The Godfather

“Don Corleone himself was not angry. He had long ago learned that society imposes insults that must be borne, comforted by the knowledge that in this world there comes a time when the most humble of men, if he keeps his eyes open, can take his revenge on the most powerful. It was this knowledge that prevented the Don from losing the humility all his friends admired in him.”

This is the first time that readers have an insight into Don Corleone’s thoughts. Sonny has lost his temper because FBI men are writing down license plates numbers at Connie’s wedding. Readers will learn that this reaction is characteristic behavior for the Don: to show no emotion, and to file away the experience until the opportunity for revenge should arise. This is one of his fundamental business principles and a part of his code.

“That was the mark of the Don’s humanity. He knew from bitter experience what courage it took to ask a favor from a fellow man.”

The Don is being asked for favors during his daughter’s wedding, as is customary in Sicilian culture. In this first scene, in which readers are introduced to Don Corleone, his behavior characterize him directly. But the reader also receives strong impressions of him from the indirect characterization offered by the other guests and members of the family. This statement also hints to a painful past which continues to shape his behavior towards others.

“I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.”

This line, delivered by Don Corleone, is one of the most famous in the novel. Additionally, thanks to Coppola’s film adaptation, it is one of the most famous lines in cinema as well. But it also displays one of Don Corleone’s most fundamental business strategies: to not give his adversary an opportunity to refuse or make the consequences of refusal so dire that it is not really an option.