Would Vito Corleone Have Killed Don Ciccio's Family for Revenge?

Discussing the intricate plot of The Godfather Part 2, one question arises: would Vito Corleone, the iconic mafia don, have taken the extreme measure of killing Don Ciccio's family members to prevent future threats? This exploration delves into the mindset of a typical mob boss, examining the ethical and strategic implications of such an action.

Understanding Vito Corleone's Character

Vito Corleone, portrayed by Marlon Brando in the classic film, is known for his ruthless yet calculated approach to power. He would have never hesitated to eliminate anyone who posed a direct threat to him or his family. However, the decision to kill Don Ciccio's offspring and other family members would have been a highly unusual and extreme action, even for him.

When Young Vito, played by Robert DeNiro, kills the Sicilian mafia boss, it is due to his family being killed by this same individual. The killing is an act of vengeance, not a preemptive strike on potential future threats. This sequence in the film is a singular event tied to the betrayal and subsequent death of his parents, not a broader pattern of eliminating all enemies, including their families.

The Strategic Mind of Vito Corleone

Vito's strategic approach is deeply rooted in the mafia's code of silence (omerta) and the prevention of retaliation. He would have assessed the immediate threat and taken action if anyone posed a direct danger to him or his family. However, dealing with the entire family of a deceased enemy, such as Don Ciccio, would have been a calculated risk with severe repercussions.

After Don Ciccio’s death, the town would have come under the control of Don Tomassino, Vito's loyal friend, who would have managed the affairs of the Corleone crime family in his absence. The risk of revenge, both legally and morally, would have been too high for Vito to consider the systematic elimination of a fallen enemy's family. Additionally, targeting civilians, or 'civilians' as they are known in mafia circles, would have left Vito's family and associates at greater risk of retaliation.

Mafia Tactics and Rules

The mafia has evolved with the changing times, influenced by the broader society they exist in. However, their core principles, including not targeting non-combatants, remain stringent. According to mafia lore, even those who have no direct involvement in feuds, such as Witness Protection Program members, are often targeted to eliminate any threats. This is evident in the real-life case of Domenico Scavone, a soldier in the Corleone Commission, who was targeted and killed by Totò Riina after entering witness protection. Similarly, Riina, in his 1993 trial, ordered the death of Salvatore Riina's son, in retaliation for a betrayal by a former ally.

Conclusion

The decision-making process of a mafia boss is complex and multi-faceted. While Vito Corleone would have targeted individuals directly responsible for threats or those who pose an immediate danger, eliminating Don Ciccio's entire family would have been an overreaching act. His actions would have been driven by necessity and the need to maintain a certain level of security and control, rather than by a desire for retribution.

In the world of the mafia, the principles of omerta and the survival of the family remain paramount. Any actions taken are carefully considered, with the understanding that actions against non-combatants can lead to instability and greater risks. Thus, while Vito Corleone was undoubtedly a formidable adversary, he would have maintained a level of restraint and prudence in his dealings, particularly when it came to targeting entire families of adversaries.