A View From the Bridge.

A View From the Bridge.

1. Characters.

   • Eddie.
     • Eddie is a second generation immigrant, and he initially believes in the Italian tradition of conformity; He despises the concept of ratting - However, with the presence of Rodolfo and despite Eddie's claims, he succumbs to his own passions in order to have Catherine back in his arms. In the end, what goes around comes around - Eddie dies in a street battle caused by himself. Throughout the novel, Eddie experiences the clash and the dilemna of Italian justice and American law, as he still demands respect even though he has utilized the American law that he was so heavily against.
   • Catherine
     • Catherine is Eddie's niece and secret love. Despite their appearance of a healthy uncle-niece relationship, upon closer inspection, their relationship seems as much closer than it seems. Catherine is very submissive to Eddie, where despite the age of 17, she tears up to any of Eddie's admonitions. In addition, Catherine is unaware of such a intimate relationship, where even she is surprised by Eddie's violent behaviour towards Rodolfo. It may be theorized that Catherine is said to be free from Eddie's control, therefore the free American system itself.
   • Beatrice
     • Beatrice is Eddie's wife, and she is the mother-like figure to Catherine. She notices the inappropriate intimacy of the relationship between Eddie and Catherine, and under common sense, is against it. She is the person in the middle, where she tries to slap some sense into both Catherine and Eddie - Despite her castigations for both of the characters, she is a loving character, as she chooses to try and side with both characters.
   • Marco.
     • Marco is one of the catalysts, and Rodolfo's brother. Marco is a very down to earth person, as his only incentives to come to the United States is to work there and earn money in order to feed his family. Marco is all about the Italian justice, and only speaks his words whenever necessary. His passion to protect his family is strong, as he notices Eddie's threats to Rodolfo, therefore causing him to subtly assert his presence in retaliation. Marco, despite being an immigrant, also has the courage to publicly shame Eddie for his sinful deeds and then result in the climactic battle of death.
   • Rodolfo
     • Rodolfo is the typical enthusiast of the "American Dream". Unlike Marco, Rodolfo comes to work the U.S in order to earn a nice income and become an American. His friendly nature and his attempts to win Catherine is one sign that he attempts to adapt to the American culture. However, his ambitions to become an American are foiled by the corruption of society - He is mocked for his abilities and characteristics that are deemed feminine by society.