Human nature was fundamentally irrational to the point of insanity. how is this exemplified in Captain Corelli's Mandolni?
'Human nature was fundamentally irrational to the point of insanity.' How is this exemplified in Captain Corelli's mandolin, and what is the role of madness generally in the novel.
Throughout the novel of Captain Corelli's mandolin, there have been numerous occasions where the presence of ones insanity has taken over the characters central emotions and influences peculiar behaviour in the form of madness. To the disapproval of the audience and the other characters, the role of madness has become de Bernieres technique of foreshadowing the outcome of the characters who are deemed as 'possessed' which leads to the inevitable gloom of death. Within the novel there are three main characters which suffer from the plague of madness; Francesco, Mandras and Carlo, although it can be argued that there are many other characters within the novel who can be seen as just as mad.
Madness within the novel is expressed through many different factors, these factors are what trigger characters to encounter the condition which in return sets that characters fate. The first encounter of madness within the novel comes in the form of a battered and bruised Francesco. Through the early phases of introducing Francesco, de Bernieres presents the character as a courageous young Italian soldier, Carlo's dearest friend and loyal in serving for his country during the Second World War. The audience is quick to accept Francesco as a good person through the diary entries of Carlo; however it becomes apparent that the destructive and brutal nature of war combined with the harsh climate leads Francesco into losing a grip on reality. This is apparent in his letters to his mother which reads "I came into this war in a state of innocence, and I leave it so utterly wearied that I am contented to die." this quote reveals Francesco's discontent with serving in the Italian army and marks his first step into insanity. As the novel progresses, so does the deterioration of Francesco's mind as it leads him into his death. "I reached Francesco and saw that the side of his head had been blown away. The pieces of skull were grey and were coated in membrane and thick blood." Francesco's death comes about due to his insanity as he progresses into enemy territory unarmed. Through the use of his death, de Bernieres is able to depict a picture on his views on war, which suggests that ultimately war is wrong and leads to the death of innocent people. A Marxist interpretation can also be added to this as it shows how the power of the ruling-class is able to dominate those inferior to them. "For the bureaucrat, the world is a mere object to be manipulated by him." We can relate this quote to Francesco as his actions and behavior is premeditated and controlled by those superior to himself.
Throughout the novel of Captain Corelli's mandolin, there have been numerous occasions where the presence of ones insanity has taken over the characters central emotions and influences peculiar behaviour in the form of madness. To the disapproval of the audience and the other characters, the role of madness has become de Bernieres technique of foreshadowing the outcome of the characters who are deemed as 'possessed' which leads to the inevitable gloom of death. Within the novel there are three main characters which suffer from the plague of madness; Francesco, Mandras and Carlo, although it can be argued that there are many other characters within the novel who can be seen as just as mad.
Madness within the novel is expressed through many different factors, these factors are what trigger characters to encounter the condition which in return sets that characters fate. The first encounter of madness within the novel comes in the form of a battered and bruised Francesco. Through the early phases of introducing Francesco, de Bernieres presents the character as a courageous young Italian soldier, Carlo's dearest friend and loyal in serving for his country during the Second World War. The audience is quick to accept Francesco as a good person through the diary entries of Carlo; however it becomes apparent that the destructive and brutal nature of war combined with the harsh climate leads Francesco into losing a grip on reality. This is apparent in his letters to his mother which reads "I came into this war in a state of innocence, and I leave it so utterly wearied that I am contented to die." this quote reveals Francesco's discontent with serving in the Italian army and marks his first step into insanity. As the novel progresses, so does the deterioration of Francesco's mind as it leads him into his death. "I reached Francesco and saw that the side of his head had been blown away. The pieces of skull were grey and were coated in membrane and thick blood." Francesco's death comes about due to his insanity as he progresses into enemy territory unarmed. Through the use of his death, de Bernieres is able to depict a picture on his views on war, which suggests that ultimately war is wrong and leads to the death of innocent people. A Marxist interpretation can also be added to this as it shows how the power of the ruling-class is able to dominate those inferior to them. "For the bureaucrat, the world is a mere object to be manipulated by him." We can relate this quote to Francesco as his actions and behavior is premeditated and controlled by those superior to himself.
