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Home , Antihero, Corleone family, Mario Puzo, Michael Corleone, Moe Greene, The Godfather (novel)

Mohamad Sidiq Femy Hadirojaq The Portrayal of Antihero in ’s (1969)

The Portrayal of Antihero in Mario Puzo’s The Godfather (1969)

Mohamad Sidiq Femy Hadirojaq, Ahmad Bukhori Muslim* English Language and Literature Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia [email protected]

ABSTRACT This study aims to discover how the antihero is portrayed by Michael in The Godfather (1969) by Mario Puzo. The data were in the forms of words, phrases, sentences, and dialogues between the characters in the novel, which were then categorized into four types of according to Rimmon-Kenan (2003), namely , appearance, speech, and environment. Furthermore, the data were framed by conflictual points while identifying certain events and that are considered as the portrayal of an antihero using the theory of antihero by Wilson et al. (2013). The data were then analyzed through a descriptive qualitative method to obtain deeper explanation and understanding. The result shows that the novel portrays as an antihero for having the identical characteristics of an antihero proposed by Wilson et al. (2013), namely empathy, humility, self-awareness, flexibility, and an ability to acknowledge the uncertainty. Therefore, it is found that the characteristics of an antihero are not entirely dominated by negative traits as argued by Pangestu (2017), Jati (2018), and Garcia (2013). An antihero may have some negative traits, but they also have some positive ones. The findings of this study also indicate that the original antihero is the antithesis of a because an antihero portrays human nature in general.

Keywords: antihero, portrayal, characterization

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INTRODUCTION is weak and doubtful. On the other is one of the most important hand, antihero is an emphatic, elements in literary works. In a story, flexible, and brave character (Rand, the is steered by the main 2004.). As Jones (2012) states, “an character. Normally, a character who antihero contradicts everything in has better traits or visualization than Joseph’s Campbell’s theory about other characters often become the how all heroes acts or should, by main character, and most literary virtue of being merely average” (page works usually include the main 58). Thus, the antihero characters character as a hero who has good have characterization that is similar to personality traits. However, there can a real-world person. They are flexible be a main character who lacks either as a good or bad character. conventional heroic qualities and The existence of antihero in the attributes such as idealism, courage, literary works introduces a new kind and morality; it is called antihero. of character that is worth analyzing “Historically, the term antihero was since antihero is neither a hero nor a first used as early as 1714, emerged in (Maryani, 2017). There is also works such as Rameau's Nephew in a trend of antihero in literary works the 18th century: 1990–2000 and is which are indicated by the appearance also used more broadly to cover of new kind of characters such as Byronic heroes as well” (Palfy, 2016, Forrest Gump, Deadpool, and p.16). Sparrow. Apparently, this trend The word hero derives from the Greek suggests that antihero characters’ term for defender or protector and complexity more closely presented as a virtuous and flawless reflects our own. They are still character (Campbell, 2004), while the developing, making mistakes, antihero has the opposite growing, and sometimes they tend characterization; besides he has good towards heroism. or positive characterization, he also Moreover, a number of studies have has some negative characterization. looked at and investigated antihero For example, experts say that antihero characterization in different literary

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Mohamad Sidiq Femy Hadirojaq The Portrayal of Antihero in Mario Puzo’s The Godfather (1969)

works. The research of antihero was shown clearly when the anti-hero characterization in a novel has been character plays a role as a partner of done by Mikulaková (2009) which the hero. Both of the studies analyzed analyzed the antihero in Clockwork the antihero using the same theory Orange written by Anthony Burgess from new criticism perspective. (2000). His writing also contains two According to the previous studies types of antihero characterization: above, the researchers discussed the one of them is the presentation of the traits of the antihero using the new character’s asexuality that can be criticism perspective. However, this called an antihero for the absolute research focuses on analyzing the lack of and heroism. In portrayal of antihero of the main that case, the important part of Alex’s character named Michael Corleone characterization is his free choice to that is framed by conflictual points. be violent unlike others. The analysis emphasizes the method In addition, Fauzi (2018) explores the of indirect characterization theory ambiguity of antihero in Mel proposed by Rimmon-Kenan (2003) Gibson’s Hacksaw Ridge (2016) which describes a character through movie to discover the layers of the character’s actions, conversations, meaning or interpretation of appearance, and environment. It is ambiguity of the character. There are supported by the classification of two main problems in this research; antihero proposed by Wilson et al. the first one is the characterization of (2013), which suggests that an main character in the movie, and the antihero is not entirely dominated second one is the ambiguity that with negative traits. generates a provisional interpretation This research analyzes a novel of antihero. Additionally, the research entitled The Godfather written by method is descriptive, which is Mario Puzo which was first published conducted with descriptive in 1969. Meanwhile, studies on The qualitative analysis and objective Godfather has been done by some criticism. The result of this research researchers. In her writing, shows that the ambiguity of anti-hero Yuaningtyas (2008) discusses family

