Choose a MINOR DETAIL in the book that attracted your attention, and explain the reasons of your choice.
It could be something that offended you, or hurt your sensibility, or made you laugh, or made you think.
Or maybe a line of dialogue worth quoting. Or a particularly well written (or poorly written) paragraph.
The possibilities are infinite.
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In total you must have two REPLIES and one COMMENT.
A minor detail in the book that attracted my attention is when Johnny Fontane started hitting his wife. I think it really offended me. I always get uneasy reading or watching something that involves a woman being abused. The few paragraphs that were talking about it were fulled with detail and I kind of felt I was there in the room and I wanted to punch Johnny for Margot.
ReplyDeleteI love/hated this scene. I was so shocked at how descriptive it was, but I was more uneasy of how she kind of just took it, and how Ok he was with it all. It's like they are both blind or so used to it that her only way to react is to laugh at him and we see that only angers him more. It was disgusting to me though because when I gave it more thought, this is something we read about ever so often and it's just like…this isn't fictional, this is real stuff.
DeleteThis scene just surprised me. At first i was thinking, why is he beating her up and her not doing anything about it? It was disturbing to read her getting abused. I also don't really like watching scenes in which someone is getting beat up. I didn't like the fact that she took it lightly.
DeleteThis is another descriptive/graphic scene from the book. It was very distributing. Domestic abuse is wrong. It is very offensive. Mario Puzo paints a vivid picture through his words.
DeleteThis scene didn't really surprise me in the fact that if she would have fought back or stood up to him he possibly could have killed her so maybe that's why she didn't really have a reaction. It is disturbing to read about someone getting abused and not really knowing how to stop it.
DeleteI found this scene emasculating, his wife just taunting him about how much of a child he is. The part where she is laughing at him and just runs off to her room and locks the door infuriated me the most. Really felt like Johnny should have taken more control of the situation and not let his failing career and alcohol get the worst of him.
DeleteWhen Sonny tells Michael, "But when you come out again, don't waste any time. Don't sit down again at the table, start blasting. And don't take chances. In the head, two shots apiece,.."
ReplyDeleteIt annoys me that Sonny always tells Michael to react in a situation, as if he's the one doing the dirty job. I agree, Sonny is definitely just looking out for his brother, but as I read this, I thought, Watch Michael not do as he says, something is bound to go wrong.
What did I say, Michael sat back down, like he was told not to do so, and how many times did he shoot them..once. He took the chance, but he got the job done in his own way and without the instructions of the others. I'm not sure why I enjoyed this part so much. Maybe he proved something to himself and Sonny who may have doubted him.
This very another good piece of dialogue from the novel. This is the scene where Michael sits down in a restaurant and kills both Sollozzo and McCluskey. Sonny directs Michael into doing the killing the right way because Michael is inexperienced. Michael doesn't have familiarity with Mob killings.
DeleteI found this scene interesting as well. When reading the plan that Michael had to follow and him actually doing it caught my attention. I was expecting Michael to go by what exactly was said. When he didn't end up shooting him at the moment he was told to and sat down I got nervous and thought something was going to go wrong. I like how you connected it with the fact that he was proving something to himself and Sonny that may have doubted him.
DeleteKay's reaction to Michael's story about how Fontaine got out of contract was interesting to me. Instead of being surprised at the method that Michael's father used on Fontaine, she thought Michael was jealous of his dad and that he was helping people. This was not true because Michael's father only helps people so they could owe him a favor.
ReplyDeleteI thought this scene was pretty interesting. It showed how Kay's thinking was. She was feeling one way about this whole story where on the other hand Michaael didn't even have those feelings that Kay was thinking. It just showed that Kay was having a misunderstanding of Michael.
DeleteOne scene that caught my attention was when Johnny came to attend the wedding. He was a big star but still managed to show up at the wedding which was far. I thought this expressed how much respect and love he had for his Godfather. Even though he was famous, he didn't forget to attend. He made the effort to come. When i was reading this scene, i realized how close Johnny was to his Godfather.
ReplyDeleteSyeda, I do believe Johnny has respect for his Grandfather but he's a selfish character and I don't think he shown up to the wedding out of respect- he made an appearance because he needed something from the Don.
DeleteI agree with Diana, majority of the people who come to see Don comes out of need not out of want and Don knows that. It is everyone else who sees it as him coming for respect.
DeleteOne quote of dialogue that stood out to me was:
ReplyDeleteTom Hagen looked him directly in the eye. “Sonny, sure you can outfight him. The Corleone Family has the power. You have Clemenza and Tessio here and they can muster a thousand men if it comes to an all-out war. But at the end there will be a shambles over the whole East Coast and all the other families will blame the Corleones. We’ll make a lot of enemies. And that’s something your father never believed in.”
