A View From The Bridge By Arthur Miller

The Plot in sections 1.Alfieri Alfieri tells us that he is a lawyer. His role in the play seems to be to introduce the story and the central character, Eddie. He warns that something awful is about to happen. That normally the cases he deals with are very mundane but that this one stands out: ‘watched it run it’s bloody course’. Although he is a lawyer, he stresses that he is, ‘powerless’. He cannot stop what is going to happen to Eddie.

Eddie and Catherine talk Eddie and Catherine are obviously very close. He has brought her up as his daughter, although she is his niece. He seems over-protective and finds it hard to cope with her growing up and becoming a woman that other men find attractive. The way she dresses, walks and behaves all worry him and he warns her about the way men might see her behaviour. ‘Your walkin wavy’ ‘you gotta keep yourself more’

Talk of Catherine going to work Beatrice supports Catherine in her excitement about getting a job before finishing her college course – but Eddie has to be brought around to the idea. He is upset that the job is still too close to the docks and maybe will not help her to get out of the Italian ghetto and become a real American by getting a job nearer to Manhattan. Eventually he gives in. ‘I mean if you’re going to get out of here then get out..’

Talk of the ‘cousins arriving’ Beatrice’s cousins are expected this evening as illegal immigrants from Sicily. They will stay with E, B and C until they can be settled somewhere else. Eddie talks obsessively about secrecy and about what happens to people who betray their families. ‘Tell her about Vinny Bolzano’

The cousins arrive Marco and Rodolpho arrive amongst great excitement. They are welcomed and are very grateful for the hospitality. Marco seems a traditional male figure. He is married with two children and has come for work and to be able to send money home. Rodolpho is single and younger and, unusually for an Italian, very blond. ‘He’s practically blond!’

Eddie, Catherine and Rodolpho Tensions quickly develop with these three. Eddie immediately sees and dislikes Catherine finding Rodolpho attractive. He attempts to belittle her. Rodolpho is loud and what’s worse a singer – Eddie doesn’t know how to take him- he isn’t used to a man like this and takes against him, quickly. ‘We never had no singers here…and suddenly there’s a singer in the house’

Rodolpho and Catherine are on a date…Eddie waits Tensions mount between Eddie and Beatrice – she feels Eddie needs to let Catherine go. Tensions mount between E and C – she wants Eddie to like Rodolpho – he distrusts Rodolpho’s motives in courting Catherine. ‘ You marry him and the next time you see him is for divorce.’

Eddie’s first visit to Alfieri Eddie can’t express himself – wants a law to make the marriage illegal as he believes that Rodolpho is gay…goes away disappointed. Alfieri is worried but is unable to do anything to change Eddie’s mind, or to help.

Marco takes Rodolfo’s side Marco begins to take Rodolfo’s side – the scene with the chair which ends Act One. The end of the act shows a real change. Marco has begun to realise the problem Eddie has with Rodolfo is not Rodolfo’s fault and the act ends with him warning Eddie that he is very strong and will support his brother. It is a challenge to Eddie and a threatening, dramatic moment.

The Kisses Catherine and Rodolfo are home alone and eventually head for the bedroom Eddie comes home drunk and discovers them Eddie kisses Catherine passionately Eddie kisses Rodolfo to prove his point Catherine leaves with Rodolfo

Eddie goes back to Alfieri Alfieri warns Eddie – ‘You can’t marry her’ Eddie doesn’t understand why the law can’t help him. He believes that Rodolfo is gay and that he should be arrested for attempting to marry Catherine when he doesn’t love her. Alfieri realises that Eddie is just using this but that the reality is that he has unacceptable feelings for Catherine which are tearing him apart and that they will end in disaster.

Eddie makes the Call Eddie calls the Immigration Bureau – breaking everything he believes in…to keep Catherine R+M+other immigrants are taken away Marco spits at Eddie – taking his ‘name’

Marco allowed out of prison Marco promises to leave Eddie alone Rodolfo warns Eddie Eddie makes Beatrice decide between himself and Catherine – she decides to stay with him and not attend the wedding The fight The death of Eddie Beatrice and Catherine go to Eddie as he dies