario initially wanted to be an army officer; he
graduated from the City College of new York and joined the United States Army
Air Forces during the World War II.
Mario Puzo wrote his first novel, The Dark Arena, during the World War
II that was published in 1955 and brought him the fame along with some critical
acclaims and excellent reviews but did not help him much through his most awful
phase of financial. His most outstanding work, The Godfather, was the first book
that made him a legendary figure winning the Academy Award. Reviewers hailed
25
Maranatha Christian University
the book as "big, turbulent, highly entertaining" (Newsweek) and "a voyeur's
dream, a skilful fantasy of violent personal power" (New York Times).
Winning readers by the millions, it stayed at or near the top of the New
York Times bestseller lists for sixty-nine weeks. Some of his notable works are:
The Fortunate Pilgrim (1965), Fools Die (1978), The Sicilian (1984), The Last
Don (1996), and The Family (2002). Mario Puzo died on 2 July 1999 in Bay
Shore, in New York.
26
Maranatha Christian University
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Mafia is believed to appear firstly in Sicily in about 1800s. In the middle
of 19th century they developed and widely spread around the world, especially to
the United States, Australia, and North America (“Italian Organized Crime”).
There are several meanings of the term mafia in the United States. The word
‘mafia’ firstly refers to the member of some criminal secret societies who moved
to the United States from Sicily, but later it is used to refer to the Italian organized
crime in general rather than simply traditional Sicilian crime organization. (“The
Mafia”). In Italy itself, the term mafia is known as Cosa Nostra (Our Thing)
which many Sicilians do not regard as criminals but as role models and protectors
1
Maranatha Christian University
because the state appear to offer no protection for the poor and weak. (“The
Mafia”).
People who come from Sicily believe that mafia is their “way of being”, as
illustrated in the definition by the Sicilian ethnographer, Giuseppe Pitrè: “Mafia is
the consciousness of one’s own worth, the exaggerated concept of individual force
as the sole arbiter of every conflict, of every clash of interests or ideas” (“The
Mafia”). The Sicilian themselves think that mafia is their way of being and not as
criminals but American people consider that they are criminals. This is a general
stereotype for people who are coming to the United States from Sicily at that time.
It is not surprising when Mario Puzo published his novel entitled The Godfather,
which contains the life of Sicilian mafia in the United States, people were curious
about his work.
Puzo himself wrote at least 11 novels but none of his works is equal to The
Godfather.
“… Puzo's first two novels weren't that good” (“The Godfather-
Critical Overview”). In The Godfather, Puzo writes about the life of a Sicilian
mafia clan, the Corleone, who live in the United States. The story itself tells about
Vito Corleone, the head of the Corleones who lives in the Prohibition era (1920–
33).
“Prohibition era is the period during which the manufacture, sale, and
transportation of alcoholic drinks was prohibited in the USA” ("Prohibition Era").
He moves to the United States when he is still young and later in his life he
becomes mafia.
2
Maranatha Christian University
In the United States he faces some undesirable situations, firstly because he is
Italian and immigrant. Secondly, the Great Depression strikes the United States.
The Great Depression is a “severe economic crisis supposedly precipitated by the
U.S. stock-market crash of 1929” (“Great Depression”).
Since the novel itself deals with Sicilian mafia which has been a
controversial issue for years, personally, I become curious about the theme of the
novel. Therefore, I will try to analyze it. According to Perrine, theme of the novel
is “The controlling idea or the central insight of the story” (Perrine 102).
Without any doubt, The Godfather is Mario Puzo’s masterpiece which is
considered a brilliant work. According to David Kelly, an instructor of creative
writing and composition at Oakton Community College in Illinois, the main
reason why The Godfather can be considered a brilliant work is because Puzo has
successfully made an amazing character. This character is considered his greatest
creation, as seen on the following quotation: “The greatest creation of Mario
Puzo's writing career is, without question, the character of Don Vito Corleone”
(“The Godfather-Criticism”).