I think this quote suggests Tom Hagan is right, but not the way you likely think. He is absolutely right that Vito Corleone would most likely not go to war. Don Corleone has been bold, ruthless at times while always having been long suffering first, and firm in resolve for those battles decided by inevitability and clear choices that could be made no other way in the end. Yes, he can go to war if he must. But, Tom Hagan is right that deciding that he must is the last thing he’ll do. Don Corleone is too peace-loving and has failed to count the costs of peace. We know that Sollozzo saw this weakness and it inspired his great move here, now. We know that the Don and his entire Family have grown comfortable, confident, calm, complacent. Also, Tom Hagan is right about the outcome, the shambles, the blame. This fact is, however, yet another of our beloved Don Corleone's greatest errors.
I agree and you couldn't of said it any better. They are tough powerful men and not afraid of anything that comes between them but wouldn't want to cause an all out war unless they have too. They don't want to ruin their connections and family business. They would rather wait on Don's final word before they do so.
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ReplyDeleteA scene that stood out to me while reading is when Hagen went to meet with Woltz. The part that disturbed me a little was when Woltz woke up and found his Khartoum horse head in his bed. This caught my attention because I've heard people mention this part of The Godfather before and never knew what they were talking about. I was finally able to understand what had happen and why. I think it's crazy that Hagen cut the head off the horse as a sign of revenge. Along with the fact of thinking of that idea to help Johnny. I mean they are men in the mafia so anything is possible. I would be so grossed out if I actually witnessed this happen and were in Woltz' position.
ReplyDeleteThat seen was very traumatizing to me, especially the imagery used!
DeleteI think it's one of my favorite scenes in the book. It's very disturbing and amazing at the same time. I actually wish that Woltz's reaction in the film had the same details as in the book, that would make the scene even more shocking.
DeleteAs a kid, I've seen multiple references to that scene in television, movies and elsewhere. Until recently, I didn't know what was actually under that bed nor did I fully understand what made that scene so iconic.
DeleteYes! When I was reading the book, my sister asked me if I had read the part with the horse head yet. I had no idea what she was talking about. Then, when I finished reading that disturbing chapter, I remembered how the horse head in Woltz's bed was a famous scene.
DeleteA scene that really got my attention and in my opinion was the most heart warming scene, was when Don Corleone held Genco's hand and cried while Genco was on his death bed, that scene showed despite his tough demeanor, deep down Don Corleone really is kind hearted.
ReplyDeleteIt did, there are many scenes that seem to portray Don as a kind hearted man, makes you think about his character even more. Honestly I think that he is kind hearted and covers it up purposely, who would take him seriously otherwise?
DeleteI agree with the fact that although Don Corleone has a tough demeanor he really is kind hearted and just because he is in the mafia doesn't mean he always has to be a tough guy. Don Corleone also seems to be a loving and caring husband and father.
DeleteI also agree, Don Corleone is a caring husband and a father. For him it's all about his family.
DeleteOne scene that caught my attention was when Michael told Kay the story about Hagen. What stood out to me was the part about how they didn't adopt him since they wanted him to preserve his family name out of respect. It made me think that Don may not be who we think he is.
ReplyDeleteI think the fact that Michael trusts Kay enough to tell her family stories was quite special.
DeleteI think the Don believes that family is very important. He did not want to take Hagen’s identity away. He believes that blood is strong and adopting him would not change where he comes from and he does not want to change that.
DeleteI felt the exact same way! That quote sort of rubbed me the wrong way and made me think some more about the family's internal power structure and relationships with each other.
Delete“Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.” Pg.38- Don Corleone- This quote caught my attention because to me it is so true. Some friends become best-friends and they start to become part of the family. Having friends in your life to me makes all the difference because yes you have family and they are always there but some people don’t have family they just have friends or they have family but they aren’t always there. Friends are those people that are there for you no matter what and always have your back.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you because sometimes friendship can be worth more than family.
DeleteSometimes it is true, friends give more support than family
DeleteI've always believed that friends are the family that we get to chose. If someone has no friends or bad friends it is a direct relation to their character.
Delete“In that moment he was a reincarnation of Don Corleone himself.”(135). This quote caught my attention because it shows that Michael is becoming just like his father. Michael is starting to take over the "family business".
ReplyDeleteThat quote had the same effect on me! To think that Michael was the one who seemed to not want to have anything to do with that business in the beginning and to see how that has changed was quite shocking.
DeleteI had the same impression of Michael, in the beginning I though of him of being the black sheep of the family. Since his way of doing things differ from his family expectations.
DeleteI feel that Michael became his own entity in the mafia buisness, showing the takeover over his father.
DeleteI agree this sentence caught my attention too!! The author kept representing Micheal as the new Don.
