Michael Corleone's Dream: Why He Wanted His Family Out of the Crime Business

When Michael Corleone ventured into the world of organized crime, it was never out of a desire to follow in his father's footsteps. The Godfather film series, particularly The Godfather II, delves into Michael's motivations behind his actions and decisions. Originally, he had no wish to be entangled in the criminal underworld. This was driven by a deep-seated desire to protect his family from the dangers that were inherent in the life of a mafioso.

The Sole Reason For Involvement

The only reason Michael joined the criminal enterprise was to prevent his father, Vito Corleone, from being murdered. In a society where crime families ruled with an iron fist, it was the only means of survival. Faced with such a dire threat, it became clear that protecting his family meant engaging in a life of crime.

Michael’s primary motivation was to shield his children from the risks and perils associated with the criminal world. He wished for his children to grow up with the same opportunities and protections enjoyed by ordinary citizens. “The life”, as Michael saw it, was one filled with constant danger, where the survival of one's family was a daily concern.

A Legacy Of Succession

Vito Corleone, conscious of the dangers and risks in their current business, strove to guide his legacy in a more legitimate direction. His aim was for his successors to steer the family towards law-abiding enterprises, even into the political realm.

Michael was the chosen heir to follow his father’s vision and bring about this change. However, the world of organized crime often does not allow for such transitions. Michael found himself unable to abandon the path, which became his reality.

Financial Security And Legal Laws

Given his immense wealth, Michael could have ceased his involvement in criminal activities. Legally, he had achieved all his goals and could have easily maintained a comfortable lifestyle. Staying in the criminal world becomes a question of risk management, especially when luck runs out.

Criminals operate in a world of unpredictable outcomes. Chance can play a crucial role, and failure to be caught might be attributed to luck rather than skill. The cycle of crime, however, often leads to inevitable exposure. Michael's wealth and resources enabled him to seek a path that would protect his family from the dangers of their lifestyle.

A Legacy To Protect

Much like Vito, Michael did not want his children to inherit the same fate. Success in the criminal world is a matter of percentages, and the legacy Michael sought to protect did not include his own children facing the same risks.

Vito's journey into the world of crime began out of necessity. The family, despite immense efforts, faced significant challenges, including poverty and prejudice. Michael, on the other hand, could now offer a more secure future for his family by engaging in legitimate enterprises. By association, the risks of being entangled in criminal activities could be minimized, ensuring their safety and future prosperity.

In essence, Michael Corleone's journey in The Godfather II revolves around the core desire to ensure the safety and security of his family. This motivation led him to take on a life of crime initially out of necessity, but later as a means to protect his legacy and the lives of those he loved most.