Takahashi 1 Lindsey Takahashi IB English 12-5 Ms.

Veltre 25 August 2011 Cosimo's development while involved with the community In the novel Baron in the Trees, by Italo Calvino, Cosimo Piovasco di Rondo left the comfort of his home at twelve years old to begin life above ground. As the son of the wellrespected Baron, it was a surprise that he chose to spend the rest of his life in moderation hunting and climbing branches to traverse the town. But throughout his lifetime, Cosimo was able to become more involved with the people of Ombrosa, more so than he would have if he had stayed home. During this time, he would experience development as a strategist, leader, protector, and educator. In the beginning, Cosimo was only doing little jobs around town and performing small errands for neighbors, such as pruning trees and sowing land. From this, it can be acknowledged he was clearly a helpful character, but when a fire threatened the trees and the people's safety, he was able to quickly gather the community members and a plan to work together. Cosimo was easily able to organize a new fire fighting system. He included a bell to ring as an alarm and set up a process for orderly water catering. Looking back on the experience, Cosimo understood that association renders men stronger and brings out each person's gifts (106). This applies not only to the strength of the villagers at the time, but the new unveiling of Cosimo's talents as a commander, quick thinker, and formulator. Now, the people were able to look up to him for guidance to keep Ombrosa safe. Cosimo did not abuse his power, but as a leader, he watched out

Takahashi 2 for the rest of the community. He also continually met with the Cavalier to design ways to methodically move water over the countryside; they worked to accumulate water to give them advantage against a fire. As a result of his education and these threatening instances, Cosimo was given opportunities to change society to fit a generation of new knowledge. They were living in a time of the advancement of the Enlightenment, and many were not well acquainted with the ideas of logic and science. Organizing themselves in this manner was something they had not done before. So in this time, Cosimo smoothly adapted them to accept these new concepts. He introduced them to a feeling of corporate spirit, a sense of competition between the groups and they were blessed with the pleasure of finding themselves in agreement and mutual esteem with so many others (107). Therefore, Cosimo was now their educator as well. Later on, as Cosimo grew older and weaker, and the winter had arrived, he became sluggish and spent a lot of time to himself. He was often seen bundled up in his sleeping bag, while reading or muttering. When the invasion of wolves pressured him to get up and become more active, his talents were still evident, however. Cosimo once again proved himself clever and quick. He planned to capture the wolves by setting a trap with sheep. Cosimo ordered the men to tie the sheep on the trees while he disguised himself as one. As the wolves were lured in by the bait, Cosimo was able to shoot down a few of the pack. Despite this act, the people could still recognize the change in relationship. They lamented his observable state of frailty saying, What bad luck the Baron isn't what he used to be! (183). In earlier times, while Cosimo became the tourist attraction of Ombrosa, a spokesperson, philosopher, and writer, he was often labeled mad. But the people had grown attached to him and greatly accepted him. Before Cosimo took action, the men that helped guard against the fires, who had since learned from

Takahashi 3 Cosimo to get together in times of imminent danger, took the initiative to act as sentries around town to protect from the wolves. As they passed under Cosimo's tree, they would say, Ah, Baron, once it would have been you keeping guard from your trees, and now it's we who are guarding you (183). Once, Cosimo was the guardian and brain of Ombrosa. But after his health began failing him, the people began working on their own to help themselves. At this point, Cosimo Piovasco di Rondo was their prize and legend that they had to protect, rather than pattern themselves after, like before. He continued to give public speeches and write pamphlets to educate them on the environment and human nature, and the people would give him their attention. But their attention was mostly channeled through public charity (182). Through the events of the fire and the attack of the wolves, Cosimo demonstrated great natural abilities, including leading, planning, and teaching. In these times, he was well regarded and greatly looked up to. As time wore on, Cosimo's hardworking role in the community declined, but due to all his work, he had become a symbol of good will.

Takahashi 4 Works Cited Calvino, Italo. The Baron in the Trees. New York: Harvest, 1957. Print.