Godfather Moral Downfall Essay example -- essays research papers

Critics stand for that in The Godfather, the protagonist, Michael Corleone (Mikey) changes from a person with moral principles and a legitimate habit in society to a cold-blooded mobster. In the beginning of the movie, Mikey shows his faltering to involve himself in the mafia when he tells his girlfriend, Kaye, about his fathers (Vito Corleone) business methods of coercion and says he entrust never be resembling his family. However, as Mikeys involve custodyt with the family business increases his violent tendencies become more(prenominal) apparent as he volunteers to murder a rival clod and a corrupt police officer. In the final scene, Mikey kills his brother-in-law, and when confronted by Kaye, he looks her in the eyes and claims no image in the murder. At this point, he completely transforms from a military hero and legitimate citizen, to a Mafia don capable of lies and murder. While Mikeys transformation is quite obvious, the intellect for this change in moral way is a more interlocking issue. The change in ethical behavior is a result of Mikeys decision to become more involved with his family, consequently putting him in an environment that promotes immoral behavior. Michael Corleones problem is an internal conflict amidst loyalty to family and moral principle. After an assassination attempt on Mikeys father, Mikey decides to sideboard to the family and assume leadership, even though he disapproves of Mafia business practices. The say-so of family ties, ingrained in Mikey as a youth, influenced his choice. Decisions in choosing between chasten and wrong should not be confined to just a way out of the individual, but a response influenced by the family. Psychologists feel that the rearing of a child during early years plays a particularly important routine in influencing behavior throughout a childs life. So, certain choices simply will not be made due to values established at an early age, since cognitive moral development restricts &quo tfree will" to well-nigh degree. Obviously, growing up in a Mafia family would put Mikey in an environment where he experiences a tainted view of right and wrong. Also, in the family situation, pressures from the group (the family) often influence the individuals behavior making the individuals decisions more difficult. Therefore, soulfulness not taught independence will have trouble standing up against the family. For example, Mikey holds a notion o... ...uotno regrets." Mikey only nods in agreement presentation his acceptance of his new position. Mikeys moral downfall is most apt(predicate) a result of genetic influences, coupled with his current situation in a Mafia environment. His genetic makeup prohibits him from withstanding the pressures and influences of Mafia life. His violent behavior in the killings coincide with the Corleone notion of loyalty, and family business practices. Possible inherited defects in the Corleone family, such as those found in the five g enerations of Dutch men stated previously, fit well with Mafia methods of coercion and getting unloosen of competition. Also, the fact that Mikey feels responsible in helping with the protection of his father, and his expected role in the matter, affect his decision about involvement in the family business. Since the informant only sees a short span of Mikeys life, it is difficult to guess if Mikey will ever deviate from his current unethical practices. Theory suggests that he will change because altering personalities permanently is nearly impossible. However, only by viewing subsequent parts of Mikeys life can we experience for sure if he will return to moral standards of living.