Juxtaposition and Character Foils

In the first scenes of The Godfather, it is outright stated in the dialogue that Michael believes himself to be starkly different from the rest of the Corleones, especially his father Vito, who believes that "a man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man" (Coppola). Although the Don is referring to his eldest son Sonny when he says this, it is likely that Coppola has incorporated this line in the dialogue to represent the separation between Michael and the rest of the Corleones -- even in the beginning of the movie, Michael is not present at the wedding -- most noticeably when the family photo is being taken.

It is interesting that Coppola has chosen to have the characters express through dialogue and actions that Michael does not belong in a life of organized crime; however, as the film continues, Coppola chooses to imply rather than make it obvious that Michael is in fact more like the Don than Vito's other two sons -- Sonny and Fredo -- and subsequently that Michael may be the best choice for the next Don.

The juxtaposition I have noticed in this film is not just in Vito and Michael, but in the added presence of Fredo and Sonny. Fredo's nervousness when he is pressured and Sonny's impulsive decisions and actions contrast with Don Corleone's calm demeanor and air of authority, in turn highlighting Michael's similarities to his father. Vito does not panic in the face of danger and does not make impulsive decisions; while Fredo and Sonny are seen doing both the former and the latter, Michael does neither.

Rather than expressing the similarities between Michael and his father through dialogue, making it obvious to the reader, Coppola chooses to utilize juxtaposition and character foils involving the Don and his two older sons -- perhaps to emphasize which of his three sons is most fit to inherit the position of utmost power the Don is bound to leave behind.