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Chapter 23
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Godfather, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Crime and Justice
Power
Masculinity and Patriarchy
Family
Loyalty and Betrayal
Summary
Analysis
Michael awakens in bed next to Apollonia. It is the last morning they are to spend at the villa, as Don Tommasino has arranged for them to move to a town on Sicily’s southern coast. The previous evening, the Don told Michael that his marriage brought him into the sight of his enemies. Michael looks out the window and sees Fabrizzio in one of the garden chairs. Michael instructs him to get the car. In the kitchen, Filomena bids Michael goodbye, and Calo arrives to tell Michael that Apollonia is sitting in the driver’s seat of the car.
Michael marries Apollonia against his father’s wishes, because Don Corleone knows that the wedding will catch the attention of Michael’s enemies. Michael is aware of this threat but seems to think he can outwit his enemies. The presence of the car, however, indicates that death is approaching, and that his membership in the Mafia will cost him dearly.
Themes
Michael peers out of the kitchen to see Apollonia in the car. She is waving at him to stay where he is so she can drive to him. Michael notices that Fabrizzio is missing, and swiftly concludes what is going to happen. He shouts at his wife, “No! No!” but the explosion that follows her putting the key in the ignition drowns out his calls. The force blows Michael back to the villa wall and kills Apollonia and Calo.
Fabrizzio’s betrayal—and the fact that Michael anticipates Fabrizzio’s betrayal, even if too late—is yet another example of how treachery thrives in the Mafia. It also further shows that the Corleones cannot spare their personal families from the ramifications of their criminal activity.
Themes
The explosion that was clearly meant for Michael knocks him unconscious, and he awakens after nearly a week. Fabrizzio has disappeared. Dr. Taza informs Michael that his enemies believe he died in the explosion and have therefore stopped looking for him. As a result, he will be returning to New York soon. “You know, you’re a widower,” Dr. Taza states, “that’s rare in Sicily.” Two months later, Michael arrives back in New York.
Like Sonny and Felix, Apollonia plays the role of sacrificial martyr. Her death allows the Corleone family to live on. Because his enemies believe that he is dead, Michael can now safely return to New York and retaliate against those enemies in order to restore his Family’s status as the most powerful Mafia organization in New York.
Themes
