Catherines Concern Of Eddies Distrust In Rodolpho example essay topic

Trace And Explore The Changing Relationship Between Catherine And Eddie Throughout The Play ' In order to do this, we need to understand the background of the writer himself. Arthur Miller was born in Manhattan, New York in 1915. His parents were immigrants to America living prosperously due to their successful manufacturing business, but following the Wall Street Crash in 1929 the business collapsed and the family moved to Brooklyn. Miller was fortunate to find work as a warehouseman, and saved desperately to go to Michigan University. He graduated in 1958, and earned a living in journalism writing scripts for radio. During World War II he worked in a shipyard where the majority of the workers were Italian.

Here he became aware of family centred concerns, and viewed many of the social problems surrounding him. Arthur Miller produced and wrote many plays, all with varying success. Many of these examined the individual in relation to their position in society and responsibility, therefore many were seen as political. He wrote A View from the Bridge in 1955, and we see immediately Millers own historical context as details from his life are incorporated, this makes the play almost autobiographical. It gives the environment as a whole, a more realistic and personal feel. The dialect of the characters is broken English.

This adds realism and sets geographical context. It also suggests social class and standards, you oughta see what comes outa. This distinct Italian-American dialogue follows throughout the play and we see more in Rodolpho and Marco, the immigrants. The play in set out in two main acts, separated by a time span.

This helps move the play along and gives the audience a chance to see how the characters develop. This reflects the style and context of the play, and als social and historical context of the setting and history of the character themselves. Miller uses Alfieri as the narrator and also a character in the play. He appears in vital points predicting an outcome, summarising the action and giving personal views from his characters. Alfieri is the first person the audience sees and is a dramatic device; he gives an immediate personal connection talking to the audience directly.

As a lawyer we know he can be trusted, he represents the official and legal law and is well respected for this, The two pitchers nod to him as he passes. He talks in retrospect and even uses an extended metaphor to create an impression of the area these characters are placed. This is the gullet of New York swallowing the tonnage of the world. It also emphasizes greed and corruption giving the play a definite placement to the play with ominous overtones. He gives away that there will be a tragedy at the end, and sat there as powerless as I, and watched it run its bloody course. At first glance this could be seen as badly written, however when Alfieri gives these clues, it prepares the audience for tragedy enabling the audience to pick up on what to look out for.

This adds to the progression al build up of tension. Following his prediction there is a link with the tragedy and the main character Eddie, this ones name was Eddie Carbone. It instantly shows us that Eddie is involved directly to what will happen. In the fist scene we meet Catherine and Eddie. This is where we can begin to get an understanding of their relationship.

In the opening scene, you are swept into believing that their relationship is different than it actually is. Hi Eddie Eddie is pleased and therefore shy about it. It would seem that perhaps they are going out, close friends, or even brother and sister. Family relations are soon confirmed, Oh if your mother was alive to see you now. This indicates Eddies first sense of pride in her. Eddie is protective of I think its too short aint it.

He says when he inspects her new dress. We become aware of Eddies concern over how Catherine presents herself, Youre walkin wavy. He seems concerned for her safety but perhaps as her Uncle, he is jealous because of how, in a family relationship cannot have her to himself. There appears to be a slight friction between them just from this first disagreement.

Eddie is possessive and protective, this is reflected in his views on the attention Catherine is attracting from younger men, Now dont get mad kid, This is Eddies caring side coming through when he reassures her. Eddie is married to Beatrice, who is a major factor in Eddie and Catherines changing relationship. The fact that Eddie is married adds surprise to the way he acted earlier with Catherine. Beatrice is frantic and constantly worrying, (astounded and afraid) Im I just -I cant believe it! I didnt even buy a new tablecloth. Beatrice is very worried about the fact her cousins will be illegally staying at their house, but Eddie shows he is caring towards her too.

Listen theyll think its a millionaires house compared to the way they live. In his role as a husband, Eddie is concerned to keep everything running smoothly and keeping everything under control. He manages to maintain a steady laid back attitude, and apart from this helping Beatrice calm down it also shows he is not afraid of the law and its consequences for being caught. This links in with the Italian love, devotion and loyalty to family and country, and is shown dramatically when we hear about Vinny Bolzano, and Eddies own response to hearing it, The kid snitched On his own uncle! what, was he crazy.

It again emphasizes the Italian importance of loyalty and the shock of betrayal. Beatrice obviously loves Eddie and praises him for his control on the situation, Youre an angel! Go dll bless you (he is gratefully smiling) youll see, youll get a blessing for this! This reveals the closeness of their marriage and their respect for each other.

