A View from the Bridge

A View from the Bridge

1. How does Miller make this such a powerful moment in the play?

   • Themes
     • Recklessness
       • Jealousy
         • Alpha male
           • Law & powerlessness
             • Alfieri is aware of his own powerlessness in this situation. He tries to prevent Eddie doing the wrong thing but fails
             • When Alfieri says, "Put it out of your mind! Eddie!" we realize that the inevitable catastrophe is about to occur
               • Eddie calls the Immigration Bureau
                 • Stage directions say, "Light is out on Alfieri"
                   • This symbolizes that Alfieri's thoughts are pushed aside. He is unable to do anything more to stop Eddie from doing what he wants
           • Stage directions [angering, jaw clenched]
             • relates to masculinity creates tension
         • Eddie feels that calling the immigration is the only way he can prevent Catherine from marrying Rodolfo
           • TRAGEDIES
             • Hamartia - tragic error, simple mistake which leads to the final catastophe
               • Eddie calls the Immigration
                 • Eddie dies
             • Anagorisis - tragic recognition of insight, the hero lets out what is on his mind and we get an understanding, however it's too late = FATE
               • Stage directions [With greater difficulty]
       • Eddie doesn't think about the consequences when calling the Immigration
       • Eddie is portrayed as a selfish and thoughtless character
   • Tones
     • ANGER
     • ADAMANT
     • SYMPATHY
       • As much as the audience may despise what Eddie has done to Catherine and Rodolfo, Miller creates some sympathy for him
         • Eddie helpless says, "So what do I gotta do now? Tell me what to do"
           • Eddie pleads for help
           • Cry of a desperate man
           • Use of repitition, emphasizes Eddie's confused vulnerable state
     • HELPLESSNESS