DeleteAfter Bonasera lost the trail against the two boys that beat up his daughter he was enraged with America. He wanted to do things accordingly, however justice was not served. Bonasera turned to Don Corleone for justice. Don Corleone questioned Bonasera way of doing things and pretty much said to "Forgive. Forget. Life is full of misfortunes". This part of the story showed me how Don Corleone interpret his friendship, it should be valued and respected and consider him first before anything.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good observation that after Bonasera believed in America for so long that he felt betrayed by it and then saw the Don as a last resort.
DeleteWhen Clemenza, Rocco and Paulie are in the car and Clemenza says "pull over I gotta take a leak" as if to leave the car so that Rocco can shoot Paulie. But it says "he actually relieved himself." I thought that was hilarious. Clemenza is a very funny and clever character at the same time.
ReplyDeleteSeeing that part and watching the movie are very similar, also thought of that part as very funny.
Delete“ You lousy bastard, he’s my father. I’m not supposed to help
ReplyDeletehim? I can help. I don’t have to go out and kill people but I can help”.
This line showed me about halfway through the reading from Michael that he isn't like the rest of them in the family.
Even though Michael is distinct from his family he cannot help but be a part of it. When they are in a crisis he knows he must put his wants aside to help out the family.
DeleteA detail from the book that got my attention was when Hagen comes home from being held by Sollozzo and his wife hugs him. He gets her off of him and leaves to talk to Sonny and Michael while she is still crying. This action showed him as a part of the Corleone family. I thought it gave insight to the family’s priorities. Their values seem to misogynistic. Michael was even proud that Hagen did this meaning that he too think woman are below business.
ReplyDeleteInteresting I didn't really noticed this part.
Delete" luca unlocked the trunk beneath the bed and took out a bulletproof vest" when I read this quote it gave me an impression that Luca was smart not just a murderer. He got his reputation as the strongest man who works for the Don because of his strength but this quote shows also that he was smart.
ReplyDeleteI agree, this section stood out in my mind a lot.
DeleteAs with any other novel I read, I'm always drawn to intricate descriptions of the characters. I LOVED the very beginning of the novel where the reader is introduced to the characters including Michael, Sonny, Frederico, and Kay. In particular, the author's emphasis on Sonny's manhood entertained me to no end.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, it was so funny. In all the books that I've read never have I heard a penis described like that. Very amusing...no wonder why the movies is rated R.
DeleteThe Scene where Greco is dying, and he is pleading with The Don to save his life...because he cannot deny a request on his daughters wedding day. This scene actually gave me the chills, it is somewhat unusual for older people who have been facing illness to attest death in such a shocking way (my opinion) There is something creepily supernatural in watching someone die, even though the book mentions sex and violence I find this scene to be the most explicit of them all.
ReplyDeleteThere was a scene where Sonny was crossing the only running toll booth connecting to Manhattan and Long Island. My feelings were mixed. While I found it ominous and discomforting, I also thought it was very clever on the hitmen's end. They took advantage of Sonny's anger and turned it against him.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Most times when someone is angry or disoriented they are most vulnerable to anything. I am a good example of that, as I often let my anger control me and I just wont be in the right, clear state of mind.
DeleteA few scenes caught my attention but the one I can say most about is the one where the friendship quote was introduced to us. Its one of the truer quotes I've read in this book so far and it clearly relates to life very directly. Its true that friends are everything, almost like family. Those people you call friends are the ones you go to battle with, the good times, the bad times and they've got your back at most times when other don't. When you don't even believe in yourself, they still believe in you. To me it connects to me greatly, because if I didn't have my core group of friends, I don't know what life would be like, and I certainly wouldn't have had much peace or acceptance of reality without them. They kept me going, hung out when times at home were rough, supported me and believed in me and to me that weighs heavier nthan anything I have in this world, besides immediate family. They are always there, riends truly are "the equal of family".
ReplyDeleteI agree, but I believe there were other friendship scenes that are introduced. I saw the following relationship:
DeleteFriendship = Family = Respect = POWER
So in your example I can relate to it because they are dependable when you need them most times.
Agron I agree with you too, now that I am looking back at some of the material, I too do agree there were more, that I could have tied into a bit more aggressively with this example. But that's why we do this. I can now learn a good lesson in tying collective examples into one major idea, that of friendship and family.
DeleteThe scene where Michael Corleone is being hit by the Captain caught my eye. I was captivated by this scene because Michael didn't fight back, he didnt want any trouble. I saw this part of him as being the bigger person. Later on it proves to be the right move as he avoids incarceration, and gets his revenge on the Captain and Sollozo.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Michael got his revenge. The Captain had no reason to punch Michael.
DeleteWhen Michael began to show his true colors, he started to act like his father.I found this to be incredibly interesting because Michael always acted like the outcast of the family. He explained that he didn't want anything to do with his family. Now, he has fully taken on the role of his father and completely transformed into a true Corleone.
ReplyDelete