Character analysis of Mandras.

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Character analysis of Mandras

The presentation of Mandras in the novel is one which is subject to change and alteration. The implications of his change in character relate to the wider issue of war and its effects on both individuals and society. Mandras is used as an example of the negative and grave psychological scars war can inflict.

When Mandras first appears in the novel, he is presented as a potential love interest for Pelagia. However, there is an uneasy sense of foreboding as to what is to come for their relationship. The fact that their love for each other develops so early on in the book, and the idealistic nature of this love leaves the reader with the impression that it is not to last. In the very chapter they meet the chapter ends with the ominous presence of war looming, which reaffirms the reader’s belief that their relationship will be brief.

Mandra’s first act in the story is being shot by Velisarios with rather comical consequences thus establishing Mandras as a comical character. He later thanked Velisarios for shooting him as it had a positive impact on his life; meeting Pelagia. “What he thanked him for was that he first set eyes on Pelagia”. This shows the instantaneous nature of his love for Pelagia. Some readers have suggested that the fact their love was based only on mutual aesthetic attraction to each other was the very reason it al fell apart at the end. It was lust rather than love and some may perceive Mandras as an idealistic fool for thinking otherwise. We first see the differences in expectations the two feel for each other in chapter 11, where the reader is taken into the minds of Pelagia and Mandras. They possess conflicting ideas and hopes and we are shown how different their personalities are. Mandras feels he has adopted the role of a lover when he met Pelagia. He would engage in childish behaviour (such as imitating Tarzan by swinging from a tree) in order to impress Pelagia. Such behaviour has caused Pelagia to claim, “He’s not a serious fellow”. Contrary to this Mandras states, “I’m serious because I’m not just out for myself”. The way Pelagia, and possibly the reader, perceived Mandras is not an accurate picture of who he really is. Pelagia does not know what is beneath the surface of Mandras’ comical behaviour. She believes that “everything is a joke to him” and “you have to be able to discuss things with a husband”. However Mandras’ ignorance has caused him to believe that “women aren’t interested in that sort of thing, they want you to entertain them”. Therefore the reader is provided with an insight into Mandras’ character which the other characters in the novel are not subject to. Mandras’ contradictory character makes him more believable to the reader, which contrasts with Captain Corelli who is the epitome of the national hero. Mandras is more exciting as a character as he is unpredictable and undergoes a major character change.

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Pelagia does not want there to be a war but Mandras is seriously considering the prospect of going to war because “I will never be a man until I’ve done something important…that’s why I hope there’s going to be a war.” The youthful optimism and naïve nature of Mandras’ attitude to war tells us a lot about his character. He has romantic, idealistic vision of war and believes he will return as a hero and he could “walk with my head high for the rest of my life…and everyone will say, ‘That’s Mandras, who fought in the war.’ Madras’ desire for ...

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