Characters – WJECRodolpho - evidence from the text

Ambitious

How is Rodolpho like this?

Rodolpho knows exactly what he wants out of life.

Evidence

I want to be an American. And then I want to go back to Italy when I am rich, and I will buy a motorbike.

But a man who rides up on a great machine, this man is responsible, this man exists.

Analysis

Rodolpho sees everything in terms of the life he has left behind, and at present it means being able to return to his home town in Sicily as a success. As he remains in America, his dreams will become greater.

Entertaining

How is Rodolpho like this?

Rodolpho enjoys being the centre of attention.

How is Rodolpho like this?

"Three arias I sang without a mistake! Thousand-lirenotes they threw from the tables, money was falling like a storm in the treasury. It was magnificent."

Analysis

Rodolpho does not suffer from false modesty. He likes the limelight although he does tend to exaggerate his success a little. Marco tones down his wilder claims.

Patriotic

How is Rodolpho like this?

Rodolpho still loves Italy, even though he has left.

Evidence

You think we have no tall buildings in Italy? Electric lights? No wide streets? No flags? No automobiles? Only work we don’t have. I want to be an American so I can work, that is the only wonder here – work!

Analysis

Rodolpho is like many immigrants who move to a different country for the opportunities it offers. This does not mean that he does not love his own country; in fact, when he describes Italy to Catherine he sounds proud.

Social and historical context

Rodolpho represents the new generation. He is from the ‘old’ country, yet he embodies the new values which Alfieri talks about. By contrast, Eddie is from the ‘new’ country yet still holds the old values. Rodolpho has plenty of drive and ambition. He has no ties, unlike his brother, and therefore every dollar that he earns is his alone. He is like the millions of other immigrants to the United States who arrived with nothing but were given the freedom and opportunity to rise socially and economically. Together with Catherine, Rodolpho will be able to realise the American Dream.

Analysing the evidence

Once I am a citizen I could work anywhere and I would find better jobs and we would have a house, Catherine. If I were not afraid to be arrested I would start to be something wonderful here. (Rodolpho)