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loyalty of the . In become a villain which is considered addition, Utami (2010) analyzes the as an antihero. major character and focuses on the struggle for a better life of Michael METHODOLOGY Corleone in Mario Puzo’s The Since this research aims to discover Godfather through psychological how the main character of The approach developed by Alfred Adler. Godfather, Michael Corleone, is The Godfather novel details the story portrayed as an antihero, a qualitative of a fictional mafia family based in study is used. Therefore, this study , headed by Vito uses a qualitative method to be able to Corleone. The mob war between the reach a further understanding of the Corleone family and the other four of portrayal of antihero in literary works. the of New York is the More specifically, the study is in the central issue. After is form of textual analysis. Thus, the shot by his rival, his son named data in this study were used to Michael must run business. elaborate on the concept and theories Michael, the young and idealistic son that have been explained in the of Vito Corleone, becomes the head previous chapter. of the most powerful Mafia clan in The data were collected from the New York. novel written by Mario Puzo, entitled The novel is chosen since the main The Godfather (1969). Before character in the novel has certain collecting the data, the writer read the criteria that are categorized as an novel in English version twice. The antihero and believed to be able to data are in the forms of words, provide the data of how the antihero phrases, sentences, and dialogues is portrayed. Michael Corleone’s between the characters in the novel. character is researchable due to the Furthermore, the data were framed by fact that he becomes the new main conflictual point while identifying character in the story and his role is certain events and narrations that are changing from a good character to considered as the presentation of the antihero in the novel. The research is

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Mohamad Sidiq Femy Hadirojaq The Portrayal of Antihero in Mario Puzo’s The Godfather (1969)

limited to discuss and analyze how Michael Corleone are portrayed each sentence and dialogue show the through four elements based on the presentation of antihero in the novel. indirect characterization theory Regarding the research question, proposed by Rimmon-Kenan (2003), questioning how the antihero is which are: , speech, external portrayed by the main character role, appearance, and environment. procedure for the analysis of the Michael Corleone is regarded as a antihero portrayed in The Godfather powerful, calm, clever, and emphatic was conducted in three steps. The first character. However, he also shows his step is paying attention to methods of antihero’s characteristic inside him at characterization of the main character the end of the novel. Other textual in the story. The collected data are in evidences show that Michael is a the form of text and presented in the flawed hero. For instance, Michael is form of a table. The data are portrayed as a weak character at the categorized into four aspects of the beginning of the novel. He also is methods of indirect characterization known as the weakest Corleone from Rimmon-Kenan (2003). The compared to the other family second step is interpreting and members. The findings and the analyzing some selected conflictual elaboration are presented below. point and events. The analysis focuses on the presentation of the antihero in FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION the main character. This step Findings have shown that Michael investigates the five characteristics of Corleone is portrayed as an antihero antihero that is presented in the novel in the novel The Godfather (1969) by that is suggested by Wilson et al. Mario Puzo. To get a more specific (2013). The last step, after the characterization of Michael Corleone analysis is conducted, a conclusion is as an antihero, the data were analyzed drawn to see how the antihero is using the theory of characterization addressed in the novel. by Rimmon-Kenan (2003), which Based on the analysis, it is found that includes act, appearance, speech, and the antihero characteristics inside environment. The result shows that

