Insights into Vito Corleones Strategy: Underestimating Michael
Vito Corleone's Strategic Thinking in The Godfather
In The Godfather, the subtle and calculated nature of Vito Corleone's actions reveal a profound understanding of human psychology and the dynamics of power. Vito's strategic thinking suggests that he understands the value of appearing weak or unthreatening. By allowing others to underestimate his son, Michael, Vito sets the stage for his eventual rise to power and leadership.
The Role of Underestimation
This underestimation plays a crucial role in Michael's transformation from a reluctant participant to a decisive leader within the family. Vito’s foresight about Michael’s potential as a leader indicates that he was aware of how others viewed his son and used that perception to his advantage. This dynamic adds depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of power, identity, and familial loyalty.
A Strategic Plan for Michael's Future
Moreover, Vito was not just aware that Michael would be underestimated; he planned for this future accordingly. Vito counted on Michael to appear weak, thereby convincing the other heads of the crime families to relax their guards, leaving them unprepared for what was to come. This strategic move provided Michael with the opportunity to plan his revenge against the other families.
The underestimation by the rival heads created a sense of false security, which ultimately led to the downfall of their own power. As the old adage goes, “revenge is a dish best served cold.” This planning and foresight were instrumental in Michael's ability to execute his revenge strategy successfully.
The Master Plan and the Film Adaptation
It is evident that Vito was aware of the need for Michael's cunning and deceit. If Barzini did not underestimate Michael as Vito and Michael suspected, Michael would not have been able to pull off his plan to kill the heads of the other families. In the novel, this plan involved Barzini and Tattaglia, but in the film adaptation by Puzo and Coppola, Michael's revenge becomes more extensive, involving the killing of all four heads, including Cuneo and Stracci.
Vito and Michael's intricate plan was executed so flawlessly that Barzini, the mastermind behind the attempt to dethrone the Corleones, did not suspect that his traitor, Tessio, was working with Michael. This meticulous planning and foresight were key to the success of the Corleone family's revenge.
In conclusion, Vito Corleone's strategic thinking and foresight in The Godfather reveal a deep understanding of human behavior and the political landscape. His use of underestimation to shape Michael's rise to power and his masterful planning highlight the importance of perception and deception in achieving one's goals.