The protagonist in the novel, Vito Corleone, is a Sicilian who is
considered as a mafia (criminal) by people in the United States. Since the
protagonist’s existence is very important here, I naturally become interested in
analyzing it as a support to help me find the theme of the novel, for there are some
3
Maranatha Christian University
ways in which an author can express theme; one of them is through the main
characters, “The main character usually illustrates the most important theme of the
story” (“Literary Elements”). According to Perrine, protagonist is “The central
character in the conflict…” (Perrine 44) or “The main character in a drama, novel,
or story, around whom the action centers” (“Protagonist”).
Finally, in order to analyze the protagonist as to formulate the theme of the
novel, I would like to portray its characteristics using the characterization
technique which based on the technique in M.J Murphy’s Understanding Unseens.
According to him, there are at least 9 ways that the readers can use to portray a
character, which are: personal description, character as seen by another, speech,
past life, conversation of others, reactions, direct comment, thought and
mannerism.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
In order to analyze the novel, I state the problems as follow:
1.
What is the theme of the novel?
2.
How does the portrayal of the protagonist help to reveal the theme?
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The study is carried to show:
1.
The theme of the novel.
2.
How the portrayal of the protagonist helps to reveal the theme of the novel.
4
Maranatha Christian University
METHOD OF RESEARCH
The method that I use is formalism. I will analyze the theme of the novel
primarily through the portrayal of the protagonist, Vito Corleone. The type of
research I used is library research. First of all, I read my primary text, The
Godfather. Afterwards I gather the data from the novel and analyze the text by
referring to the literary theories. I also gather some other resources from the
internet and books that are able to support my analysis. Finally, I use them which
assist me in drawing the conclusion.
ORGANIZATION OF THE THESIS
I divide my thesis into three chapters, which is preceded by the
Acknowledgement, Table of Content and Abstract. In the first chapter, I present
Chapter One as the Introduction which contains the Background of the Study,
Statement of Problem, Purpose of the Study, Method of Research and
Organization of the Thesis. In Chapter Two I present the theme analysis through
the protagonist of the novel. The Third chapter is the conclusion of my analysis.
The thesis ends with Bibliography and Appendix containing the synopsis of the
novel and the biography of the author.
5
Maranatha Christian University
CHAPTER THREE
CONCLUSION
After completing the analysis of the protagonist, I would like to draw a
conclusion. I can formulate that the theme of the novel is: “One needs to be smart,
brave, and reliable in order to gain power to be a leader.” It is clearly seen through
the in-depth analysis of the portrayal of the protagonist.
Through the analysis of Vito Corleone’s characteristics, it is clearly seen
that his characteristics contributes to his having power for being leader. As a
smart person, he can foresee something ahead. His smartness makes him able to
evaluate something and makes a perfect decision. His smartness also contributes
in his success of expanding his business in which he gets a lot financially. His
bravery gives him the ability to make a perfect decision without being afraid of
the consequences ahead. It also gives him strength to overcome any problems.
People’s great respect for him is attributed to his bravery. As a reliable person, he
18
Maranatha Christian University
gives his best to his people. He helps them all and shows that he has the ability to
help them. He proves that they can rely on him. It makes them depend on him.
Vito Corleone’s success in getting power enables him to be a leader by
proclaiming the title Don, more importantly as the Godfather. His power also
makes him able to overcome the obstacles. It also helps him to lead his people to
prosperity. Therefore, I believe that Vito Corleone’s characteristics contribute in
his success of getting power for being leader.
Through the in-depth reading of the novel, I should also say that Puzo
successfully portrays his protagonist. He effectively uses four characterization
techniques, which are speech, conversation of others, reactions, and direct
comment. Dominantly, Puzo uses the direct comment technique. I think it is the
best and clearest way to describe a character’s characteristics because in this
technique, it is the author himself that directly gives comment to a character.
Besides, in my opinion, the information from the author himself is the most
credible one for he is the one who knows everything in the novel. It can also be
easier for his readers to get understanding about the particular character.
