The Godfather: Vito Corleone's Vision for Michael's Future

Vito Corleone, the patriarch of the Corleone family in the iconic The Godfather series, held a vision for his youngest son, Michael, that was fundamentally different from his expectations for his oldest sons, Sonny and Fredo. This vision primarily stemmed from Vito's experiences as an immigrant, his understanding of his family's place in American society, and the potential outcomes for his sons. In this exploration, we will delve into the reasons behind Vito's desire for Michael to have a normal life and the significance of his decision in the context of the film.

Immigrant Experience and Family Legacy

Vito Corleone was, at one point, a non-English speaking immigrant who fought to build his criminal empire. He lived through the harsh realities of life in America, filled with struggle and violence. This experience instilled in him a deep understanding of the cycle of crime and the synthetic nature of his family's existence within American society. Vito wanted his son Michael to break away from this cycle and achieve a higher status in society, free from the stigma of the mafia lifestyle.

In the climactic garden scene of The Godfather, Vito makes his aspirations clear: "I want you to be a United States senator, Mike. That means respectable men, city brass, law, order. I want you to escape our way of life, Michael, to move beyond it all, to transcend it."

The Role of Education in Michael's Future

From an early age, it was evident that Michael was different from his brothers. Tom Hagen, Vito's trusted advisor, also noted that Michael had a greater intellectual capacity. Sonny, the eldest, was not a strong student, often engaging in street fights and barely graduated high school. Similarly, Fredo, though more docile, also struggled academically.

Michael, on the other hand, excelled academically. He quit college to join the army, an experience that could have led him to a promising career path such as a lawyer or even a high-ranking political position. His educational pursuits represented a significant escape from the mafia lifestyle. Vito believed that Michael could rise above the Corleone family legacy and integrate fully into American society.

Vito saw Michael's potential to become a "Governor Corleone, Senator Corleone," or, in simpler terms, a respected figure in American politics and society. This vision was fueled by his desire to create a generational shift within the family, moving away from the criminal underworld and into the mainstream of American life.

The Sicilian Sequence: A Baptism into a New Life

In The Godfather Part II, Michael's character is further developed through his experiences in Sicily. The sequence in Sicily serves as a pivotal moment, drawing Michael into a deep and horrifying understanding of the true nature of the mafia. Here, Michael deeply experiences the horrors of the mafia when his wife is murdered. This event is not just a personal tragedy but a crucial turning point in his journey, as it solidifies his new role as the Don of the Corleone family.

The Sicilian sequence can be seen as Michael's baptism into his new life, where he no longer remains an American but a Sicilian, a man who must now uphold the values and traditions of the mafia while navigating his place in American society. Thus, the sequence of Michael's days in Sicily are not just a narrative device but a symbol of his transformation and the overarching themes of the saga.

Maximizing Time and Ensuring Success

While Vito recognized that Michael had the potential to escape the criminal life, he also understood that his sons did not have the same opportunities. By the time Sonny and Fredo reached adulthood, Vito realized that there wasn't enough time to alter their fates significantly. Sonny, the firstborn, was largely unsuited for a life of politics and had a natural inclination towards violence and leadership. Fredo, while more easily intimidated, was often tricked into actions and decisions that led to his fall from grace.

Given the limited time and their respective dispositions, Vito came to the conclusion that there wasn't enough time to educate and transform Sonny and Fredo adequately, leaving Michael as his last hope to achieve the family's vision of respectability and integration into mainstream American society.

Conclusion

The Godfather series explores the complex interplay between tradition and modernity in the Corleone family. Vito Corleone's vision for his youngest son, Michael, was rooted in his own immigrant experience and his desire to transcend the criminal roots of his family. The sequence of Michael's days in Sicily is crucial for both Michael's character development and the overall narrative of the saga, solidifying his new role as an essential part of the American way of things.

In summary, Vito's vision for Michael's future was multifaceted, a combination of academic and professional opportunities, and the potential for political respectability. The story of Michael's journey, from a war hero and potential legal figure to the most powerful Don of the Corleone family, offers a rich exploration of themes including identity, legacy, and the struggle for respect in a new land.