“The Godfather”: Within and Beyond the Family 

The concept of family, at its most basic level, represents a sense of unity within the household. Within every family, there are distinct customs and ideals that are maintained. The familial environment often shapes a person’s character and values, at least in his/her youth. Whether it be in positive or negative ways, parental characteristics are often inherited by their children. In Mario Puzo’s, “The Godfather,” family signifies an integral role in the events that culminate throughout the novel.

Each member of the Corleone familial dynamic harnesses a different role, each with varying levels of importance. The head of the family, Vito Corleone, serves as an almost omnipotent force at the introduction of the novel. He is highly capable and cunning, with all those in need coming to him for aid. His reputation as the Godfather and Don of the family earns him respect. In the events leading up to his failed assassination, Vito is viewed as a pillar of strength, unbreakable and resolute. Although he is so feared among the other mafia families, he is beloved and respected by his immediate family.

The sons of Vito Corleone, Sonny, Fredo, and Michael, each holds a different position under their father. At the beginning of “The Godfather,” Michael has become estranged from his family as he does not wish to be caught up in the dealings of the mafia. Instead, he becomes a war hero, fighting for his country. This represents a sense of rebellion, as this could not be further from his families’ ideals. In contrast to Michael, Sonny is a highly devout member of the family business. When he was a young and unlawful teenager, he asked his father to be given a role in their business. Lastly, Fredo is introduced as being loyal to his father’s whims. However, he lacks the fortitude to become a true leader in the business.

The final two blood-affiliated members of the family are Vito’s wife and daughter, Carmela and Connie. In the face of an extremely patriarchal family, neither have much power. When Connie becomes married to Carlo Rizzi, she loses some of the family protection she once had. However, Vito still cares for them greatly, and is described by Michael as having a considerable amount of trust in Carmela, “And ya know, he has reason to trust her. Not because they got married and she’s his wife. But she bore him four children in times when it was not safe to bear children.” (Puzo 349). Michael views Vito and Carmela’s relationship as a template for the way his future wife should engage with him.

Finally, the man who is regarded as a son to Don Vito, Tom Hagen plays an important part of the family. Although he is Irish and not Sicilian like the rest of the family, Vito treats him as an adopted son and even grants him the role of advisor to him (consigliere). However, he never officially adopts him. On page 22, Michael describes the reason as “My father said it would be disrespectful for Tom to change his name. Disrespectful to his own parents.” (Puzo). This showcases the degree of importance that the role of family plays in Vito’s mind.

Following Don Vito’s failed assassination, Michael’s love for his father brings him back into the family business. Initially, he plays a minimal role, simply answering the phone as requested by his brother, Sonny. However, he soon comes to realize, in order to protect his father from further attempts, he must be the one to kill Sollozzo and McCluskey. Michael later explains to his new wife, Kay Williams, that he never intended to return to the family business: “But things went bad and I had to fight for my Family. I had to fight because I love and admire my father” (Puzo 348). In essence, Michael’s rise as the successor of the Godfather, was a product of his love for his family.

It is evident through Michael’s decision to return to the family, though his motivation was to protect his father, may not have been beneficial for his personal character. Sometimes decisions are made, by the members of the family, that are not in their individual best interests. The most reckless member of the family, Sonny, dies out of a desire to protect his younger sister, Connie. When Sonny realizes that Connie’s husband, Carlo Rizzi, is abusing her, he flies into a rage. 

As he is made aware that the abuse has continued, despite his warnings, his protectiveness for his sister causes him to lose rationality. As Tom Hagen observes Sonny preparing to confront Carlo, it is evident that his fury is uncontainable, “Hagen knew the look on Sonny’s face, all reasoning power had left him. At this moment Sonny was capable of anything.” (Puzo 252). Unfortunately, his love for Connie, causes him to be unprepared for the situation that awaits him, resulting in his death.