Eddie once again becomes uncomfortable at Catherines increasing independence. He does not realise that she is at a point of change, No, no you gonna finish school, He feels a great sense of loss and is swamped with emotion. His pride for her seems to be lifted but in the process he is becoming further from her, Catherine does not have to listen to Eddie but out of respect feels she has to. His abnormal reaction is emphasized by the fact that jobs are vital in such an economically depressed era; she is incredibly lucky to have such an opportunity. In contrast, Beatrice is supportive and encouraging. Eddie senses this and becomes more sympathetic perhaps just to cover up his earlier mood.

The friction is increasing. Eddie has some arrogant feelings about Catherine Thats life. And youll come visit on Sundays, then once a month then Christmas and New Years, finally, Catherine senses this and feels let down, (grasping his arm to reassure him and to erase accusation) No please! Eddie is also critical of Beatrice, You got a good Aunt but shes got too big a heart. This reveals that Eddie is protective of Beatrice and that he does not want her to be taken advantage of, but is also using the fact as an excuse for his behaviour. He is over reacting about anything concerning Catherine becoming more independent.

Overall the dramatic mood has changed. Eddie continues to play the role of the more experienced man by giving further advice to Catherine. This only comes after the story of Vinny Bolzano, he explains the process of illegal immigration, but as the stage directions indicate there is another change in the atmosphere. We are told that tears come to his eyes and Catherine does not know how to respond and embarrassed tries to laugh it off.

Eddie shows his discomfort by reaching for a cigar. The prospect of Catherine going out into the world is difficult for Eddie to accept. He knows she will no longer be the baby in the family for him to support and protect, and he does not know how to deal with his over-protective and emotionally corrupted feelings for her. At this part in the play, it becomes obvious that the tragedy Alfieri predicted is now linked directly to Eddie and Catherines situation.

In this play, the stage directions are very important as they give the movement and life to characters, and also allow further expressions through movement. It gives the audience a clearer view of positions on stage, social and physical, She hurries out. There is a slight pause, and Eddie turns to Beatrice, who has been avoiding her gaze. This is particularly important to this play as it reveals how Beatrice feels towards Eddie at the time and although she respects him, she is now deeply concerned over his thoughts and actions.

Alfieri endorses this point by emphasising what a good Uncle and husband he is. He was a good man as he had to be in life that was hard and even. He worked on the piers when there was work, he brought home his pay, and he lived. Marco and Rodolphos arrival signals the start of the turning point in Catherine and Eddies relationship. Eddies open greeting to Beatrices cousins reveal his warm and confident character. Marco shows he has a lot of respect for Eddie and reflects this by thanking people frequently, quietening his brother and refusing food.

He is keen to avoid taking liberties whereas; Rodolpho is excitable and less mature. There is also contrast in the physical appearance of the brothers, Hes practically blonde, This is Catherine and Beatrices surprised reaction. The brothers background is important, as it reflects how they act towards other people and their surroundings. In our town there are no piers only the beach and little fishing boats, this now shows us that as poor peasants looking for work they will have high expectations of America, The New Colossus. Eddie obviously sees Marco and Rodolpho as a threat to his relationship with Catherine Whats the high heels for Garbo, Do me a favour will you Go ahead. Eddie is again angered over Catherines appearance.

Together with Eddies other critical comments the audience can feel the tension developing. Eddie envies the attention Catherine and Rodolpho are paying to each other. He shows Rodolpho, he has authority over Catherine and conveys a warning to both of them not to become tempted. The stage directions emphasise this point and it is clear that Catherine is both embarrassed and angered at being made look stupid. Catherines first feelings towards Rodolpho are important and we need to know why and what she feels for him. You would think if anyone, she would be attracted to Marco being tall, dark and strong, the typical macho hero figure, whereas Rodolpho could not be any more different and the contrast with his brother makes him seem even more unusual.

His most striking feature is his blonde hair, which he attributes to the Danes having invaded Sicily. Later on however, Eddie drops hints that it might be dyed. Rodolpho is young, immature and excited and this is just what Catherine finds so charming. Listening to the fountain like birds, this is one of the many similes he uses.

We also discover that he laughs a lot and tells exaggerated stories, such as the motorbike and singing in the hotel. Catherine is attracted to Rodolpho now she sees herself as grown up and independent and this surely influences her sudden interest in him. Rodolpho may seem over confident, conceited and thoughtless, but he always seeks permission from Marco for his actions. They are close brothers, but it is obvious that Marco is the wiser and more respected, If we can stay here a few months, Beatrice, his gratitude and respect being revealed. Because I could send them a little more if I stay here, indicates that Marco is affectionate and cares for his own family. The tragedy is underway and all this action is developing before Eddie.

