How Sonny Corleone Would Respond to Moe Greene Slapping Fredo in Public

The Godfather is renowned for its fierce protectiveness and deep loyalty within the Corleone family. When considering how Sonny Corleone, known for his hot temper and strong protective instincts, would respond to witnessing Moe Greene slapping Fredo in public, the scene paints a picture of immediate and fierce confrontation.

Immediate Aggression and Loyalty

When Sonny encounters a situation where his family member, Fredo, is being disrespected, his reaction is one of immediate and overwhelming aggression. Sonny’s protective nature towards his family, especially his brother, would compel him to take action. He would likely confront Moe Greene with raw aggression, demanding an end to the assault and threatening serious consequences for Moe's actions. The ensuing confrontation would reflect Sonny's volatile nature and his willingness to resort to violence to protect his family.

For Sonny, such an act of disrespect towards his family member is intolerable. He might say something like:

“I don't want to hear that Moe Greene has a problem with my family. You better stop that immediately, or you'll regret it.”

This is in line with Sonny’s character, who, like his father, is known for dealing with threats by taking matters into his own hands. The immediate and aggressive response suggests a deep-seated need to maintain family honor and respect within the Corleone family.

Vito’s Reasoned Approach

While Sonny would likely react immediately and aggressively, Vito Corleone, known for his strategic and considered approach, would handle the situation differently. Vito would first meet with Moe Greene, understanding the gravity of the situation. Moe would then have an opportunity to explain his actions, which would likely fall short of Vito's expectations.

Given that Moe's actions would not be satisfactory, Vito would delegate the matter to Tommaso “Tom” Ciccio Clemenza. Tom would then be tasked with addressing the situation, likely resulting in the physical reprimand of Moe Greene. This comes from a place of maintaining order and discipline within the family, ensuring that any threats or disrespect are dealt with swiftly and decisively.

Italian and Jewish Organized Crime in The Godfather

The Mafia portrayed in The Godfather is often associated with Italian heritage, but the show also highlights the close-knit relationships between Italian and Jewish organized crime families. In the shifting landscape of organized crime, particularly in emerging markets like Cuba, these relationships played a crucial role.

Fredo, with his impulsiveness and repeated failures, represents a character who disrupts the harmony within the family. Just as Moe Greene once challenged the leadership of the Greene group, Fredo now provides an opportunity for a display of control and authority within the Corleone family. In this context, Sonny’s confrontational approach reflects not just familial loyalty but a broader need to maintain power and discipline.

The scene serves as a reminder of the complex interplay of power, loyalty, and violence that is central to the Corleone family and their rivals. For Sonny, dealing with Moe Greene is a matter of upholding family pride and ensuring that no one questions his authority within the family and, by extension, the broader criminal enterprise.

Conclusion

When witnessing Moe Greene's assault on Fredo, Sonny Corleone would likely be the first to react with uncontrolled aggression. His response reflects a deep-seated need to protect family honor and assert power. However, the parallel approach taken by Vito Corleone demonstrates the strategic and systematic methods that the family uses to maintain control within their criminal empire.

The characters and their actions in The Godfather highlight the enduring themes of family, loyalty, and the price of power in a world where violence and manipulation are the currency.