Furthermore, I also conclude that there are some moral lessons that the
readers can get after reading the novel in which I believe also helps Vito Corleone
to be a leader. First of all, it is about loyalty. Vito Corleone, the protagonist,
shows that he is loyal to his people. He helps them when they have troubles. He
gives them their best. Sometimes their requests are difficult, he never betrays
19
Maranatha Christian University
them. Instead, he keeps helping them. He shows that through the good and bad
things in life, he is still with them, like what he does to Bonasera. Bonasera is
Vito Corleone’s old friend. He somewhat leaves the Corleone clan as it is
considered a betrayal but Vito Corleone never leaves him. When Bonasera comes
to ask for Vito Corleone’s help, he shows his loyalty and help Bonasera. With his
being loyal, his people trust him more; therefore, he earns more respect. The more
respects he has, the more power he has. I think through his action, it shows that as
a human being, we need to be loyal to each other although perhaps we are
betrayed by people around us.
Secondly, I think as human being we need to maximize our potential.
Nowadays, people seem to feel dissatisfied with what they have. They would
prefer to keep complaining for their life rather than give thanks of themselves and
see their life as a failure. It is very different from Vito Corleone. He is portrayed
as a man who is very potential in that he is, by nature, a smart, brave and reliable
person. Therefore, he sees his life positively and maximizes his potential. In the
end, he shows that by maximizing his potential, he can get what he wants.
Thirdly, the moral lesson that I get from reading the novel is that as a man
specifically as a father, one need to take full responsibility of his family. Vito
Corleone shows in the novel about how hard he tries to get power for being
leader. The purpose is not only to get what he wants but also to show his
responsibility as a father, the head of his family. It also shows that he loves his
20
Maranatha Christian University
family. Vito Corleone proves that although his status is as the head of a mafia
family, he still cares about his family. He gives them everything that he can give
and secure them from all danger. His being responsible to his family is also a
proof to his people that they can count their lives on him. It makes him become
more powerful to be a leader.
The last moral lesson that I get is about perseverance. Although some
problems occur, the protagonist commits to face it and keep moving forward
without looking back. In the end, he succeeds. With his perseverance, he succeeds
in gaining power; therefore, he becomes a leader. He proves that with
perseverance, one can achieve his dream.
Above all, in my opinion, the theme through the protagonist in The
Godfather is suitable to represent the power for leadership. The novel clearly
describes the effort of the protagonist to get power for being a leader. The
theme is also a moral message for the readers about the importance being
smart, brave, and reliable. Those three are the most important foundations of
power for leadership. With one being smart, brave, and reliable he can get
money, respect, and make people depend on him. It becomes his power to be
leader. Moreover, through the analysis of the characteristics of the protagonist,
the readers are also taught to be loyal, to be responsible, to love each other, to
keep moving forward, and to persevere in life.
21
Maranatha Christian University
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Primary Text:
Puzo, Mario. The Godfather. New York: Penguin Group, 1978.
References
Barzini, Luigi. The Italians. New York: Antheneum. 1964.
“Famous People.” Thefamouspeople.com. Oct 31 2009.
“Great Depression.” The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008.
Encyclopedia.com. 31 Oct 2009.
Kelly, David. “The Godfather Criticism.” Answers.com. 2009. 24 Apr. 2009.
“Literary Elements.” Orangeusd.k12.ca.us. Oct 31 2009.
Murphy, M.J. Understanding Unseens. 1972. London: Georger Allen & Unwin
Ltd.
Perrine, Laurance. Story and Structure. Fourth Edition, 1974. New York: Harcout
Brace Jovanovich, Inc.
“Prohibition era.” A dictionary of World History. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 31
Oct 2009.
“Protagonist.” Yourdictionary.com. 1996-2009. 31 Oct 2009.
22
Maranatha Christian University
“The Godfather (Critical Overview).” Answers.com. 31 Oct 2009.
“The Mafia.” Thebestofsicily.com. 31 Oct 2009.