Due to his situation, he becomes more and more agitated. Eddies attempts to intervene in Catherine and Rodolphos relationship are ineffective. Rodolpho is affectionate to Catherine already in singing paper doll, which she finds flattering. There is further symbolism in her offering him sugar to which he readily accepts, all this adds to Eddies jealous and resentful attitude. Once again Alfieri recaps and leaves the audience to think for themselves about the characters. This is a very useful dramatic device, it reminds the audience to look for the parts that reveal the most information.

It also gives further participation with the characters on stage, thus becoming more personal. We see a long duologue between Eddie and Beatrice. Eddie now becomes agitated when Catherine is out, When he aint working. He aint supposed to go advertising himself. We know Catherine and Rodolpho have been dating for two weeks and are at the pictures when the scene opens. It is clear Eddies concern has grown; he pretends he is worried for Rodolphos safety, although it is obvious he is only becoming agitated at the thought of them being together out of his sight.

Beatrice senses his distrust, (Smiling) Ah, go on, youre just jealous. However, she keeps her feelings safe by presenting her thoughts almost as a joke Beatrice only wants what is best for Catherine and reflects this by supporting all her actions. As Eddies wife Beatrice feels left out and even rejected, When am I gonna be a wife again Eddie She finds the situation frustrating, am I doing something wrong. In her desperate search to be accepted she even blames herself. From the start we saw how Eddie was in charge of the relationship, but now Beatrice is angered by his lack of attention Eddie I want you to cut it out, right now, you hear me. In Beatrices frustration she has stood up to him.

The blatant accusing only frustrates and complicates Eddies thoughts, and it becomes clear their relationship is starting to break up. This is just from Eddies anger toward Catherine and Rodolpho, not only is his marriage breaking apart but his relationship with Catherine is too. Throughout this, it is important to remember that the negative actions and tensions running through the household are all because of Eddie; he is the only one jealous of Catherine and Rodolpho. There is much irony with Louis and Mike, He comes around, and everybody's laughing.

The tense atmosphere increases immediately when Eddie meets his friends on the pier, putting further strain on Eddies thoughts and feelings. You get the impression Louis and Mike know to talk about Rodolpho in such a way as Eddie becomes unbearably uncomfortable, Yeah (troubled) Hes got sense of humour. He only gives short answers to his friends tedious and drawn-out remarks. This whole scene is humorous in that no matter how tense Eddie becomes Louis and Mike continue to build on their remarks, repeating how much they like Rodolpho. On Catherines return we see how she and Eddie react toward one another, this is one of the few chances we get where the two main characters convey their real feelings towards one another. We now see that Eddie grows tense when Catherine is out, I dont see you no more, I come home your running around some place.

Catherine becomes frustrated too at Eddie, Whats the matter, you dont like him This is Catherines concern of Eddies distrust in Rodolpho. Eddie finds it difficult to talk directly to her, You gonna marry him She avoids answering. Eddie clearly wants to resume the relationship, hence the friendly approach of smiles, and in Catherines case punching his arm. Eddie feels he has to be more direct but he still keeps the conversation safe, from that, Rodolpho should ask permission, onto the passport to freedom, Katie hes only bow in to his passport. As the intensity of his accusations increase, Catherine feels more let down and perhaps guilty, He loves me. Shes reflecting this in her answers using short, sharp lines and denying anything Eddie promotes.

Eddie is becoming frantic criticising Rodolpho. Eddie blames him for spending his pay on clothes instead of sending it home to his family; he also finishes with the simple declaration The guy is no good. Just from his speech there is a loss of control and frustration, You dont think so! This reflects directly to other people that he is frantic and becoming erratic in his actions.

To perfectly counteract this conversation we see Catherines other side of the argument in the form of Beatrice. The key words used here are baby, little girl and grown woman. Catherine is not guilty in any real sense of the word but Beatrice makes it clear that she has helped to foster Eddies feelings for her, from her girlish affection. Beatrice uses the fact again and again that she is independent, grown up and the fact that Eddie has no control over her actions. We see Catherines response to Eddies thoughts as self-doubt, becoming reluctant to hurt his feelings. As Catherine grew up she saw Eddie as her father figure and for this has much respect for him.

Beatrice knows there is this sense of jealousy, If it was a prince came here for you it would be no different. There is definite discomfort now in Catherine as well as Beatrice although more hidden, and this mirrors how they act towards him and each other. IN the next scene Alfieri takes part as a normal character. He does not abandon his chorus role, however he introduces Eddie with a brief speech and links the next section with another soliloquy. His certainty of disaster communicates itself to the audience. It is almost as if Eddies destiny has over taken him, and as if he has already committed the crime, he is filled with guilt and revenge but has so far held this all in.

