The Reveal of Vito Corleone's Final Words to Michael in 'The Godfather'

At the climax of 'The Godfather', Michael Corleone's father, Vito Corleone, passes away, marking the end of an era in the Corleone family. However, Vito's influence on Michael is evident throughout the story. Much of what Vito imparts to Michael is not directly spoken to him but is referenced or hinted at through various scenes. One notable instance is a scene that appears in a flashback, occurring just prior to Michael's departure for the Marine Corps.

During this scene, it is Vito's birthday, but the film does not depict his presence on screen. This flashback hints at the invaluable lessons Vito wanted Michael to carry with him through his life, preparing him for the complex world of organized crime and leadership.

Vito's Famous Warnings

Arguably, one of the most famous and pivotal moments in the film is when Vito Corleone warns Michael about the traitor, Tessio, who is revealed to be working from within the family. This warning serves as a turning point, leaving Michael with the stark realization of the betrayal that can occur.

In 'The Godfather Part II', Michael further embodies his father's teachings by revealing a famous quote: 'Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.' This phrase encapsulates the strategic and cunning approach Vito had instilled in Michael, making him wary of those who surround him rather than fully trusting them.

The Liabilities Within

For Vito, Michael's younger brother Fredo was always a liability. Vito undoubtedly imparted to Michael the importance of watching out for Fredo, as his reliability and loyalty were frequently called into question. This prophetic warning highlights the importance of assessing and managing one’s family and associates.

Strategies of Intimidation

A very crucial lesson Vito taught Michael was the use of intimidation to turn enemies into allies. This is vividly illustrated in two key scenes: the horse's head incident in the Corleone backyard and the setup involving Senator Geary with a prostitute. These incidents demonstrate the ruthlessness and cunning required to maintain power and eliminate threats.

The Legacy of Vito Corleone

Ultimately, Vito Corleone's legacy is one of wisdom and strategic thinking. Through his final words and actions, he prepared Michael for the challenges he would face as the head of the Corleone family. By instilling in Michael these important lessons, Vito ensured that his legacy would live on and that Michael would continue to protect and expand the family's empire.

So, while Vito Corleone may be gone, his impact on Michael is evident, shaping his decisions and actions in the complex world of organized crime. The lessons he imparted serve as a guiding light for Michael, ensuring that he never forgets the importance of strategy, loyalty, and the manipulation of power.