In 2018, I was watching a YouTube video of Orson Welles performing a Shakespeare monolog - Shylock's first speech in Merchant of Venice. I noticed how strikingly similar this is to the famous opening monolog of Don Corelone in The Godfather Part 1. I'm not the first to note this, but believe you me, when you see the analogy, it's striking.
Here's my 2018 essay:
https://bqwebpage.blogspot.com/2018/01/parallels-godfather-opening-scene-and.html?
Six Year Later, and AI
Six years later, I'm browsing YouTube and ran across the same video of Orson Wells reading Shylock. After a couple minutes, a light goes off and I think, "The same as Marlon Brando in The Godfather!" I didn't immediately recall my own 2018 adventure, but the memories coalesced in a couple minutes.
This time, I asked Chat GPT about the parallels between the first Shylock monolog and the Godfather monog. Here is the AI result, which you can compare if you like to the 2018 human essay above.
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AI WRITES:
The parallel between the opening scene of "The Godfather" and Shylock’s speech in "The Merchant of Venice" is indeed fascinating and has been noted by some scholars and fans of both works, though it is not as widely discussed as other aspects of these iconic pieces.
The Godfather Opening Scene
In the opening scene of "The Godfather" (1972), Don Vito Corleone (played by Marlon Brando) listens to Amerigo Bonasera, an undertaker, who seeks justice for his brutally attacked daughter. Bonasera has never shown respect or loyalty to Don Corleone, preferring to rely on the American legal system. Now, in desperation, he comes to Don Corleone for help. Don Corleone's response emphasizes respect and loyalty:
"You found paradise in America, had a good trade, made a good living. The police protected you; and there were courts of law. And you didn’t need a friend like me. But now you come to me and you say, 'Don Corleone, give me justice.' But you don’t ask with respect. You don’t offer friendship. You don’t even think to call me Godfather. Instead, you come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married and you ask me to do murder for money."
Shylock’s Speech in The Merchant of Venice
In Act I, Scene III of "The Merchant of Venice," Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, is approached by Bassanio to borrow 3,000 ducats. Shylock reminds Bassanio and Antonio (who guarantees the loan) of how Antonio has mistreated him:
"Signior Antonio, many a time and oft In the Rialto you have rated me About my moneys and my usances. Still have I borne it with a patient shrug, For suff'rance is the badge of all our tribe. You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, And spet upon my Jewish gaberdine, And all for use of that which is mine own. Well then, it now appears you need my help. Go to, then; you come to me, and you say, 'Shylock, we would have moneys.' You say so... You, that did void your rheum upon my beard And foot me as you spurn a stranger cur Over your threshold. Moneys is your suit. What should I say to you? Should I not say, 'Hath a dog money? Is it possible A cur can lend three thousand ducats?'"
Comparison and Analysis
Both speeches highlight themes of respect, loyalty, and hypocrisy. In both cases, the speakers confront those who have wronged or disrespected them but now seek their help in a time of need. The similarity lies in the rhetorical structure and emotional tone:
- Remembrance of Past Disrespect: Both Don Corleone and Shylock recall the past disrespect shown to them by the individuals now seeking their assistance.
- Highlighting Hypocrisy: Both speeches point out the hypocrisy of asking for a favor or money after having treated the lender with disdain.
- Conditional Assistance: Both characters imply that the help sought will come with conditions, emphasizing the need for respect or acknowledgment of their power and status.
Recognition and Influence
The direct literary influence of Shakespeare on Mario Puzo’s "The Godfather" or Francis Ford Coppola’s film adaptation has not been explicitly documented. However, the themes and rhetorical techniques used in Shakespeare’s plays are deeply ingrained in Western literature and storytelling. The resemblance might be seen as a convergence of similar narrative techniques used to explore universal themes of respect, power, and reciprocity.
Conclusion
While not widely recognized as a direct influence, the similarity between Don Corleone’s opening monologue in "The Godfather" and Shylock’s speech in "The Merchant of Venice" underscores how great narratives often echo timeless human experiences and conflicts. This connection enriches the understanding of both works, illustrating how themes of respect and loyalty transcend time and context.
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Yes, the monologue that opens the film "The Godfather" is also found in Mario Puzo's original novel "The Godfather." The novel, published in 1969, contains a similar scene where Amerigo Bonasera comes to Don Vito Corleone to seek justice for his daughter. The dialogue in the book and the film are closely aligned, though the film adaptation, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, slightly refines the speech for dramatic effect.
Excerpt from Mario Puzo's Novel
In the novel, this interaction is depicted in the first chapter, setting the tone for the themes of loyalty, respect, and power that permeate the story. Here’s a brief excerpt from the book:
"Amerigo Bonasera sat in New York Criminal Court... He trusted the law to punish the ruffians who had so cruelly hurt his daughter, and now he was being failed by the law. He had come to the Godfather on this day because he was afraid and in trouble, and because he had no other recourse. He had always believed in the American dream of law and order and fair play."
Don Corleone’s response in the book includes:
"Bonasera, Bonasera. What have I ever done to make you treat me so disrespectfully?... If you had come to me in friendship, then this scum that ruined your daughter would be suffering this very day. And if by chance an honest man like yourself should make enemies, then they would become my enemies. And then, believe me, they would fear you."
Comparison to the Film
The film's script, written by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola, closely follows the book but adds some cinematic touches. In the film, Don Corleone’s speech is slightly more concise and polished for dramatic impact:
"You found paradise in America, had a good trade, made a good living. The police protected you; and there were courts of law. And you didn’t need a friend like me. But now you come to me and you say, 'Don Corleone, give me justice.' But you don’t ask with respect. You don’t offer friendship. You don’t even think to call me Godfather. Instead, you come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married and you ask me to do murder for money."
Analysis
The essence of the scene remains consistent in both the book and the film:
- Themes of Respect and Loyalty: Both versions emphasize the importance of respect and loyalty, central themes in Don Corleone’s code of ethics.
- Character Introduction: This scene serves to introduce Don Corleone’s character as a powerful, respected figure who values loyalty above all.
- Narrative Function: The scene sets the stage for the intricate web of relationships and power dynamics that will unfold throughout the story.
Conclusion
The monologue that opens "The Godfather" film is indeed rooted in Mario Puzo's original novel. While the film version refines the dialogue for cinematic impact, the themes and character dynamics remain true to Puzo's original vision, highlighting the continuity between the novel and its adaptation.
Picture: Dalle 3 via Bing image creator.
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