Kay Adams is not clueless. At least, that is what I plan to prove through journal entries written from the perspective of Kay Adams in The Godfather (1972). This narrative focuses on Kay’s life during Michael Corleone’s absence in Italy. It provides insight into what Kay’s life consisted of at that time, how she must have felt, and ultimately, how she decided to marry Michael. Many brush Kay off as an insignificant side character, but she has more depth and character than people realize at first. Kay is self-aware, independent, and incredibly loving.
Kay Adams might disagree with the saying “it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.” It is her intense love for Michael that causes her pain in this movie as well as later installments of The Godfather. In some ways, Kay is a foil for
…show more content…
The saying “opposites attract” could apply to their relationship in more ways than one. Kay feels this indescribable draw toward Michael. He promises her that he will make the family “legitimate.” Therefore, she decides to marry him despite what has transpired. Kay is aware of the danger that lurks in Michael’s world, but she knowingly—not cluelessly—choses to love him anyway, because it is worth it to her. Kay understands Michael’s interest in her as well. Kay enjoys—from what the viewers can see—a traditional American upbringing and lifestyle. She comes from a distinguished family with a great legacy. Her father is a pastor and she is an excellent, free-spirited student. Michael, the family outsider, attempts to distance himself from his family and legacy. He joins the Marines, attends Dartmouth, and does not wish to be part of the family business. Kay is somewhat of a token of Americanism to him, although he does love her sincerely. She’s modern and smart, quirky and independent. Kay represents everything he wants—the Americanization he is trying to achieve and by dating her, he enters her world and exits