National Identity

Write 500 words analyzing the role of one character in the novel and how the author uses them to convey ideas about National Identity.

Captain Corelli is created to express DeBernieres’ thoughts about the stereotypical views of different nationalities. The novel contradicts the idea of a book having its title but its main character comes after the book has gone halfway.
Corelli was first introduced to the readers through Carlo’s descriptions; “he observed life with raised eyebrows”, “he would say things for the sake of their value as amusement”, “he did not care what kind of impression he made”. These descriptions make Corelli a carefree person, filled with sense of humour, but also love women. He is a man full of sense of humour, cheering everyone up, he is the shining star within a group. By creating “La Scala”, it reveals the passion for music that Corelli has; this gives Corelli an artistic side. These could be the common characteristics an Italian soldier might possess.
But as an officer of an army, Corelli is describe as not serious and being funny. This shows that the Italian army is not very serious about this war; they do not care about this battle, and put soldiers’ lives at a low price. This could also reveal the heartless characteristics of Italian soldiers. There were no organisation or planning before the battle at the island, this enlarges the careless thoughts of the Italians, but also the over-confidence that is within the soldiers. Humourous but careless are characteristics that a typical Italian soldier might have.
Captain Corelli plays the mandolin in his group “La Scala”, this gives him leadership. Within any group of music, usually the person who can sing and play the instrument can have the skills but also the trust from others to lead the group. Through this, you can say that Italian soldiers have the ability to lead a particular group.
From being broken-hearted, Carlo’s heart is cured with the presence of Corelli. Corelli heals Carlo’s heart and makes him a life-loving man again. Through his artistic skills, his sense of humour, excludes his charming appearance, he now possesses Pelagia’s heart, after it has been smashed up by the comeback from Mandras. 2 people whose hearts have been broken, now are cured by Corelli through his typical characteristics that Italians soldiers might have. This info that DeBernieres adds into the novel, lets the readers know that Italians could be charming, intelligence and funny. You could say it is impossible for Pelagia to get angry at Corelli because he makes her laugh every time she sees him, the silliness he has around her also by being himself, not taking things serious.
In conclusion, we, as the readers, can say that a typical Italian man can have the sense of humour, the attractive appearance looking, the artistic value within their souls, and also the carefree characteristics, that does not take things serious.