Lorenzo and Sonny gave the same advice to Calogero, but this advice came from two different people from two different lifestyles. Lorenzo was the working man, and Sonny was a man that had a lot of power. He was feared by the people that lived in the community, but nobody had respect for him. Sonny believed that "the working man is a sucker", and he taught this to Calogero too. Ever since Calogero was younger, he always wanted to be like Sonny. Calogero, who was also called "C", got very close to Sonny, and people tried to become close with "C" so they could get close to Sonny. Calogero found a girl that he started to like, but because she was black, it would be looked highly down upon if he was with her. At this time, there was still discrimination against black people. Yet, he still went for her. Sonny told him to do what his heart tells him to do. .
Sonny saved Calogero's life because he got him out of his friend's car before they went to the community where the black people lived to burn down their place. Instead of hurting them, there car got blown up, and all his friends that were in the car got killed. Calogero went to thank Sonny, and when he was at the bar, a man came in and shot Sonny. He died, and when Calogero was at his casket he told him that he was wrong when he said nobody cares. He cared very much for him. He learned so much from Sonny. .
"A devoted father battles the local crime boss for the life of his son." This is where the conflict between Lorenzo and Sonny begins. Lorenzo and Sonny think differently when it comes to what makes you a real man. Lorenzo is a father that believes you have to work to be a man. He believed that everyone in the world has a talent, and if you don't use that talent right, it is wasted talent. He taught Calogero to be an honest, good kid. He wanted Calogero to stay in school and get a good education. He wanted him to grow up, and be nothing like Sonny.
