Citizen Kane: Summary

Essay by IxNxFxExRxNx0High School, 10th gradeA+, April 2004

download word file, 4 pages 5.0

The film Citizen Kane, directed by Orson Welles, is a grand example of how a man can be corrupted by wealth. Through the characters in the film it can be observed how Charles Foster Kane, an idealistic man with principles, can be changed and misguided by wealth and what accompanies wealth. The film takes places during the late 19th century and early 20th century, a time in American history when the world is changing and wealth gives you power to help change that world. Through the story telling of Kane's life we are able to see how wealth changes, not only Kane's ideals, but his actions and how he perceives the world. Citizen Kane is the story of a man's failed intent to make the world better because of the corruption wealth brought him.

The corruption of idealism by wealth can be seen throughout the film, especially through the thoughts and actions of Kane and the other characters.

For example, when Kane publishes his first newspaper for the Inquirer he prints his "Declaration of Principles". As Kane becomes more wealthy and more corrupted by his wealth, his long time friend Leeland returns the document and we see that Kane understands that he is no longer the same man he was or the man he set out to become. From this we also see that Leeland and the other characters in the film have come to the same conclusion. Furthermore, in the film, Kane states more than once that people will think or do whatever he wishes for him. Kane, with his wealth, tries to create his idealistic world with the power that wealth gives him and as a result tries to control everyone. In addition, the reference of "Rosebud" throughout the movie is a symbol of Kane's wish...