23
Maranatha Christian University
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ………………………………………......................i
TABLE OF CONTENTS …………………………………………....................iii
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………….......................iv
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study ………………………………………………….1
Statement of the Problem …………………………………………………4
Purpose of the Study ……………………………………………………...4
Method of Research ……………………………………………………....5
Organization of the Thesis……………………….……………………..... 5
CHAPTER TWO: DICUSSION OF THEME THROUGH THE
PORTRAYAL OF THE PROTAGONIST IN
THE GODFATHER ……………….........................................................6
CHAPTER THREE: CONCLUSION ………………………………………...18
BIBLIOGRAPHY …………………………………………………………….. 22
APPENDICES
Synopsis of The Godfather………………………………………………24
Biography of the author………………………………………………….25
iii
Maranatha Christian University
ABSTRACT
Dalam kesempatan kali ini, penulis akan melakukan analisa tema melalui
penokohan sang tokoh utama sebuah novel mahakarya Mario Puzo yang berjudul
The Godfather. Tokoh utama novel ini bernama Vito Corleone. Novel ini
menitikberatkan pada kehidupan sang tokoh utama, perjalanan hidupnya, dan
bagaimana ia akhirnya dapat memperoleh kekuatan untuk menjadi seorang
pemimpin. Melalui analisis terhadap karakteristik sang tokoh utama, tema yang
penulis peroleh ialah: “Seseorang perlu untuk menjadi pintar, berani, dan dapat
diandalkan guna memperoleh kekuatan untuk menjadi seorang pemimpin.”
Vito Corleone adalah seorang imigran asal Corleone, Italia, yang
walaupun tidak memiliki kesempatan untuk bekerja seperti kebanyakan orang,
tetap dengan sukses menjadi seorang pemimpin dengan kekuatan yang
dimilikinya. Ia digambarkan sebagai seorang yang pintar, berani, dan dapat
diandalkan. Sifat-sifat tersebut membuatnya mendapatkan kekuatan untuk
menjadi seorang pemimpin sebuah keluarga mafia yang dipercaya merupakan
yang terkuat di seantero negeri, keluarga itu adalah Corleone. Bahkan dengan
iv
Maranatha Christian University
kekuatannya ia dapat membimbing para bawahannya melewati masa-masa sukar
seperti Great depression dan Prohibition era. Ini sekaligus menunjukkan betapa
tinggi kapabilitasnya sebagai seorang pemimpin. Keberhasilannya untuk menjadi
seorang pemimpin dan kokoh berdiri menghadapi rintangan seberat apapun
dengan kekuatannya yang berasal dari sifat-sifat yang dimilikinya itu membuat
penulis yakin bahwa seseorang perlu untuk menjadi pintar, berani, dan dapat
diandalkan untuk mendapatkan kekuatan untuk menjadi seorang pemimpin.
v
Maranatha Christian University
APPENDICES
SYNOPSIS OF THE GODFATHER
The Godfather deals with the rise of Vito Corleone and his mafia clan, the
Corleone. Vito Corleone is a Sicilian immigrant who fled to the United States at
the very young age. He runs away from mafia who try to kill him. In his new
country he becomes the leader of the Corleone, the most powerful mafia clan in
the United States.
The story opens in the wedding of Connie Corleone, the only daughter of
Vito Corleone. During the wedding, Vito Corleone is requested to meet people
who seek his help. A man, named Amerigo Bonasera, whose daughter was raped,
asks Vito Corleone to punish the rapists; another man, Nazorine, needs political
support so that his daughter's fiancé, Enzo, will not be deported; another, Vito
Corleone's godson, Johnny Fontane, who is a famous singer, whose career will
fail if he does not get the movie role that a Hollywood producer has refused to
him, asks for Vito Corleone's help to persuade the movie producer to give him a
part. Also, Anthony Coppola, the son of the man Vito Corleone worked with in
railroad yards as a youth, asks Vito Corleone to loan some money to open a
pizzeria. By the end of the wedding, with his power, he answers their requests.
24
Maranatha Christian University
As the time goes by, he becomes so powerful. Therefore, his power is
generally known. It makes him be more recognized in the world of mafia. When
the Prohibition and Great Depression era strike the United States and wipe out a
lot of mafia clans, he uses his power to secure his people and lead them to
prosperity. Soon enough he becomes the prosperous, respected, and powerful
leader, Don Vito Corleone, the Godfather.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Mario Gianluigi Puzo was an Italian-American author and screenwriter
who introduced and acquired fame for his mastery in the crime fiction. He was
born on 15 October 1920 in a poor family of Italian immigrants living in
Manhattan, New York City. Puzo married Lina Broske and the couple had five
children; Anthony Puzo, Joseph Puzo, Dorothy Antoinette Puzo, Virginia Erika
Puzo and Eugene Puzo. Young Mario initially wanted to be an army officer; he
graduated from the City College of new York and joined the United States Army
Air Forces during the World War II.
