2. Don Vito Corleone as A Man of Respect
Davies’ Italian Customs states that Italians respect and defer to those who are older, those who have achieved a level of business success, and those who
come from well-connected families. It is described in the novel that many people come to Don Corleone’s house in Long Island in his daughter’s wedding. Some
people want to show their respect to the family, and some people want to ask for help to The Don. Those who want to get help from The Don are people who have
no other choices to solve their problems. Don Vito Corleone was a man to whom everybody came for help, and never
were they disappointed. He made no empty promises, nor the craven excuse that his hands were tied by more powerful forces in the world than himself.
It was not necessary that he be your friend, it was not even important that you had no means with which to repay him. Only one thing was required.
That you, you yourself, proclaim your friendship. And then, no matter how poor or powerless the supplicant, Don Corleone would take that man’s
troubles to his heart. And he would let nothing stand in the way to a solution of that man’s woe. His reward? Friendship, the respectful title of “Don,” and
sometimes the more affectionate solution of “Godfather.” Puzo 13. All he sees is just their friendship they proclaim to him. Once they proclaim
their friendship, Don Vito Corleone would take their troubles and problems into his heart. He would help them in everything he could.
Don Corleone received everyone-rich and poor, powerful and humble-with an equal show of love. He slighted no one. That was his character. And the
guests so exclaimed at how well he looked in his tux that an inexperience observer might easily have thought the Don himself was the lucky groom
Puzo. Don Vito is not an ordinary man; he is the man of honor. Although he has
power but his personality is still down to earth. He does not differentiate people just by their social condition, rich or poor, famous or infamous. So, that is why
Don Vito Corleone is called as Godfather because that word is more affectionate than Don.
In Italian Community, Davies states that the motivation for the gatherings are secular, sacred or both. The celebration of marriages, births, name days,
anniversaries and birthdays provide a reason to get together. Food is the means for social interaction. Many of the customs and traditions of the Italian
community revolve around seasonal religious festivals all of which have their prescribed foods and rituals. Therefore in Constanzia’s wedding day, many people
come to Don Vito’s house to prepare that day. They get together to give respect to the family.
Even the people performing festal services were his friends. The bartender was an old comrade whose gift was all the wedding liquors and his own
expert skills. The waiters were the friends of Don Corleone’s son. The food on the garden picnic tables had been cooked by the Don’s wife and her
friends and the gaily festooned one-acre garden itself had been decorated by the young girl-chums of the bride Puzo 14.
We can see that by Don Vito’s kindness to other people make him a loveable person in the society. Davies’ Italian Community states that while the notion of
characteristics based on ethnicity is a problematical one, particularly if it is negative, Italians are a sociable, company-loving people. At Don Vito’s house,
many friends of his come. The bartender, waiters, and all Carmella Corleone’s friends come over to prepare the wedding day. People are so helpful to Don Vito’s
family because he is lovable and social person. It is known that Don Vito Corleone is a man whom everybody comes for
help. The Don Corleone has a godson, named Johnny Fontane. He is a famous
singer and an actor in Hollywood. On the wedding day, he comes to the Don to show his respect. Actually, there is something more than showing love and respect
to Corleone Family, because he also wants to share his personal problems. He has a problem with his wife and soon his wife will leave him because Johnny does not
have fame and reputation in Hollywood anymore. Johnny sat on the floor with his face in his hands. The sick, humiliating
despair overwhelmed him. And then the gutter toughness that had helped him survive the jungle of Hollywood made him pick up the phone and call
for a car to take him to the airport. There was one person who could save him. He would go back to New York. He would go back to the man with the
power, the wisdom, he needed and a love he still trusted. His Godfather Corleone Puzo 12.
We can see that Johnny has no one to turn to but his Godfather Corleone. He still trusts this old man because he knows that the Don will not disappoint him.
Johnny wants a part of the latest movie directed by Jack Woltz because he is sure that this movie will regain his reputation in Hollywood. But Woltz is the man who
hates Johnny Fontane so much. He will never give Johnny an opportunity to take part on this movie. The Don sends his consigliori, Tom Hagen, to meet Woltz but
Woltz does not fear him and says that it is just a threat and Mafia style. Hagen said.”...I don’t think you’ve understood how important this very
small favour is to my client. Mr. Corleone held the infant Johnny in his arms when he was baptized. When Johnny’s father died, Mr. Corleone assumed
the duties of parenthood, indeed he is called ‘Godfather’ by many, many people who wish to show their respect and gratitude for the help he has
given them. Mr. Corleone never lets his friends down.” Puzo 59. Being a godfather to someone is an honor and the godson should respect his
godfather for eternity. Many people also call Don Vito Corleone as their godfather because they want to show their respect and gratitude for the help Don Vito
Corleone has given them.
Genco Abbandando is Don Vito’s consiglori when he is young. He is now sick and facing death at the hospital. To show his respect, Don Vito comes across
to visit his friend Abbandando. Abbandando is so frightened by death itself because he remembers what he has done when he is a part of the Corloene Family.
He is so pleased to see Don Vito at his hospital room and talks to Don Vito to save him from death.
...Godfather, he said, stay here with me and help me meet death. Perhaps if He sees you near me He will be frightened and leave me in peace. Or
perhaps you can say a word, pull a few strings, eh? The dying man winked as if he were mocking the Don, now not really serious. Youre brothers in
blood, after all. Then, as if fearing the Don would be offended, he clutched at his hand. Stay with me, let me hold your hand. Well outwit that bastrard
as weve outwitted others. Godfather, dont betray me. Puzo 45.
Abbandando does not just fear the Don, but he also respects him because Abbandando thinks that the Don is more powerful than God. Abbandando wants
Don Vito to make death go away. Godfather must be someone very important to Abbandandos life.
It is told in the novel that Michael Corleone is a son who respects his father a lot. He admires Don Vito Corleone’s role as a good father in the family. He tells
his girlfriend Kay Adams about his admiration to Don Vito. I had to fight because I love and admire my father. I never knew a man more
worthy of respect. He was a good husband and a good father and a good friend to people who were not so fortunate in life. There’s another side to
him, but that’s not relevant to me as his son Puzo 362.
Michael knows that Don Vito is a good husband, a good father, and a good friend to many people. Michael also realizes that Don Vito earns many respects from
other people because Don Vito always helps the people who are unfortunate in life.
3. Mafia as the Way to Keep Family Ties
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