English Homework Paragraphs 2
What does Charley Malloy’s decision to save Terry’s life show about his morality and
integrity?
Charley Malloy's righteous decision to sacrifice his own life to save Terry exhibits a
strong sense of family loyalty as well as an understanding of when power preservation
has reached it’s boundary. Whilst Charley initially endeavours to oblige to Johnny
Friendly's commands, he quickly realises that killing his own brother for the
maintenance of the mob’s power is a step too far. In the early stages of the film Charley
truly believes that Friendly's authority should not be questioned which is evident when
he tells Terry to “[not] think about it” and instead just “do it” when referring to a favour
Terry must complete for Friendly. This demonstrates Charley's firm loyalty to Friendly
but also potentially a sense of fear and anxiety at the consequences that might materialise
if Friendly is betrayed. However, when Friendly asks Charley to kill Terry if necessary
he states that “he can't do that” as he is his “kid brother.” This is a complete change in
attitude from Charley as rather than completing Friendly’s favours without question he
instead decides to challenge his authority by almost refusing to eliminate his brother.
Whilst this could be considered a break in his integrity, as he is going against his earlier
demonstrated beliefs, it is the morally correct way to respond to such a request.
However, this aforementioned trepidation at what Friendly might do to him if he
disobeys him overpowers him when he is talking to Terry in the back of a cab. Rather
than deliberating with his brother he pulls out a gun and points it at Terry whilst trying
to persuade him to take the job and avoid possible conflict with Friendly. This moment
of desperation makes Charley's decision to ultimately sacrifice himself even more
substantial as it is evident that he experiencing a serious moral dilemma. The fact that
Charley saved his brother even with the knowledge that he would inevitably be killed
shows a deep-rooted morality and loyalty to his family. Whilst his integrity may have
been tarnished by turning on Friendly whom he had earlier supported, Charley retains
his loyalty to Terry by saving his life which may be considered much more important
than sustaining the strength of the mob. Overall Charley's decision to sacrifice his own
life exhibits a strong moral compass and a faithfulness to his family.
What motivates Terry to testify against Friendly?
Terry’s decision to testify against Friendly and the mob at the Waterfront Crime
Commission is primarily motivated by his thirst for vengeance due to his brother’s
murder as well as several other instances of injustice that had occurred throughout his
life. Immediately following Charley's death, Terry's ideas of retribution are evident.
Whilst crouched over Charley's dead body he proclaims that “they put a hole in
Charley” so he will “put holes in them.” This somewhat irrational anger and guilt causes
Terry to attempt to hunt down Friendly and the mob. However, before he can reach
them Father Barry persuades Terry that if he “want[s] to hurt Johnny Friendly” then he
should “fight him in the courtroom.” Father Barry's influence is enough to convince
Terry that he should channel his anger and hatred towards the mob in the courtroom
and he thus decides to give his damning evidence to the commission the next day. This
reveals that the primary reason for Terry's decision to testify against the mob is the death
of Charley which had caused him a great deal of anguish and distress. Furthermore,
events which preceded the film exacerbate Terry's resentment towards Johnny Friendly
and potentially motivate him to testify even further. It is evident whilst Terry is arguing
with Charley in the cab about Friendly's involvement in the end of his boxing career that
he still contains deep bitterness and displeasure towards Friendly even before Charley is
murdered. Terry argues to Charley that “you and Johnny…come into the dressing room
and say, kid this ain't your night.” This ultimately spelt the end for Terry’s boxing career
and gave him a “one-way ticket to Palookaville.” It is obvious throughout this argument
that this event still eats away at Terry and had caused him to hold onto a tiny pill of
resentment towards Friendly. The internal anger caused by the end of his boxing career
could also be considered another major factor in why Terry decided to testify against
Friendly and the mob. Fundamentally, Terry's choice to give evidence against Friendly
and the mob was triggered by the death of Charley as well as Friendly’s past disregard
for Terry’s opportunities.