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the novel portrays Michael Corleone give him trouble in the future. as an antihero for having the identical Furthermore, he stays calm even characteristics of an antihero though he is faced with a difficult proposed by Wilson et al. (2013), situation. After he becomes the head namely empathy, humility, self- of the Corleone family, Michael’s awareness, flexibility, and an ability change of personality is apparent. He to acknowledge the uncertainty. becomes more intimidating and At the beginning of the novel, dominant when he speaks. He Michael Corleone, the becomes more powerful and makes of Vito Corleone, does not want to be many people respect him. His speech involved in his family’s mafia to others also shows his empathy. business. He strives to live a normal When he accuses Carlo of helping life, not as a criminal in his own Barzini to kill Sonny, his approach to country. He joins the army and fights Carlo is distinctive compared to his in World War II; also, he attends a other enemies. Since the beginning of public college and has a relationship their meeting, Michael talks in a soft with an ordinary American girl. His voice. Instead of being angry because family thinks that he does not deserve Carlo is dishonest, he becomes to work in the mafia-related field. empathetic by saying things about However, as time goes by and after Carlo’s wife and children. As an several incidents that befall on his emphatic, antiheroes are inherently family, Michael becomes the head of sensitive to other people; it makes the Corleone family as well as them able to build diverse become the . relationships with other people and Referring to his action, Michael is understand them better (Wilson et al., empathetic and calm. He has shown 2013). three types of the act, which are: the Antiheroes might also show their act of commission, the act of humility since they are aware of the omission, and contemplated act. He limitations of their knowledge and often thinks twice before he does skills (Wilson et al., 2013). Since his something, thus his act would not father is retired, Michael becomes the

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Mohamad Sidiq Femy Hadirojaq The Portrayal of Antihero in Mario Puzo’s The Godfather (1969)

head of the Corleone family. He Soon, he introduces himself to the already makes a plan to move the father of his love interest, whose entire family to Nevada, Las Vegas, name is Vitelli. At first, Vitelli is sell the olive oil business and switch angry at Michael because he feels the family’s business into gambling, disrespected by the way Michael’s casino, and hotel. He also makes his guard talks about his daughter. father his , while Tom Michael then talks in a very respectful Hagen becomes his lawyer. He yet intimidating manner to him, so in delivers the plan confidently, and he the end, Vitelli agrees to arrange a is also doubtless that Moe Green meeting with his daughter. Michael’s would sell his casino and hotel speech indicates that he is highly business to the Corleone family. aware of the value and behavior of the However, one of the family’s Sicilian. In other words, his self- named Tessio is worried awareness helps him in this situation. about his decision. He confronts Self-awareness is having a clear Michael’s idea to Vito. Then, Michael perception of the self’s personality, answers his concern. He then including strengths, weaknesses, persuades and convinces Tessio that thoughts, beliefs, motivation, and his idea will be suitable for everyone. emotions (Wilson et al., 2013). It shows that Michael is good at Michael’s speeches show his controlling the situation through his awareness of his weakness. He says words. He shows his humility in his that the enemy of the Corleone’s words, hence Tessio would not feel family never takes him seriously. He degraded and humiliated by him. admits that he is known as a ‘sissy’ of Living in America since he was born the family. does not make Michael forget his Michael Corleone, as an antihero, original culture, which is Sicilian. In also shows the characteristic of fact, he recognizes and acknowledges acknowledging the uncertainty his culture. He also has respect for his (Wilson et al., 2013). Most of the culture. When he is hiding in , time, he always prepares a good plan. Italy, he meets a beautiful woman. After hiding for less than a year in

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Sicily, he reunites with Kay, and they flexible person; he adapts in a new talk about marriage. Kay asks why situation rather quickly. Michael once Michael would marry her, who is an explains to Kay why he is finally ordinary American woman. Michael willing to help his father in managing then answers Kay’s question with his the family business because plan and dream for their family. The previously, Michael shows no interest answer is very detailed; it makes Kay in it. He changes because he believes amazed and convinced. However, he in his family and his father is already tells her some of the possibilities that retired. It shows the essential are still uncertain; for instance, the behavior of antiheroes, which they possibility of Michael gets killed or adapt their leadership style according jailed. Another evidence is when to circumstances; it makes them Michael plans to move the Corleone flexible (Wilson et al., 2013). family to Las Vegas and sells the Michael is the son of Vito Corleone, olive oil business. He also intends to the head of the mafia family in New buy the casino and hotel owned by York. His father is a notable person . He already shares his who also owns several successful idea to his father and also to Tom businesses. It is portrayed that the Hagen, and they all agree. Regarding Corleone family belongs to high the casino and hotel business, economic status. The Corleone family Michael is very confident that Moe once does not put a high expectation Greene would sell them to the on Michael because Vito wants his Corleone family. His proposed and youngest son to become a typical detailed plan shows his ability to American. In other words, he depends acknowledge uncertainty and manage on his first son, Sonny. However, it well. He knows the uncertainty that Sonny is killed because of his own could occur anytime, so he devises a mistake. The family’s only hope is plan to prevent it or even mitigate it. now Michael as he is excellent in The speeches from Michael in the reading situation and has his novel show his antihero’s traits; one perspective in seeing the world. As of them is flexibility. Michael is a portrayed through his

