A View from the Bridge

Act 1 scene 1

1. A theme raised by Alfieri in the prologue is justice. “justly shot by unjust men”. What do you think Alfieri means?

A criminal has been shot by another criminal. The man deserved to be shot but he did not have the opportunity to go before a jury and encounter the American Legal system. The Italian community – at that time - punished the people who broke their laws without involving the police or American Law.

2. What does Alfieri mean in the opening scene when he says:“sat there as powerless as I, and watched it run its bloody course.”?

He is unable to prevent this tragedy from happening. As a narrator he is all knowing (omniscient) – he knows what is going to happen. He shows us the story, we know it will be tragic and we are helpless.

NotesAlfieri is the chorus in this play which follows the format of a Greek Tragedy. (A Greek Tragedy has a set of rules written in Aristotles’ Poetics.)Eddie is at the top of his wheel of fortune – well respected in his community and by his family. He has a fatal flaw – a character trait he can’t change.Fate will make him act in a certain way and lead to his tragic downfall – he will lose everything. This type of play makes the audience go through lots of emotion which leaves you emotionally drained. This is called catharsis.

3. Find a quote to show that Eddie is worried that Catherine is attractive to men.

“You’re walkin’ wavy”“You’re givin’ me the willies the way you walk down the street”

4. Explain why Eddie’s over-protective nature is a concern.

He won’t let Catherine grow up and be independent.He has too much love for her

5. “almost in tears because he disapproves”What do you think about Catherine’s reaction to Eddie – explain your answer carefully.

Catherine is too sensitive and almost encourages Eddie to be overprotective. She should be more independent.

6. What are the relationships between Beatrice and Eddie, Beatrice and Catherine and finally between Eddie and Catherine?

Married / aunt and niece (Catherine’s mother was B’s sister) / uncle and niece

7. What are Eddie’s reasons for not wanting Catherine to accept the job even though it is fifty dollars a week and she has been selected as top of the class?

Finish collegeRough neighbourhood – one step up from longshoremen

He wants her to work in a lawyer’s office – unrealisticShe’ll grow up and leave home and he’ll never see her

8. The arrival of the cousins is important because they will stay with Eddie and Beatrice and they are illegal immigrants. What warning does Eddie emphasise to B and Catherine? Find a quote and explain why he gives this warning.

“You – don’t – say – nothing – to – no one”

9. What happens to Vinny Bolzano?

“the kid snitched”“They spit on him in the street”He was 14, he spoke to immigration about an illegal immigrant and was cast out and ostracized (isolated / abandoned) by his family.

10. What literary technique is Arthur Miller using with the story of Vinny Bolzano and what predictions can you make from the opening scene?

Foreshadowing – Eddie will betray Rodolpho because it is the only way he

can split up Catherine and Rodolpho. Marco will seek revenge.

11. Find a quote to show the tension between Eddie and Beatrice. What is the conflict and how do you think it might develop?

“Well be an uncle then.” – act your age and let your step daughter grow up.“You don’t like me, heh?” – why has Eddie gone off her?“When will I be a wife again?” – No sex for 3 months!

Act 1 Scene 2 Notes

Eddie is jealous of the attention Catherine pays to Rodolpho. This is highlighted with the stage direction "iron control" and when Eddie complains about Rodolpho singing.

"Look kid; you don't want to be picked up do ya?"Eddie uses the excuse of illegal immigration as a reason to stop Rodolpho singing.

Note the significance of the song. Arthur Miller has chosen this jazz song deliberately - Eddie

wants "A doll that other fellas cannot steal."A paper doll is not a real person or a real relationship.

Act 1 Scene 3

Rodolpho and Catherine are out at the cinema. Eddie pretends to be concerned that Rodolpho might be arrested as an illegal immigrant. Really he doesn't like Catherine dating.

Beatrice encourages Catherine and Rodolpho's relationship. "He's a nice kid, what do you want from him?" From her perspective, her niece is growing up and should be able to meet young men and think about her future.

Eddie wants Catherine to stay a child. He does not realise his love for Catherine is suffocating.

Eddie goes on to insinuate that Rodolpho is not manly, "He's like a weird." And is unhappy about his singing and his lighthearted, humorous character. This is another reason for Catherine to keep away from Rodolpho.

This scene is intense and personal in contrast to the sociable group dynamic of the last scene.

Beatrice reveals her dissatisfaction with Eddie and her concerns about their love life. "No everything ain't great with me." Eddie struggles to explain but blames the cousins. Beatrice dismisses this, "It's almost three months you don't feel good, they're only here a couple of weeks."

This indicates that Beatrice and Eddie are not having sex. This upsets B and she senses that this is because of Eddie's confused feelings for Catherine. For Eddie, the attack on his masculinity makes him uncomfortable. (ironic after his comments on Rodolpho). He is the man and does not want a woman criticising his performance.

B continues that Catherine is nearly 18,"What're you gonna stand over her till she's forty? Eddie I want you to cut it out now you hear me? I don't like it!"She uses exaggeration to drive home her point.B tries to bring Eddie back to her and prevent him from his tragic path.

