Understanding Vito Corleone's Choices: Why Didn't He Send Sonny and Fredo to College?

In 'The Godfather', Vito Corleone's decision to send Michael to college while neglecting to do the same for his sons Sonny and Fredo reflects a deep understanding of their individual personalities and future roles within the family's criminal empire. This article delves into the factors that influenced Vito's choices and provides insights into the strategic thinking behind his actions.

The Characters: Michael, Sonny, and Fredo

The decision to send Michael to college while not providing the same opportunity to his brothers, Sonny and Fredo, is a reflection of Vito's recognition of their distinct qualities and potential paths in life.

Michael

Vito saw potential in Michael to be a legitimate leader and perhaps the future head of the family. Michael was intelligent, ambitious, and had a different outlook on life compared to his brothers. By providing Michael with a college education, Vito hoped to shield him from the family's criminal activities, allowing him to pursue a more legitimate future. This strategic decision emphasized Vito's belief in Michael's ability to thrive in an environment that was far removed from the corruption and violence of the Corleone family.

Sonny

Sonny, on the other hand, was hot-headed and deeply immersed in the family's criminal operations. Vito recognized that Sonny was already aligned with the family's illegitimate activities and did not see the same potential for a legitimate future for Sonny as he did for Michael. This decision was not a reflection of a lack of love or care for Sonny, but rather a practical choice based on the realities of Sonny's inclinations and the responsibilities that came with being part of the family's criminal empire.

Fredo

Fredo was often portrayed as less capable and more vulnerable than his brothers. Unlike Michael and Sonny, Vito likely felt that Fredo would not thrive in a college environment or benefit from the same educational opportunities. Instead, Fredo was often seen as needing protection rather than guidance. Vito's decision to focus on other matters for Fredo was a recognition of Fredo's limited capabilities and the need to protect him from the harsh realities of the criminal world.

Family Dynamics and Expectations

Vito's choices were also influenced by the family dynamics and the roles each son played. He had different expectations and responsibilities for each of them, which shaped his decision-making process. For example, Michael was expected to carry the mantle of legitimate leadership, Sonny was seen as a natural successor to the criminal operations, and Fredo was protected and supported in various ways, reflecting the family's need for different types of leadership and loyalty.

Cultural Context and Power Dynamics

The Corleone family operates in a context where loyalty and power are paramount. Vito may have believed that for Sonny and Fredo, involvement in the family business was not only the path of least resistance but also a way to ensure their security and status. The nature of power in the criminal underworld is rooted in the ability to command respect and influence, often through a combination of reputation, violence, and loyalty. By sending Michael away to college, Vito hoped to shield him from the corrosive influence of organized crime, while acknowledging that Sonny and Fredo would likely be drawn into the family business regardless of his wishes.

Conclusion: Strategic Thinking and Protection

In conclusion, Vito Corleone's decision to send Michael to college while not providing the same opportunity to Sonny and Fredo reflects a strategic and practical understanding of their individual characteristics and future roles within the family's criminal empire. While the choices made by Vito may seem harsh or unfair to some, they were rooted in a deep recognition of the realities and obligations that surrounded each of his sons. The lessons from 'The Godfather' on the importance of individual assessment and strategic planning in family and business contexts remain relevant today.