The Godfather (1972)

Brief Intro

“The Godfather,” directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1972, is a cinematic masterpiece that tells the story of the powerful Corleone crime family in post-WWII New York. This iconic film, based on Mario Puzo’s novel, explores themes of power, loyalty, and the American Dream. With unforgettable performances by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and James Caan, “The Godfather” remains a defining film in the crime genre.

Literary Devices Used in The Godfather

Let’s dive into the world of “The Godfather” by exploring the literary devices that make this film a timeless classic. We’ll identify ten literary devices used in the film, with specific examples from the movie.

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
Michael’s transformation from a war hero to a mafia boss	Michael’s journey is a metaphor for the corrupting influence of power.
The baptism scene	The juxtaposition of the baptism with the murders signifies the duality of Michael’s character.

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Vito’s warning to Michael about keeping his

enemies close | This foreshadows Michael’s eventual betrayal by close associates. | | The scene where Michael promises to make his father proud | Hints at Michael’s future takeover of the family business. |

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
The wedding scene at the beginning	Ironically juxtaposes the joy of a wedding with the sinister business of the Corleone family.
Michael claiming he won’t join the family business	It’s ironic because he ends up becoming the head of the family.

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
The cat in Vito’s lap	Symbolizes Vito’s dual nature: affectionate yet dangerous.
Oranges appearing before violent scenes	Oranges symbolize impending death and danger.

Allusion

Movie Scene	Device Example
Michael’s military uniform	Alludes to his initial separation from the family’s criminal activities.
The puppet strings in the opening credits	Alludes to the control and manipulation inherent in the mafia world.

Flashback

Movie Scene	Device Example
Vito’s rise to power	Flashbacks show how Vito built the family empire.
Michael reminiscing about his father	Provides background on Vito’s influence on Michael.

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
The recurring use of family gatherings	Highlights the importance of family in the Corleone world.
Use of shadows and dark lighting	Reflects the moral ambiguity and secrecy in the mafia life.

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
The baptism sequence	Juxtaposes religious rituals with brutal murders.
Michael’s wedding in Sicily	Contrasts with the violence in America, highlighting cultural differences.

Dialogue

Movie Scene	Device Example
Vito’s “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse”	Establishes Vito’s power and influence.
Michael’s conversations with Kay	Reveals the conflict between his personal and family life.

Symbolic Names

Movie Scene	Device Example
Vito Corleone	“Vito” means life, ironic considering his life of crime.
Michael Corleone	“Michael” means “who is like God,” hinting at his eventual god-like control over the family.

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Michael Corleone

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Michael’s evolution from a civilian to the head of the mafia symbolizes the corrupting influence of power.
Irony	His initial desire to stay out of the family business is ironic because he eventually becomes the ruthless leader.

Vito Corleone

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	The cat in his lap symbolizes his dual nature of being affectionate and dangerous.
Dialogue	His famous lines reveal his strategic mind and moral code.

Kay Adams

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Kay’s normalcy contrasts sharply with the Corleone family’s criminal world.
Dialogue	Her conversations with Michael highlight her struggle to reconcile his two identities.

Tom Hagen

Device	Explanation
Symbolism	As the adopted son, Tom symbolizes the idea of chosen family and loyalty.
Dialogue	His calm and measured speech contrasts with the more emotional Corleones, highlighting his role as a mediator.

Sonny Corleone

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	His hot-headed nature foreshadows his eventual violent death.
Irony	Despite his loyalty, his impulsiveness makes him unfit to lead the family.

Thematic Analysis

Power and Corruption

Device	Explanation
Metaphor	Michael’s transformation represents the corrupting nature of power.
Symbolism	Oranges foreshadow death and symbolize the corruption in the world of the mafia.

Family and Loyalty

Device	Explanation
Motif	Recurring family gatherings emphasize the importance of family ties.
Dialogue	Conversations about loyalty highlight the values and priorities of the Corleone family.

The American Dream

Device	Explanation
Irony	The Corleone family’s pursuit of the American Dream is ironic because they achieve it through crime.
Symbolism	Michael’s initial rejection and eventual embrace of the family business symbolize the conflict between the ideal and the reality of the American Dream.

Betrayal and Revenge

Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Warnings about betrayal foreshadow key plot twists.
Juxtaposition	The betrayal scenes juxtaposed with acts of loyalty highlight the thin line between friend and foe.

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Visual and Sound Techniques

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Lighting	The use of shadows and dark lighting enhances the themes of secrecy and moral ambiguity.
Irony	Music	The cheerful wedding music juxtaposes the dark undertones of the family’s business.

Literary Device	Technique	Explanation
Foreshadowing	Camera Angles	Close-ups on characters’ faces foreshadow key emotional shifts and betrayals.
Juxtaposition	Sound Mixing	The interweaving of baptismal hymns with the sounds of murders underscores the duality of Michael’s world.

Key Scene Analysis

Scene Selection

1. Opening Scene – Vito’s Office
   • YouTube Link: Opening Scene
   • Breakdown: This scene establishes Vito’s authority and the themes of loyalty and power. The dark lighting and controlled dialogue highlight the ominous nature of his business dealings.
2. Baptism and Murders
   • YouTube Link: Baptism Scene
   • Breakdown: This sequence masterfully uses juxtaposition and irony. The serene baptism is intercut with brutal killings, symbolizing Michael’s complete transformation and the duality of his life.
3. Michael and Sollozzo’s Meeting
   • YouTube Link: Restaurant Scene
   • Breakdown: This pivotal scene uses foreshadowing and tension-building techniques. Michael’s calm demeanor contrasts with the violent outcome, marking his first step into his new role.

Conclusion

Let’s wrap up with an interactive multiple-choice quiz to test your understanding of the literary devices in “The Godfather.”

Interactive Quiz

1. Which device is used when Michael’s journey mirrors the corrupting influence of power?
   • A) Irony
   • B) Metaphor
   • C) Allusion
2. What does the recurring appearance of oranges symbolize?
   • A) Wealth
   • B) Danger and Death
   • C) Love
3. How does the film use juxtaposition in the baptism scene?
   • A) By showing peaceful scenes only
   • B) By contrasting a religious ceremony with violent acts
   • C) By depicting family gatherings
4. Which character’s dialogue often reveals the strategic and moral dimensions of the Corleone family?
   • A) Michael
   • B) Vito
   • C) Sonny
5. What literary device is prominent in the line “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse”?
   • A) Symbolism
   • B) Dialogue
   • C) Foreshadowing

Answer key: 1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-B, 5-B