Act 1 Scene 2 Questions

1. Alfieri says "He was a good a man as he had to be in a life that was hard and even." What do you think he means by this?This means Eddie was relatively good, he provides for his family and tries to fit in with community. He has a tough job and bends the rules, stealing from the cargo every now and again. Sometimes his judgment is poor.

2. Marco and Rodolpho arrive. Complete the chart in your jotter showing the difference between the cousins.

Marco Rodolpho

Marital Status married single

Dependents 3 children, age 4,5,6And wife to support“the older one is sick in his chest”

No children

Appearance “He’s so dark”“he is a square built peasant of

“He’s a real blonde”“I have a nice

thirty two, suspicious, tender and quiet voiced”

face, but no money”

Ambitions To stay maybe 6 years and send money home to his family.“My wife - my wife- I want to send right away maybe twenty dollars.”

“With a motorcycle in Italy you will never starve any more.”

Behaviour Serious, respectful towards EddieEmotional. Talks down Rodolpho’s stories

Humorous, always joking, light hearted, playfulFlirtatious “Sugar? Yes! I like sugar very much!”Can sing jazz –Paper DollExaggerates about his abilities “We lived six months on that nightMarco: Two

Months”

3. How does Eddie respond to Marco? Find a

quote to support your views.

“He is coming more and more to

address Marco only”

Eddie sees Marco as serious, a family

man worried about his children. He is

the “adult”

4. Show how Eddie's dislike for Rodolpho

increases during this scene. Support with

evidence.

“Look, kid you don’t want to be picked

up do ya?”

Eddie doesn’t like Rodolpho taking all

the attention.

He is annoyed that Catherine is

entranced.

“(he is flushed)” The stage direction

shows Eddie is getting angry.

5. How do we know that Catherine is attracted

to Rodolpho? Pick out quotes to show this.

Catherine: You like sugar?

Rodolpho: Yes, I like sugar very much.”

This shows they are flirting.

6. How does Eddie embarrass Catherine? Use

evidence to prove your point.

“What’s the high heels for Garbo?” This

takes the spotlight from Rodolpho and

brings it back to Eddie.

7. How does Beatrice behave during this

scene?

Beatrice is warm and friendly and

encouraging the chat between the

cousins. She gets annoyed after Eddie’s

criticism of Catherine’s shoes.

8. Why does Beatrice give Eddie a "cold look"

at the end of the scene?

The cold look shows B can read Eddie’s

thoughts. She knows he is unhappy that

Catherine is attracted to Rodolpho.

Act 1 Scene 3 Questions

Remember that you will revise from these

questions so answer in detail and always

support your answer with quotes. The more

work you put in now, the better your exam

grade.

1. What do Louis and Mike find strange about

Rodolpho?

“That blond one, though – Eddie looks at

him. He’s got a sense of humour. Louis

snickers.”

Word choice – the word “snickers” has

unpleasant connotations – Louis is

laughing at Rodolpho and the comment

on his unusual appearance.

2. How does Eddie respond to them and what

is surprising about this?

“He- he’s just a kid, that’s all”

Eddie is forced to defend Rodolpho – he

is family.

3. Pick out and analyse the metaphor used by

Louis.

“How’s your two submarines?”

Note: To analyse a metaphor you must

deconstruct the image

(Remember for close reading skills)

Explain the root image Just as a

submarine travels

underwater without being

seen,

Then show how this relates to text So

Marco and Rodolpho must

hide from the authorities

and avoid being seen.

4. How does Eddie embarrass Catherine?

Quote and explain.

“with an edge of anger, embarrassed

before Rodolpho”

Catherine embarrassed because Eddie is

checking where they went – Brooklyn

not New York.

5. Pick out quotations to show Rodolpho

seems to be genuinely enthusiastic about

New York.

“no fountains in Brooklyn” – so different

“I want to see all those lights” –

enthusiastic for Time Square

6. What are Catherine’s feelings for Rodolpho?

– find evidence. (Eddie’s questions)

“He’s got all kinds of respect for me” She

is fond of Rodolpho but not ready to talk

about marriage.

7. Analyse the metaphor; “enveloping her with

his eyes”

This would be romantic if it was

Rodolpho but is not right coming from

Eddie.

Just as an envelope conceals or protects

a letter,

So Eddie’s eyes cover Catherine.

8. What 3 reasons does Eddie give to

persuade Catherine that Rodolpho is not to

be trusted?

“He don’t respect you” – she is easy

“He’s only bowin’ to his passport” –

wants citizenship

“”That’s a hit-and-run guy, baby” –

Rodolpho is spending all his money on

clothes etc. not saving for future or

sending money home to Italy.

9. Catherine enters the apartment sobbing.

Why is Beatrice so angry? Choose a quote to

show this.

(inwardly angered at his flowing

emotion, which in itself alarms her)

When are you going to leave her alone?

Beatrice sees Eddie’s emotions are out

of control – she suspects he can’t let

Catherine grow up.

Catherine and Beatrice talk together.

What is Catherine doing wrong?

