Sometimes, as with characters like Michael Corleone, their fate may emerge in the writing process like some sort of metaphorical DNA, clearly marking their personal trajectory. That sense of inevitability, what we may call Narrative Imperative, is a core dynamic of the Protagonist’s journey. Vito had hoped Michael could lead a “legitimate” life and become a senator or governor, but it was not to be as his destiny existed in a nascent form from the start of his adulthood. The fact the murders happen during a baptism ceremony at which Michael appears in the role of the infant’s godfather is both ironic and profound: Through his ruthless leadership, Michael embraces his essential nature as a Mafia don. He orders the assassination of five rivals. With Sonny dead, middle brother Fredo incapable of a leadership role, and Vito incapacitated due to his declining medical state and eventual death, Michael returns home and takes charge. When his father’s enemies discover Michael’s whereabouts, they kill his young wife in a bombing intended for him. That turns out to be an illusion as fate intervenes in his bucolic existence. They wed and it appears Michael may be able to skirt any further intersection with criminality. He convinces his older brother Sonny that because Michael is not perceived to be a part of the family business, he is in a position to cozy up to rival don Sollozzo and kill him, along with corrupt police chief McCluskey - which Michael does.Įxiled to Sicily for his own safekeeping, Michael falls in love with a local woman named Apollonia. This event seems to awaken something inside Michael. While visiting his father in the hospital, Michael demonstrates his innate strategic instincts by ordering the nurse on duty to move Vito to a different room, staving off another hit attempt. This feud results in an assassination attempt on Don Corleone. When Michael returns home after World War II, he finds himself inexorably pulled into the brewing battle between Mafia families. Yet as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that criminal life is the son’s fate, no matter his college education, years in the military, combat medals, or the express wishes of his father for Michael to avoid following in his footsteps. To all of you-and everyone who ensures that our mission of research and education continues-I am exceptionally grateful.In The Godfather (1972), Michael Corleone has been groomed to be a “civilian,” avoiding the criminal business of his father, Vito, a Mafia don. Since then, many of you across the campus have worked tirelessly to keep our community safe and healthy. In addition, I appreciate all the staff and volunteers who have administered so many of these vaccines-as well as those managing COVID-19 testing and care.Įxactly two years ago today, University Health & Counseling Services sent the first message referencing a new virus strain that later became known as COVID-19.
As of this writing, 91.9% of you have met its requirements. I am also impressed by our community’s high compliance with our booster policy. I am especially proud that some of these findings have come from our own Case Western Reserve faculty. Studies have shown that the Omicron variant is more contagious than Delta, while other research has demonstrated that booster doses increase protection against Omicron-and, if infected, contribute to less severe symptoms. To my mind, our situation further illustrates the value of science. I realize that this news may give some of you pause as in-person classes begin this week. We have notified everyone with whom we met over the past few days and will continue to isolate per the university’s policy. Fortunately, we are both fully vaccinated and boosted, and our symptoms have been mild. I write today to share that my wife, Karen, and I have both tested positive for COVID-19.
0 kommentar(er)
