How Sonny and Vito Corleone Would Have Reacted to Fredo’s Betrayal

In the intricate world of the Corleone family, the decisions of Sonny Corleone and Vito Corleone were often driven by a mix of Mafia ethics and personal sentiments. This article delves into how Sonny and Vito might have reacted to their youngest brother Fredo's betrayal of the family, an experience depicted in The Godfather.

Would Sonny Have KILLED Fredo?

Contrary to the portrayal of Sonny in the movie, who appeared as more straightforward and less politically inclined, the reality might have been different. Sonny was undoubtedly a violent man, prone to impulsive and hot-tempered actions. However, if given the opportunity to have Fredo killed, Sonny would not have chosen that path. His decision-making process, as seen in his interactions with Carlo, suggests a more brutal but potentially more humane approach. Sonny's temperament led him to crack skulls rather than analyze situations, making it unlikely that he would have chosen to kill Fredo even if he was given the chance.

Would Vito Have Ridiculed or Punished Sonny and Michael?

When it comes to the guiding hand of Vito Corleone, his involvement in such matters would likely have been limited. Vito was a man who valued loyalty and family above all else. He would have been more concerned with maintaining the family's integrity and ensuring its survival, rather than punishing his sons. Vito might have disapproved of the family's division, but his loyalty to the Corleones would have guided his decisions.

Sonny's Impulsive and Violent Response

Sonny, being hot-tempered and impulsive, would have reacted with extreme physical violence to Fredo's betrayal. If he had discovered Fredo's betrayal, Sonny would have run after Fredo and pounced on him, similar to his encounter with his brother-in-law, Carlo. Unlike the calculated and cold response of Michael, Sonny would not have taken time to think; he would have beaten Fredo until he was unconscious. The beating would have been much more severe than what he gave to Carlo, as betrayal within the family was seen as a greater crime.

After the incident, Fredo would have been given a permanent exile from the family. He might have been provided with enough money to live comfortably elsewhere, but he would be forbidden from attending family gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. This serves as a warning to the rest of the family that betrayal is not tolerated.

Michael's Strategic and Calculated Response

Michael Corleone, on the other hand, was a man of calculated and strategic actions. Even though he was impulsive as well, his cold and calculated nature would have prevented him from taxing out (thrashing) Fredo physically. Instead, Michael might have given Fredo a single slap in the face as a form of punishment, demonstrating his disdain for Fredo's actions without resorting to extreme violence.

Michael understood the importance of maintaining the family's reputation and security. Him almost getting killed by Fredo and being endangered in the process meant that one of Fredo's primary weaknesses was short-sightedness. Michael would not have forgiven Fredo easily, as he believed that Fredo's betrayal could be exploited by rivals or even the FBI. However, because of the strong influence of their mother at the time, Michael could not kill Fredo outright, as it would break her heart. He would, however, ensure that Fredo was permanently exiled to protect the family, similar to Sonny's scenario.

Conclusion: A Matter of Opinion

The question of which brother was kinder, Sonny or Michael, remains a matter of opinion. Both brothers loved Fredo deeply, and both would have felt betrayed. Sonny's temperament would have made him react more violently, while Michael's strategic nature would have led to a more controlled yet harsh punishment. Only the author of The Godfather can truly answer this question, as their intentions and motivations are deeply rooted in the complexities of the narrative.