Acting like a child – “sometimes you throw yourself at him like when you was twelve years old”

“sit on the edge of the bathtub talkin’ to him when he’s shavin’ in his underwear”

Beatrice has to point out that this is too familiar. It would be fine if Eddie didn’t have feelings for Catherine.

“You walk around in front of him in your

slip.” Catherine must behave in a more adult

manner.

1. How far is Catherine responsible?

2. How far is Eddie responsible?

3. Is Beatrice jealous?

4. What do you think of Beatrice’s

warning?

Eddie Seeks advice from Alfieri (Act 1

scene 4)

Remember that Eddie is inarticulate - he

cannot say exactly what he means, he cannot

express himself clearly.

1. Pick out and quote a simile that Alfieri

uses to describe Eddie. Explain how

effective the simile is.

“His eyes were like tunnels”

He is focused on one thing –

separating Rodolpho and Catherine.

Tunnel vision is an effective simile

because you can only see the light at

the end and nothing distracts you from

that goal.

2. What are Eddie’s criticisms of Rodolpho?

Quote and explain.

“The guy ain’t right, Mr Alfieri.”

He’s a blond guy. Like… platinum” – He

is theatrical, dyes his hair, not

masculine

“you could kiss him he’s so sweet” –

effeminate

He sings – “This ain’t no tenor” – high

voice

He can make dresses

The guys on the piers are laughing at

him

“When I think of that guy layin’ his

hands on her”

3. What does Alfieri say is not a crime?

“there is nothing illegal about a girl

falling in love with an immigrant”

4. What is Eddie’s only course of action if

he wants to remove Rodolpho? To inform

the authorities about the presence of

illegal immigrants

5. Will Eddie do this? Give reasons –

remember foreshadowing.

No – he knows what happened to Vinny

Yes – he can’t help himself – his fatal

flaw is too much love for Catherine

6. What is Alfieri’s advice for Eddie?

“Let her go. That’s my advice”

“She wants to get married, Eddie. She

can’t marry you can she?”

Act 1 Scene 5

The family are sitting down to a meal. There is a battle developing during this

scene. The conversation has several levels of meaning. Complete the chart

with what the characters are really thinking.

Quote Eddie Marco Rodolpho Beatrice Catherine

Eddie “they count the kids and there’s a couple extra than when they left?”

I’m making a joke about women – maybe they fool around if their husbands are away.

How dare you insinuate that my wife would be unfaithful

Marco and his wife are devoted – he wouldn’t leave unless he had to.

They are all getting along so well

Gee, Rodolpho is so cute

Rodolpho “It’s more strict in our town”

How dare you suggest girls here are not strict

In Italy the women wait

In a small town everyone knows what you do.

Oh they are all getting along

Eddie is strict

Eddie ”Look, kid, I ain’t her father I’m her uncle-“

I’m looking out for my niece

Why doesn’t Eddie like Rodolpho?

What did I do wrong?

Be an uncle – let Catherine flirt with Rodolpho – he’s a nice boy.

I wish Eddie wouldn’t worry so much

Catherine “You wanna dance Rodolpho?”

I don’t want him touching her.

My brother is happy.

What you gonna do Eddie?

That’s nice You can’t tell me what to do all the time Eddie.

Eddie “It’s wonderful. He sings, he cooks, he could make dresses…”

Annoyed, sarcastic – this guy is not a proper man. (effeminate)

Complimenting Rodolpho – in Italy we can turn our hand to any skill to survive.

Eddie is being complimentary – he accepts the praise

Eddie is being childish and sarcastic – recognizes Eddie’s prejudices

Eddie is being nice, she is naïve – doesn’t pick up on intended criticism.

“He has been unconsciously twisting the newspaper into a tight roll”

Eddie’s stress is apparent

He senses Eddie’s anger – protective towards Rodolpho

He doesn’t want to annoy Eddie too much.

Would he just let Catherine have fun, Rodolpho is a nice boy.

What’s got into Eddie?

Beatrice “Go ahead Rodolpho he’s a good boxer, he

Yeah that’s right – I can teach you how to be a real man.

What’s going on here?

What’s Eddie’s game?

This is good, they’re getting along.

Don’t hurt him Eddie.

could teach you.”

Eddie“Did I hurt you kid? (He rubs the back of his hand across his mouth)”

Because I want to hurt you – get your hands off Catherine

Hey – you want to hurt my little brother?

So this is your game is it Eddie – well I can handle myself

Go easy Eddie – don’t be too rough

Oh Rodolpho, Eddie you hurt him.

Marco“Can you lift this chair?”

This is more like it – a challenge – Marco – he’s a real man.

How dare you hurt my family – you mess with Rodolpho – you answer to me!

Marco, I can look out for myself

I don’t like this

Marco is so severe and so strong. I don’t think Eddie can do that.

Marco “transforms what might appear like a glare of warning into a smile of triumph”

So Marco is stronger than me.

I can crush you – back off

You show him Marco

I see trouble Marco is stronger than Eddie, I never thought anyone was stronger than Eddie.