Plot Overview
About the Author
Mario Puzos riveting story about the Corleone
family is told through a third person point of
view. Don Vito Corleone is the leader of the
Corleone Family, an Italian Mob family, in the
1940s. The book starts of at his daughters
wedding, where as a Sicilian, he cannot deny
any favored endowed upon him. He has three
sons, Sonny Corleone the hot-headed eldest
son, Fredo Corleone the spoiled middle child,
and Michael Corleone the youngest of the
three. Vincent Sollozzo comes to the Don with
a business offer of helping his family transport
drugs. The Don denies this offer which angers
Vincent, so he takes vengeance against the
Corleones. First he murders the head
bodyguard Luca Brasi, then he tries to kill the
Don. This angers the Corleones which sparks
a war between the two families. Sollozzo has
bought the police force, who mess with the
Corleones, all within legal limitations. Michael,
who is not in the family business, volunteers to
take out Sollozzo and the police captain. He
flees to Sicily, and while he is there Sonny gets
killed, and the Don dies. Upon returning
Michael becomes the new Don and begins a
reign of terror on the familys enemies that Don
Vito would have never done.
Mario Puzo was born on October 15, 1920 in New
York to parents of Sicilian heritage, which much of
his work was inspired by. He started of doing short
stories, for small magazines. His big break was the
Godfather.
Novel Notes
The Godfather
Mario Puzo
Eduardo Dominguez
9/25/15
Historical Context
This story takes place in post prohibition era New
York after WWII. Italians largely inhabit New York.
The United States is out of prohibition, so many
people must find another way to make money.
Essential Quotes
Someday and that day may never come, I will call
upon you to do me a service(Puzo, 32).
Ill make him an offer he cant refuse (40)
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Character Analysis
Michael Corleone
Michael Corleone says exactly what is on his mind
all the time. He is much more radical than his father
as he is more American than Sicilian. He intimidates
everyone he is around because of said radicalism.
Everyone respects him because he does not
hesitate to take action against his enemies. He is
the youngest son, and looks different than all his
brothers, looking more American than Italian.
Themes
Its business, not personal
This quote is a major theme in the book, as it is
what the Corleones say when they try to justify
their actions. In reality they know what they are
doing for the family wrong, but they try to
morally justify it.
Motifs and Symbols
The Godfather has two main symbols, doors,
and houses. The doors represent a barrier
between the Dons work, and his family. Anyone
not associated with the family business is not
let in the door whenever the Don is having a
meeting.
The other symbol is houses. The houses
symbolize safety, and power. The Don hardly
Behind closed doors
ever leaves his house, because outside his
Vito Corleone
This theme is ever present throughout the story, house he has no power. They also demonstrate
Vito Corleone is very respectful in his speech,
but the most recognizable instance would be at safety because when the war started, the Don
saying something only if it does not anger anyone.
had his house fenced in, because it was the
the beginning during Connies wedding.
He is very traditional so he does not do anything
only place where he was safe
Outside everyone is having fun and talking to
that is against his traditions. Everyone respects him,
friends, but inside the Dons office, Don
not out of fear, but out of respect. He takes action
on his enemies, but only if he has no choice. He is a Corleone is being asked favors, most of which
are asked because the Don can do what the
short man of heavy features, a classic Sicilian.
law cannot.
Sonny Corleone
Sonny Corleone is very rash and does not care if
what he says insults someone. He is very hotheaded sometimes letting anger make his
decisions. People who he likes respect him, but
people he despises, deeply fear him. He is the
eldest son and looks like his father. Many women
are attracted to him because of his large organ.
Tradition
Throughout The Godfather, Don Corleone is
very traditional. He never allows his wife or his
daughter participate in the family business. On
his daughters wedding he cannot refuse a
favor. Most important of all however, is that he
helps people who he has helped. When
Michael becomes the Don he is not as
traditional as his father, which is the reason
why he had more problems than when the Don
did.
