Exploring Michael Corleone's Dilemma: Why Didn’t He Exile Fredo to Sicily?

In the classic film The Godfather Part II, Michael Corleone's relationship with his brother Fredo is complex and deeply influenced by family loyalty, betrayal, and power dynamics within the Corleone family. After their mother dies, Michael’s decision not to exile Fredo to Sicily can be understood through several key points and contextual factors.

Family Loyalty

Michael values family ties, even in the face of intense tension and conflict. Exiling his brother would represent a complete break from these ties, something Michael fervently avoids. Throughout the film, Michael struggles with this deeply conflicting aspect of his character. His actions and decisions reflect his overall loyalty to his family, notwithstanding the personal and professional betrayals exhibited by Fredo.

Fredo’s Betrayal

Fredo's betrayal is significant. He allies with Michael’s enemies, a profound personal and professional betrayal. However, Michael’s initial reaction is more about consolidating power and maintaining control rather than outright punishment. This demonstrates a pragmatic approach to his role as the new head of the family, where strategic alliances are crucial for survival and success.

The Nature of Power

Michael understands that exile would not remove Fredo as a threat. Instead, it could create a martyr out of him or make him more dangerous if he were to return. By keeping Fredo close, Michael can monitor him and manage the potential threat he poses. This decision shows Michael’s astute understanding of power dynamics and his ability to oversee and control a complex family structure.

Emotional Conflict

Michael’s emotional struggle is apparent throughout the film. He has to reconcile his love for his brother with the reality of Fredo’s actions. Exiling him would force Michael to confront the painful reality of what their relationship has become. This emotional conflict drives much of Michael’s character development and the plot’s progression.

Plot Development

From a narrative perspective, leaving Fredo in the U.S. allows for the tension between the brothers to escalate, ultimately leading to the tragic climax of the film. This tension is crucial for the development of Michael’s character and the overarching themes of loyalty and betrayal. The unresolved conflict between the brothers underscores the cost of power and the complexities of family loyalty.

The Irrelevance of Legality

It’s suggested that exiling Fredo would not have made a difference. He was a liability, even in Sicily. There, he couldn’t be trusted to do anything competently. And if he did, he would inevitably make multiple mistakes. This highlights the fundamental nature of Fredo’s betrayal and the limitations of geographical distance as a solution to personal and organizational trust issues.

Moreover, the idea of exiling Fredo can be likened to a modern political analogy: Donald Trump Goes Full Fredo. In contemporary politics, the inability to trust or trustworthiness of a close associate can be just as detrimental, regardless of their location.

Ultimately, Michael’s decision not to exile Fredo demonstrates the complexity of loyalty and betrayal in family and power structures. His eventual actions later in the film reflect a deeper transformation and the extent to which he feels betrayed, culminating in a tragic resolution that emphasizes themes of loyalty and the cost of power.