Sonny Corleones Role in The Godfather: A Deep Dive into His Activities
H1: Sonny Corleone's Role in The Godfather: A Comprehensive Look
Exploring the multi-layered character of Sonny Corleone, in both the novel and the film, reveals him as a complex and enigmatic figure within the Corleone crime family. Sonny's journey from a young, passionate fighter to an influential underboss provides a rich narrative that captures the essence of the The Godfather.
Underboss of the Corleone Crime Family
One of Sonny's primary roles within the Corleone crime family was that of an underboss. He reported directly to Vito Corleone, the patriarch of the family. In this capacity, Sonny oversaw a significant portion of the criminal activities within his territory. He received a percentage of the profits generated by the criminals under his purview, a practice often referred to as “letting the boss wet his beak.” This phrase highlighted Sonny's position as a middleman between the rank-and-file criminals and the higher echelons of the family. As with other underbosses, a portion of his earnings was then funneled up to Vito, ensuring the continuity of the family's revenue streams.
Legitimate Enterprises
In addition to his criminal activities, Sonny was also associated with one of the Corleone family's legitimate enterprises. While the exact nature of this enterprise is not explicitly detailed in the film, it is often speculated to be legitimate business ventures such as Hrpenco Olive Oil importers. These legitimate enterprises were a critical part of maintaining the family's wealth and power, providing both a cover for their illicit operations and a legitimate source of income. By being involved in these ventures, Sonny helped to explain how he accumulated his wealth, blending his criminal and business lives seamlessly.
Enforcer and Advisor
Sonny's role extended beyond that of an underboss. He was also an enforcer, carrying out violent and brutal acts on behalf of the family. This included physical confrontations, such as beating someone's sister's husband and even engaging in street fights. In addition, he served as an advisor to Vito, participating in meetings as a trusted confidant. This dual role as an enforcer and advisor showcased Sonny's multifaceted nature, blending brute force with strategic thinking.
Young Sonny also demonstrated his fierce loyalty and protective nature early on. After Vito was shot for the first time, Sonny took charge of the family at the tender age of 16. His ruthless actions in response to Solozzo's attempted assassination of Vito further solidified his hardened persona. This early display of leadership and violence foreshadowed the battles that would shape his character throughout the series.
A Turbulent Life
Unfortunately, Sonny's reckless and impulsive nature led to his tragic demise. A violent confrontation that resulted in him beating up someone's sister's husband ended in both their death. Sonny was subsequently killed in a dodge at a toll booth, an act of revenge that underscored the brutality and chaos of the Corleone family's existence.
Conclusion: Sonny Corleone's role in The Godfather is a testament to the complex and often conflicting nature of organized crime. His journey from a passionate young fighter to an influential underboss and enforcer highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by those operating within such families. While his story ended tragically, Sonny's character remains a memorable and iconic part of one of the greatest depictions of the American mafia.