The Godfather by Mario Puzo free essay sample

An analysis of the novel The Godfather by Mario Puzo with emphasis on the narrative structure and the experience of reading. This paper discusses the methods used by the author Mario Puzo in his novel The Godfather to involve the reader in the plot. His glamorous portrayal of the mafia in general and of the Corleone family in particular force a moral dilemma on the reader. This paper claims that the reader must suspend judgment to enjoy the novel. The first moral dilemma is the dilemma that frames the narrative or the plot of the book. Don Corleone came to America to continue the family trade of crime and yet to become an American success story in a legitimate fashion. However, he is unable, after the war between the different Mafia crime factions takes his appointed successor Sonny, to enable his son Michael to lead the legitimate life the Don wished him to. We will write a custom essay sample on The Godfather by Mario Puzo or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Don wished to win social as well as economic legitimacy for his family in America. He wished to life the American dream, although the dream began on ill-gotten gains. He wished to wash his blood money clean. However, because of the way he earned his money, his son must live an immoral life. Michael cannot distance himself from his family, emotionally. He knows that the reason he has been allowed to live the life of a typical American is because of his fathers life of crime. Thus, when the need arises, he must put aside his legitimate desires and pursue a life of crime, coming to the head of the Corleone family.