Destiny in The Godfather In the novel called The Godfather written by Mario Puzo, Vito Corleone known as The Godfather, started out as a sales person when he was a young man who came to be one of the greatest mafia lords in New York City. Although he killed countless people he was still loved and respected by many because his criminal actions were an act to help out those who are in need. The Godfather would often say, “There is but one destiny in a man”. In the article written by Joe Kendrick, he clearly disagrees that a man has only one destiny. He presented an example about Clinton who started out as a lawyer and was elected as the President of the United States. He is saying that life can interfere with the destiny you chose for yourself. We can see that many characters in the novel have messed up lives. And that we are all products of our genes, our upbringing, and our culture. None of these things we can change. Just about every character in The Godfather does what he or she does according to these factors. The idea of every man having a destiny independent of these things is unrealistic. I agree with Kendrick’s thesis that a man can alter his destiny if he chooses to. First of all, destiny can be a multitude of destinations. A man can arrive at his fate with the efforts he is showing. Secondly, life plays a role in determining a person’s destiny. In life there are ups and downs where a man usually builds his self-confidence which may bring him a good life. Thirdly, we are a product of who we are and what we are brought up with. As a human you are able to change what you are brought up with by your family. You are not just destined with one destination. In the book of The Godfather, Don Corleone grew up to be a tough man. He knew that he would be a don someday so he took the necessary steps to be one. He won the respects of his people through sheer camaraderie and careful intellect. There is also a part where Michael Corleone, the don’s third son, made up his own destiny by studying hard so he will not be like his father. He went to war to fight but he decided to fight for his father and family’s honor instead. An example in the real life would be the destiny of President Barack Obama. He came from a poor family but this factor did not stop him from becoming the president. Life plays a role in determining one’s destiny. Vito Corleone, a man who just came from a hard and dangerous path who paved himself to power. He made this through careful decisions with a cunning mind which he learned from past lessons he learned throughout his life. Michael Corleone’s at first did not know that he was to be a don. He was a law abiding citizen when he was suddenly involved with the affairs of the family. Michael learned that in order to be a don, you must face decisions with a superb intellect and with a careful planning. We are products of who we are and what we are brought up with. Don Corleone’s being a Sicilian; he is known to be a non-quitter in life. He achieved the impossible through great efforts. Tom Hagen the lawyer of the Corleone family would also be an example. Him being Irish, he had given a lot of decisions without any false presumptions. We are known to be great people of changes and by change we have adapted into successful beings. All in all I agree with Kendrick that in a man, destiny is not just one destination. I believe that humans can change their destinies whenever they choose to. The Godfather, Vito Corleone chose his destiny by becoming a great leader of the mafia. Although he makes crimes, he does it as a form of help to others. Secondly life plays a big role in determining a person’s destiny. The person himself can alter his own destiny by the way he live his life. Finally, we are products of who we are and what we are brought up with. Many people follow their family’s customs because it has been the traditional way that they were brought up with throughout the generations. Living a life full of potentials gives way to a successful tomorrow. Works Cited Puzo, Mario. The Godfather. New York: G.P. Putnams Sons, 1969. Print.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 08:04:03 +0000
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