Mario Puzo wrote his first novel, The Dark Arena, during the World War
II that was published in 1955 and brought him the fame along with some critical
acclaims and excellent reviews but did not help him much through his most awful
phase of financial. His most outstanding work, The Godfather, was the first book
that made him a legendary figure winning the Academy Award. Reviewers hailed
25
Maranatha Christian University
the book as "big, turbulent, highly entertaining" (Newsweek) and "a voyeur's
dream, a skilful fantasy of violent personal power" (New York Times).
Winning readers by the millions, it stayed at or near the top of the New
York Times bestseller lists for sixty-nine weeks. Some of his notable works are:
The Fortunate Pilgrim (1965), Fools Die (1978), The Sicilian (1984), The Last
Don (1996), and The Family (2002). Mario Puzo died on 2 July 1999 in Bay
Shore, in New York.
26
Maranatha Christian University
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Mafia is believed to appear firstly in Sicily in about 1800s. In the middle
of 19th century they developed and widely spread around the world, especially to
the United States, Australia, and North America (“Italian Organized Crime”).
There are several meanings of the term mafia in the United States. The word
‘mafia’ firstly refers to the member of some criminal secret societies who moved
to the United States from Sicily, but later it is used to refer to the Italian organized
crime in general rather than simply traditional Sicilian crime organization. (“The
Mafia”). In Italy itself, the term mafia is known as Cosa Nostra (Our Thing)
which many Sicilians do not regard as criminals but as role models and protectors
1
Maranatha Christian University
because the state appear to offer no protection for the poor and weak. (“The
Mafia”).
People who come from Sicily believe that mafia is their “way of being”, as
illustrated in the definition by the Sicilian ethnographer, Giuseppe Pitrè: “Mafia is
the consciousness of one’s own worth, the exaggerated concept of individual force
as the sole arbiter of every conflict, of every clash of interests or ideas” (“The
Mafia”). The Sicilian themselves think that mafia is their way of being and not as
criminals but American people consider that they are criminals. This is a general
stereotype for people who are coming to the United States from Sicily at that time.
It is not surprising when Mario Puzo published his novel entitled The Godfather,
which contains the life of Sicilian mafia in the United States, people were curious
about his work.
Puzo himself wrote at least 11 novels but none of his works is equal to The
Godfather.
“… Puzo's first two novels weren't that good” (“The Godfather-
Critical Overview”). In The Godfather, Puzo writes about the life of a Sicilian
mafia clan, the Corleone, who live in the United States. The story itself tells about
Vito Corleone, the head of the Corleones who lives in the Prohibition era (1920–
33).
“Prohibition era is the period during which the manufacture, sale, and
transportation of alcoholic drinks was prohibited in the USA” ("Prohibition Era").
He moves to the United States when he is still young and later in his life he
becomes mafia.
2
Maranatha Christian University
In the United States he faces some undesirable situations, firstly because he is
Italian and immigrant. Secondly, the Great Depression strikes the United States.
The Great Depression is a “severe economic crisis supposedly precipitated by the
U.S. stock-market crash of 1929” (“Great Depression”).
Since the novel itself deals with Sicilian mafia which has been a
controversial issue for years, personally, I become curious about the theme of the
novel. Therefore, I will try to analyze it. According to Perrine, theme of the novel
is “The controlling idea or the central insight of the story” (Perrine 102).
Without any doubt, The Godfather is Mario Puzo’s masterpiece which is
considered a brilliant work. According to David Kelly, an instructor of creative
writing and composition at Oakton Community College in Illinois, the main
reason why The Godfather can be considered a brilliant work is because Puzo has
successfully made an amazing character. This character is considered his greatest
creation, as seen on the following quotation: “The greatest creation of Mario
Puzo's writing career is, without question, the character of Don Vito Corleone”
(“The Godfather-Criticism”).
