Geneva Week 3: The Human Condition

The Guardian

"Foolery, sir, does walk about the orb like the sun: it shines everywhere." (3.1.36-37) It is highly unlikely that the Fool in Shakespeare's the Twelfth Night would be the overseer of the story. However, it is also evident that Feste knows all and retorts all with his incredible wit. Not only does this flat character highlight the faults with proud and 'top of the food chain' characters (Such as Duke Orsino and Olivia), but he also illuminates the most significant parts of the story by aiding transitions. For example, his discussion in Act 3, Scene 1 with Viola only highlights her better qualities by putting forward examples of her wit in comparison to Feste. 

So what does this have to do with The Godfather you might ask? 

Well, in fact, Francis Ford Coppola's close attention to Literary Features has highlighted one of the main characters as a flat character amongst a flurry of round and dynamic characters. The director shows similar outsider qualities and wit with words to the role of Feste in The Twelfth Night. Tom Hagen is the overseer in the Godfather. Not only does this character illuminate faults with other 'top of the food chain' characters (such as Santino and Carlo) but he also uses his words rather than actions, just like Feste. 

Both outsiders, and both flat characters these relatively similar and important highlighters illuminate the stronger qualities of others by remaining in the 'shadows' of the story and knowing the entirety of the story. These characters seem to step back from the story and somehow take part as the role of god, advising people at some moments and watching people in others. Feste only watches as Orsino and Viola/Cesario have the bathing scene in Act 2 Scene 4 and Feste is singing the song that Orsino likes. Tom only watches as Don Vito controls the family business and uses his 'owed favors' as pawns in his mafia game. Feste advises Olivia to meet with Cesario who was really Sebastian and they end up running away and getting married. Tom advises "Sollozzo's the key. You get rid of him, every falls into line. Now what about Luca? Sollozzo didn't seem to be worried about Luca..." (Coppola) this to Santino after Vito get shot. 

Geneva