The Godfather

The Godfather

by

Mario Puzo

Made his Bones Term Analysis

A phrase that means committing murder for a mob family. The phrase indicates that a man wishing to become “made” in the mob must first make “bones” out of another man by killing him, thereby demonstrating his loyalty and dedication to the family.
Get the entire The Godfather LitChart as a printable PDF.
The Godfather PDF

Made his Bones Term Timeline in The Godfather

The timeline below shows where the term Made his Bones appears in The Godfather. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 6
Crime and Justice Theme Icon
Loyalty and Betrayal Theme Icon
...protégé, Paulie. He had brought Paulie up studiously through the Mafia ranks until Paulie “ made his bones ” and established a good living within the Corleone Family structure. After much pondering over... (full context)