The protagonist in the novel, Vito Corleone, is a Sicilian who is
considered as a mafia (criminal) by people in the United States. Since the
protagonist’s existence is very important here, I naturally become interested in
analyzing it as a support to help me find the theme of the novel, for there are some
3
Maranatha Christian University
ways in which an author can express theme; one of them is through the main
characters, “The main character usually illustrates the most important theme of the
story” (“Literary Elements”). According to Perrine, protagonist is “The central
character in the conflict…” (Perrine 44) or “The main character in a drama, novel,
or story, around whom the action centers” (“Protagonist”).
Finally, in order to analyze the protagonist as to formulate the theme of the
novel, I would like to portray its characteristics using the characterization
technique which based on the technique in M.J Murphy’s Understanding Unseens.
According to him, there are at least 9 ways that the readers can use to portray a
character, which are: personal description, character as seen by another, speech,
past life, conversation of others, reactions, direct comment, thought and
mannerism.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
In order to analyze the novel, I state the problems as follow:
1.
What is the theme of the novel?
2.
How does the portrayal of the protagonist help to reveal the theme?
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The study is carried to show:
1.
The theme of the novel.
2.
How the portrayal of the protagonist helps to reveal the theme of the novel.
4
Maranatha Christian University
METHOD OF RESEARCH
The method that I use is formalism. I will analyze the theme of the novel
primarily through the portrayal of the protagonist, Vito Corleone. The type of
research I used is library research. First of all, I read my primary text, The
Godfather. Afterwards I gather the data from the novel and analyze the text by
referring to the literary theories. I also gather some other resources from the
internet and books that are able to support my analysis. Finally, I use them which
assist me in drawing the conclusion.
ORGANIZATION OF THE THESIS
I divide my thesis into three chapters, which is preceded by the
Acknowledgement, Table of Content and Abstract. In the first chapter, I present
Chapter One as the Introduction which contains the Background of the Study,
Statement of Problem, Purpose of the Study, Method of Research and
Organization of the Thesis. In Chapter Two I present the theme analysis through
the protagonist of the novel. The Third chapter is the conclusion of my analysis.
The thesis ends with Bibliography and Appendix containing the synopsis of the
novel and the biography of the author.
5
Maranatha Christian University
CHAPTER THREE
CONCLUSION
After completing the analysis of the protagonist, I would like to draw a
conclusion. I can formulate that the theme of the novel is: “One needs to be smart,
brave, and reliable in order to gain power to be a leader.” It is clearly seen through
the in-depth analysis of the portrayal of the protagonist.
Through the analysis of Vito Corleone’s characteristics, it is clearly seen
that his characteristics contributes to his having power for being leader. As a
smart person, he can foresee something ahead. His smartness makes him able to
evaluate something and makes a perfect decision. His smartness also contributes
in his success of expanding his business in which he gets a lot financially. His
bravery gives him the ability to make a perfect decision without being afraid of
the consequences ahead. It also gives him strength to overcome any problems.
People’s great respect for him is attributed to his bravery. As a reliable person, he
18
Maranatha Christian University
gives his best to his people. He helps them all and shows that he has the ability to
help them. He proves that they can rely on him. It makes them depend on him.
Vito Corleone’s success in getting power enables him to be a leader by
proclaiming the title Don, more importantly as the Godfather. His power also
makes him able to overcome the obstacles. It also helps him to lead his people to
prosperity. Therefore, I believe that Vito Corleone’s characteristics contribute in
his success of getting power for being leader.
Through the in-depth reading of the novel, I should also say that Puzo
successfully portrays his protagonist. He effectively uses four characterization
techniques, which are speech, conversation of others, reactions, and direct
comment. Dominantly, Puzo uses the direct comment technique. I think it is the
best and clearest way to describe a character’s characteristics because in this
technique, it is the author himself that directly gives comment to a character.
