The Godfather: How Apollonia's Fate Shaped Michael Corleone
By the end of *The Godfather*, Michael Corleone stands poised to inherit his father's criminal empire, his heart seemingly hardened enough to embrace the role. However, a single alteration in the storyline could have drastically changed his path, preventing him from ever becoming the Don. *The Godfather* masterfully interweaves two narratives: the twilight years of a seasoned mob boss seeking a successor, and the reluctant descent of his youngest son into a life of crime. Michael, initially envisioned as the Corleone family's beacon of legitimacy, ironically becomes the only viable heir to Vito's throne.
Initially portrayed as a decorated war veteran with a clean conscience, Michael undergoes a profound transformation, ultimately surpassing even his father in ruthlessness. His descent begins with the assassination of a corrupt police captain and culminates in the simultaneous elimination of his rivals during his nephew's baptism. But this transformation hinged on a pivotal moment.
Apollonia's Death: A Turning Point Michael's journey takes a significant turn after killing Captain McCluskey, forcing him into hiding in Sicily. There, he finds love with Apollonia, a local woman. Their whirlwind romance culminates in marriage, but their happiness is tragically cut short when Apollonia is killed by a car bomb intended for Michael.
Had Apollonia survived, Michael's destiny might have been entirely different. Her presence would have softened his resolve, preventing him from fully embracing the ruthlessness required to succeed Vito. Michael's love for Apollonia was genuine, a stark contrast to his relationship with Kay, which allows him to prioritize the family business above all else.
The Significance of the Sicily Scenes The scenes in Sicily, while sometimes considered a slower pace in *The Godfather*, are crucial to Michael's character development. This period marks a turning point, offering him a deeper understanding of the Don's role within the community through his interactions with Don Tommasino.
Previously, Michael viewed the concept of one person wielding such power as contradictory to American ideals of freedom and opportunity. However, his time in Sicily reveals the potential for a Don to positively influence and protect his community, shaping his perception and paving the way for his eventual acceptance of the role. If Apollonia had lived, Michael might have remained the man he once was, a war hero with a moral compass. But her tragic death forged him into the cold and calculating Don Corleone, forever altering the course of his life and the fate of his family.