Captain Corelli Madolin

Captain Corelli Mandolin The novel and movie Captain Corelli Mandolin is a story that is talking about the Italian and German occupation of Cephallonia (a Greek island in the Mediterranean Sea). Throughout both works are a series of themes that are discussed. To fully understand these ideas requires looking at: the scenes of war, if this is an anti-war novel, the dilemma of a good Nazi, the personalities of the Italians vs. The Germans, the character that was most liked and what this taught everyone about history.

Together, these different elements will highlight the various themes in the film and the book. What scenes of war touched you the most and why did you choose these scenes? The scene that is the most touching is when the Italian Aqui Division refused to surrender to the Germans. After running out of ammunition, they were forced to accept defeat. This is when the Germans massacred 5 thousand prisoners and sent 3 thousand to Germany.

This scene is important, because it is showing how the Italian soldiers became swept up in a cause they disagree with. Instead of continuing to support these policies, they chose to fight the Germans (knowing it will result in their death). Then, once they honorably surrendered, is when they are brutally murdered by Germans. ("Captain Corelli's Mandolin," 2001) (De Berniere, 2011) If the novel is actually an anti-war novel, why do you think that is so? The novel is discussing anti-war themes.

The reason why, is because it is showing the soldiers (who are supposed to be fighting on the same side) as ordinary people. The only difference is that there are shifting views about: the meaning of the war and the actions that are taken. This is where everyone can see the sheer brutality of what is happening. As the Germans are depicting evil and the Italians are representing someone who has become disillusioned with the Axis powers.

This is the point when these difference will become clear (leading to the fighting and massacre in the end). These elements are demonstrating how the novel and the movie are taking an anti-war theme. ("Captain Corelli's Mandolin," 2001) (De Berniere, 2011) What is the dilemma for the Good Nazi? The biggest dilemma for the good Nazis is they have to be able to maintain their allegiance to the cause. The problem is many of the atrocities they witnessed have changed their views.

This is because they believe that the aggressive tactics used by the Axis powers are leading to added civilian deaths and causalities. Over the course of time, this creates a conflict inside the individual (as they want to respect the civilian population). Yet, they are forced to witness and participate in acts of brutality. ("Captain Corelli's Mandolin," 2001) (De Berniere, 2011) How would you describe the personalities of the Italians vs. The Germans during the occupation? The Italians were more laid back and they respected the people of Cephallonia.

While the Germans, were focused on creating divisions between themselves and the civilian population. This meant that they were more aggressive in their actions and how they governed the area. These differences is what created conflict between the Germans and Italians. ("Captain Corelli's Mandolin," 2001) (De Berniere, 2011) Which character did you most like and why. Pelagia is the most likable. The reason why is because she is showing a sense of openness to the Italians. Instead of judging them, she tries to understand them and what they are about.

This helps to bring the Italians closer with the people and change their views about the nature of the occupation. Once this occurred, is when different stereotypes and racial barriers are destroyed. Pelagia, is the representation of these ideas into one character. ("Captain Corelli's Mandolin," 2001).