The Godfather

In The Godfather, the motif of being “reasonable” is woven throughout the interactions between individuals and families. In particular, Vito Corleone applies the idea of being reasonable, and this motif highlights the Don’s way of doing business. This begins early in the Don’s career: “Even as a young man, Vito Corleone became known as a ‘man of reasonableness.’ He never uttered a threat. He always used logic that proved to be irresistible” (280). It is the key to the Don’s success throughout the novel, even with the heads of the other Mafia families: “They were men who guarded their free will with wiles and murder. Their wills could be subverted only by death. Or the utmost reasonableness” (381). Even the other dons’ worries about whether Don Corleone is still capable of running his family are put to rest following the Don’s speech, after which the consensus is that “[i]t was the Don Corleone of old. Reasonable” (383).

This motif carries through the Don’s retirement and becomes a foundation of the way Michael does business. By utilizing this same word to now describe Michael and his motivations, Puzo draws a strong connection between the Don and Michael. It helps to create an understanding, in the reader, that Michael is the new Don, and has the strategy and intelligence to be as successful as his father.