Vito Corleone’s Respect for Carmela: A Deeper Dive into The Godfather

The relationship between Vito Corleone and his wife, Carmela, is often briefly mentioned in films based on Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather. However, the novel provides a more detailed exploration of their marital dynamics, which are rooted in the traditional and deeply moral views of marriage in Corleone household.

Traditional View of Marriage

Vito Corleone had a traditional old-school view of marriage, emphasizing a moral and religious outlook. To him, and later to Michael, marriage was a bond meant to be inviolable, a lifelong commitment. This view is evident in the Mafia’s ldquo;Ten Commandmentsrdquo;, which included the rule that one should never even look at another man's wife, especially the wife of another member.

Corleone's Duty to Support and Protect His Wife

Corleone believed that as a husband, it was his absolute duty to protect and support his wife. His respect extended to the idea that if it took going to the dark side—the criminal underworld—to provide for his family, he would do so. This support was a moral obligation, as Carmela's life was intertwined with his actions and choices.

Carmela's Duty and Respect

Carmela, on the other hand, had a duty to respect her husband. In the Mafia context, this meant not questioning or discussing his business with him. She was expected to remain silent and support him, regardless of the nature of his activities. This was a significant aspect of their relationship, created within the framework of their traditional marriage.

Conflict and Marriage Dynamics

Despite their love for each other, the Corleone marriage was not without its conflicts. These conflicts were meant to be resolved privately by the couple. The idea was that no one else, including family members, should interfere in their marital issues. However, this guideline was often a double-edged sword.

The Dark Side of Private Marital Issues

The novel provides a deeper look into the implications of this rule. When Connie, their daughter, mentioned being beaten by her husband, Carlo, to her parents, they insisted that the matter was to be resolved between them. For Carmela and Vito, this often meant that women like Connie had to suffer silently, as their fathers could not step in to help.

Michael's Contrast

Michael, on the other hand, does not adhere to this rule. Unlike his father, Michael has a more tempered relationship with the Mafia and occasionally interferes in his sister's matters. This contrast highlights the differences in how the family members interpret and live by the rules of their traditional, yet often conflicting, marriage.

The Real Face of Mafia Culture

In reality, the Mafia also had a set of rules and beliefs that guided the behavior of its members and their families. One of these was the Ten Commandments, which included the prohibition against even looking at another man's wife, especially that of a fellow member. This stricter adherence to the rule suggests a deeper, more personal bond expected within marriages, reinforcing the sense of inviolability and moral responsibility.

Conclusion

Vito Corleone’s respect for Carmela is a testament to the intricate and complex dynamics of family and loyalty in The Godfather. While their relationship was rooted in traditional values, the harsh realities of Mafia culture often brought out the darker sides of these customs.