Fredo Corleones Involvement in Michaels Problems: An Analysis of His Role
Fredo Corleone's Involvement in Michael's Problems: An Analysis of His Role
The dynamics between Fredo Corleone and Michael Corleone in The Godfather trilogy, particularly in relation to Senator Geary, are complex and often misunderstood. Many fans and critics debate whether Fredo knew about Michael's involvement with Senator Geary and if he was complicit in any way. This article delves into the nuances of Fredo's involvement and explores the implications of his actions.
Complex Relationships and Misguided Allegiance
Fredo's actions in relation to Michael's problems with Senator Geary are often seen as misguided attempts to aid his brother. Fredo, feeling inadequate and desiring to be more involved in the family business, likely acted out of love and loyalty. However, his lack of understanding of the potential consequences of his actions only led to further strife between the brothers. This complexity in their relationship adds to the tragic portrayal of Fredo's character throughout the series.
Did Fredo Know about the Setup?
Many believe that Fredo was unaware of the specifics of the setup. For instance, when discussing the hotel in question, it is widely speculated that Fredo did not directly manage the setup. It is more likely that Fredo ran the brothel at the location where the incident occurred, but he did not personally orchestrate the details of the scheme. This would align with Fredo's character, who was known for his loyalty and his tendency to be in the right place at the right time, even if not always involved in the specifics.
Without clear evidence, it is difficult to say definitively whether Fredo was aware of the entire operation. However, it is reasonable to assume that if he was involved in the hotel, even indirectly, he would have been informed of the events due to his position. The character's trait of not being discreet suggests that if he were present, he might have unintentionally caused disruption or led to the uncovering of the plot.
Key Moments and Evidence
A key moment that has led to much speculation is Tom's reminder to Senator Geary about Fredo's operation of the brothel. As Tom states, "you're very lucky -- my brother Fredo operates this place. He called before anyone! If this had happened somewhere else, we couldn't have helped you." This statement hints at Fredo's awareness and his prior involvement, but it does not necessarily confirm his direct involvement in the setup.
There is also the idea that Fredo might have directed his people to ensure Senator Geary's drink or food was drugged. After the Senator passed out, Al Neary would have taken the necessary actions to complete the setup. If Fredo was involved in the hotel management, it is possible he had to ensure the environment was suitable before the setup occurred.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is probable that Fredo knew about the setup in relation to Michael's problems with Senator Geary, the exact extent of his involvement remains unclear. His actions, driven by misguided loyalty and a desire to be more central to the family business, often had unintended and harmful consequences. The ambiguity in Fredo's involvement adds depth to his character, making his tragic fate all the more poignant in the The Godfather saga.