The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
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condemn him to a defeated life. But his ultimate aim is to enter that society with a 
certain power since society doesn’t really protect its members who do not have their 
own individual power. In the meantime he operates on a code of ethics he considers far 
superior to the legal structures of society.” 
Kay was looking at him incredulously. “But that’s ridiculous,” she said. “What if 
everybody felt the same way? How could society ever function, we’d be back in the 
times of the cavemen. Mike, you don’t believe what you’re saying, do you?” 
Michael grinned at her. “I’m just telling you what my father believes. I just want you to 
understand that whatever else he is, he’s not irresponsible, or at least not in the society 
which he has created. He’s not a crazy machine-gunning mobster as you seem to think. 
He’s a responsible man in his own way.” 
“And what do you believe?” Kay asked quietly. 
Michael shrugged. “I believe in my family,” he said. “I believe in you and the family we 
may have. I don’t trust society to protect us, I have no intention of placing my fate in the 
hands of men where only qualification is that they managed to con a block of people to 
vote for them. But that’s for now. My father’s time is done. The things he did can no 
longer be done exeept wilt a great deal of risk. Whether we like it or not the Corleone 
Family has to join that society. But when they do I’d like us to join it with plenty of our 
own power; that is, money and ownership of other valuables. I’d like to make my 
children as secure as possible before they join that general destiny.” 
“But you volunteered to fight for your country, you were a war hero,” Kay said. “What 
happened to make you change?” 
Michael said, “’This is really getting us no place. But maybe I’m just one of those real 
old-fashioned conservatives they grow up in your hometown. I take care of myself, 
individual. Governments really don’t do much for their people, that’s what it comes down 
to, but that’s not it really. All I can say, I have to help my father, I have to be on his side. 
And you have to make your decision about being on my side.” He smiled at her. “I guess 
getting. married was a bad idea.” 
Kay patted the bed. “I don’t know about marrying, but I’ve gone without a man for two 
years and I’m not letting you off so easy now. Come on in here.” 
When they were in bed together, the light out, she whispered to him, “Do you believe me 
about not having a man since you left?” 

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