Besides, in my opinion, the information from the author himself is the most
credible one for he is the one who knows everything in the novel. It can also be
easier for his readers to get understanding about the particular character.
Furthermore, I also conclude that there are some moral lessons that the
readers can get after reading the novel in which I believe also helps Vito Corleone
to be a leader. First of all, it is about loyalty. Vito Corleone, the protagonist,
shows that he is loyal to his people. He helps them when they have troubles. He
gives them their best. Sometimes their requests are difficult, he never betrays
19
Maranatha Christian University
them. Instead, he keeps helping them. He shows that through the good and bad
things in life, he is still with them, like what he does to Bonasera. Bonasera is
Vito Corleone’s old friend. He somewhat leaves the Corleone clan as it is
considered a betrayal but Vito Corleone never leaves him. When Bonasera comes
to ask for Vito Corleone’s help, he shows his loyalty and help Bonasera. With his
being loyal, his people trust him more; therefore, he earns more respect. The more
respects he has, the more power he has. I think through his action, it shows that as
a human being, we need to be loyal to each other although perhaps we are
betrayed by people around us.
Secondly, I think as human being we need to maximize our potential.
Nowadays, people seem to feel dissatisfied with what they have. They would
prefer to keep complaining for their life rather than give thanks of themselves and
see their life as a failure. It is very different from Vito Corleone. He is portrayed
as a man who is very potential in that he is, by nature, a smart, brave and reliable
person. Therefore, he sees his life positively and maximizes his potential. In the
end, he shows that by maximizing his potential, he can get what he wants.
Thirdly, the moral lesson that I get from reading the novel is that as a man
specifically as a father, one need to take full responsibility of his family. Vito
Corleone shows in the novel about how hard he tries to get power for being
leader. The purpose is not only to get what he wants but also to show his
responsibility as a father, the head of his family. It also shows that he loves his
20
Maranatha Christian University
family. Vito Corleone proves that although his status is as the head of a mafia
family, he still cares about his family. He gives them everything that he can give
and secure them from all danger. His being responsible to his family is also a
proof to his people that they can count their lives on him. It makes him become
more powerful to be a leader.
The last moral lesson that I get is about perseverance. Although some
problems occur, the protagonist commits to face it and keep moving forward
without looking back. In the end, he succeeds. With his perseverance, he succeeds
in gaining power; therefore, he becomes a leader. He proves that with
perseverance, one can achieve his dream.
Above all, in my opinion, the theme through the protagonist in The
Godfather is suitable to represent the power for leadership. The novel clearly
describes the effort of the protagonist to get power for being a leader. The
theme is also a moral message for the readers about the importance being
smart, brave, and reliable. Those three are the most important foundations of
power for leadership. With one being smart, brave, and reliable he can get
money, respect, and make people depend on him. It becomes his power to be
leader. Moreover, through the analysis of the characteristics of the protagonist,
the readers are also taught to be loyal, to be responsible, to love each other, to
keep moving forward, and to persevere in life.
21
Maranatha Christian University
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Primary Text:
Puzo, Mario. The Godfather. New York: Penguin Group, 1978.
References
Barzini, Luigi. The Italians. New York: Antheneum. 1964.
“Famous People.” Thefamouspeople.com. Oct 31 2009.
“Great Depression.” The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008.
Encyclopedia.com. 31 Oct 2009.
Kelly, David. “The Godfather Criticism.” Answers.com. 2009. 24 Apr. 2009.
“Literary Elements.” Orangeusd.k12.ca.us. Oct 31 2009.
Murphy, M.J. Understanding Unseens. 1972. London: Georger Allen & Unwin
Ltd.
Perrine, Laurance. Story and Structure. Fourth Edition, 1974. New York: Harcout
Brace Jovanovich, Inc.
“Prohibition era.” A dictionary of World History. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 31
Oct 2009.
“Protagonist.” Yourdictionary.com. 1996-2009. 31 Oct 2009.
22
Maranatha Christian University
“The Godfather (Critical Overview).” Answers.com. 31 Oct 2009.
“The Mafia.” Thebestofsicily.com. 31 Oct 2009.
23
Maranatha Christian University