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Mohamad Sidiq Femy Hadirojaq The Portrayal of Antihero in Mario Puzo’s The Godfather (1969)

characterization, these traits are in of his appearance, the Corleone line with the theory of antihero family’s enemy never takes him proposed by Wilson et al. (2013). For seriously. Cuddon (2013) argues that instance, when Michael, Sonny, Tom, the antihero’s traits are different from Clemenza, and Tessio hold a meeting those of hero’s; a hero is presented as to go against Sollozzo, Michael a virtuous and flawless character. delivers his next move in a very As a comparison to the antihero in the detailed and well-planned manner. As novel The Godfather by Mario Puzo, a result, the other people in the room an antihero in numerous literary are amazed by his idea. Wilson et al. works is characterized in various (2013) suggest that antihero sees the ways. For instance, the antihero world from a different perspective character in Assassin’s Creed: Black that makes the antihero comes up with Flag, Edward Kenway, is unable to a more reliable solution to any complete the journey since he is an in the story. antihero who lacks some of the In contrast, he is also portrayed as a qualities of a traditional hero weak person through his speech at the (Pangestu, 2017). Kenway is depicted beginning of the novel. Brombert as an antihero who has bad habits and (1999) argues that antihero is often questionable moral values. Even presented as a weak, ineffectual, and though his goal changes, his bad unhappy character. However, after habits still reside within him. Besides, becoming the head of the family, Jati (2018) states that an antihero Michael’s speech becomes different could not be defined as bad or good and shows his dominance. Next, his just because there is a good or a bad appearance adds the knowledge of his action the character does or word the figure. Hence, it is useful to discover character says. He also argues that in his antihero’s characterization. Also, the TV series entitled Breaking Bad Michael is portrayed as a handsome by Vince Gilligan, the main character, . His family even acknowledges Walter White, shifts in the rising him as the most good-looking man in action and is illustrated to have both Corleone’s family. However, because characteristics of a traditional hero

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and antihero. Garcia (2013) also finds using the theoretical framework that the characteristics of an antihero proposed by Rimmon-Kenan (2003). demonstrate how moral evaluation is Another theory used in this study is influenced. She adds that the serial the theory of antihero proposed by narrative ensures that people’s Wilson et al. (2013). These theories allegiance to the antiheroes will are employed as the tools to explore always be “in spite of” their the characteristics of antihero traits despicable acts because the spectators inside Michael Corleone. feel empathy not for the pain they The result of the findings and cause, but for the pain they suffer. discussion show that Michael Therefore, it is found that the Corleone in Mario Puzo’s The characteristics of an antihero are not Godfather (1969) can be considered entirely dominated with negative as an antihero. The characterization of traits as argued by previous studies. Michael shows the similarities with An antihero may have some negative the theory of antihero proposed by traits, but they also have some Wilson et al. (2013). Regarding the positive traits. The findings of this theory, Michael possesses all of the study also indicate that the original antihero’s traits, namely: empathic, antihero is the antithesis of a hero humble, and flexible; he also because an antihero portrays human acknowledges the uncertainty. These nature in general. traits help him in various situations; for instance, his empathy helps him CONCLUSION understand other people thus he can This research aims to discover how build diverse relationships with them. the antihero is portrayed in The They also help him to see the world Godfather (1969) novel by Mario from a different point of view that Puzo. The previous chapter shows makes him come up with a more that the antihero is portrayed through reliable solution to any conflict in the the characterization of the main story. However, antihero’s flaws, character, namely action, speech, which are: complicated external appearance, and environment communications and slow decision

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Mohamad Sidiq Femy Hadirojaq The Portrayal of Antihero in Mario Puzo’s The Godfather (1969)

making, are not mentioned in the Jati, M. P. (2018). The Shifting Characterization of Walter novel. In addition, Michael is a calm White in Breaking Bad TV person in nature, and therefore he has Series S01E01 (Thesis). Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan no difficulties in his communications Kalijaga Yogyakarta, with other characters in the novel. On Indonesia. Palfy, C. (2016). Antihero Worship: top of that, he is also quick in making The Emergence of the “Byronic decisions. hero” in the Nineteenth Century. Indiana

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