Motif of oranges.

The color orange as well as oranges were brought up many times throughout the scenes we have watched. Some say that orange symbolizes death, but what is with the oranges? Every single scene of death there has been a showing of either oranges or the color. Last class we discussed the importance of the reoccurring oranges. Yet we haven't quite put our finger on it. We know that when just previously before Don Vito got shot he was purchasing a couple oranges. Coincidentally right after another death scene occurred. I am sure this is not a coincidence because this is not the only death scene that oranges have been spotted. When Luca Brasi entered the bar to get information out of Virgil the walls and ground have orange detail. If you were aware of all the other scenes with the reoccurring oranges then one would assume there would be some sort of death or near death experience. As we can tell from this example it is not only the fruit orange that repeatedly appears it is the color. Characters frequently wear orange clothing. Once we get further into the movie we can understand more about this motif, and find many more circumstances with the use of oranges.

Motifs: Doors

The motif of doors was brought up throughout the movie multiple times. This helped the audience understand different ideas and themes. Doors symbolized divergent directions. As we discussed in class we came up with the conclusion that doors symbolized many different meanings such as transitions, exits, entrances, beginnings, possibilities and tentative relationships.

Transitions were used to show the difference between the mafia world and the normal life going on behind it. ( The door being that separation.) Throughout the movie many men entered The godfathers domain. For example at the beginning of the movie during Connies wedding reception Don Vito Corlene hears request for favours from Johnny Fontane a singer. Asking for help in his upcoming movie role that will revitalize his career. This scene shows the transition from the cherry wedding ceremony going on just outside of Dons office. All of the mafia work is done inside whilst everyone is outside. This shows the separation of the double world. 


Doors also symbolized a tetative relationship between the client and a Corleone. Once someone walks into the room and the door is shut it shows that suspense and how the mood is drastically changed. The door is what is keeping the outside world separate from this other mafia world.