Alfieris tone and context always follow the main idea of law, I dont understand what I can do for you. Is there a question of law somewhere He repeats throughout words such as law, legal, proof and nothing to be done. This contrasts Eddies words, I know, I mean, I see and right. They are talking two different types of evidence, natural and legal leaving Eddie with what he thinks is the only right one. Alfirei is very observant as a lawyer, Eddie. She cant marry, you can she.

It is becoming obvious to him Eddie is jealous of Rodolpho as he easily detected this, Eddies thoughts are very confused, What re you talking about, marry me! I dont know what the hell your talking about. His reaction to the truth being revealed is to block it out of his mind and deny any knowledge of knowing what Alfieri is talking about. He continues to act as if it never happened, im- (He feels the threat of sobs, and with a helpless wave) Ill see you around. To avoid the awkward situation, he leaves in shame. Alfieri, even as a powerful figure in society himself feels he can do nothing.

I knew where he was going to end I was so powerless to stop it. This he reveals in his scene summary. In the next scene all the household characters are involved. This is an ideal opportunity to view as the audience how they now react toward each other in the confinements of the social surroundings. Eddie is still frustrated with Rodolpho, I know lemons are green, for Christs sake.

To add criticism also makes the joke of Italian women not holding their responsibilities, but is also again able to twist the tension of his remarks to warn Rodolpho about the strictness in the area, it aint so free here either. Rodolpho is able to pick this up, well I always have respect. His comment also reveals he is aware of Eddies concern. Marco probably feels he must keep respect for Eddie, You come here early now. Taking the side of Eddie. Catherine conveys her anger to Eddie for humiliating her and also indicates she is aware of Eddies actions.

She does this by playing the record paper doll. It is the natural law of revenge and has more significance to him, as it is Rodolphos nickname from working on the dock. Eddie is becoming frustrated, Eddie turns his head away. His first reaction to this is to act as if he has not realised her rebellious state. However this soon changes, Its wonderful, he cooks, he sings, he could make dresses. This also re-emphasizes the contrast with his brother and the typical Italian image.

Eddies own dialogue now reveals a different side to him, which is perhaps just a cover up to give a fake image of how he really feels. In it he addresses Beatrice, telling her how if he had the same talents as Rodolpho, they would be living a better life somewhere else. Eddie would prefer if Rodolpho was not around, Thats why the waterfront is no place for him. Eddie thinks Rodolpho would not be able to cope in a fight situation and teaches him how to box, Just put your hands up like this. It is important to remember that Eddie is using the situation to release his own tension, being in the position to hit Rodolpho but get away with no physical conflict. Marco is able to notice Eddies jealousy, can you lift this chair This is a subtle test of Eddies strength.

It is an important quote as it is his warning and a threat, and is aware of Eddies actions to his brother. The scene is charged with suppressed violence and connects with how Italians are loyal to their family, Eddies grin vanishes as he absorbs his look, physical strength is admired yet feared. The audience can easily see how the position of Marco and Eddie gives the visual impact of threat and superiority. We now see how Eddies excuses have worried Catherine and made her feel guilty, Suppose I wanted to live in Italy. This is her test for Rodolphos devotion to their relationship. Rodolpho, although rejects her idea still passes the test, showing his care for Catherines well being, but emphasizing the difficulties of work and money problems that they would find.

This restores Catherines confidence in his love and devotion to her, removing any doubts of Eddies idea, Passport to freedom. Eddie has lost control over the situation. Although he is drunk and this partly excuses his actions, the effects have obviously made him reveal his true thoughts in a disastrous way. To add to the unnerving atmosphere he becomes further enraged by the fact Catherine and Rodolpho have been disturbed as they rush out of her room.

Eddie is unreasonable and irrational, Pack it up. Go ahead. Get your stuff and get outa here. he orders Rodolpho to leave even though he is innocent of any wrong doing, Catherine is confident Eddie is wrong, (Trembling with fright) I think I have to get out of here, Eddie. She is obviously scared and although confused from the change of character knows she is in danger. Reinforcing her intentions to leave but still feels she is letting Eddie down, (She sees the tears in his eyes) Eddie although feels further than ever from Catherine, tries to stop her leaving using the shocking action of kissing her. As Rodolpho intervenes, he kisses him too.

There is symbolism in how Eddie tries to portray that there is no difference between kissing a woman and Rodolpho, and this adds to the idea of him being feminine. For the first time now, Catherine uses physical force to stop Eddie, and this reveals she is angered to the point feels she must stop him. Catherine and Eddies relationship is now so badly damaged it would be improbable they could repair it. Eddie visits Alfieri again and it reveals how helpless he is and that this is a last desperate attempt to prevent them getting married. A striking simile here is His eyes were like tunnels this phrase could resemble a missing fulfilment in Eddies life or perhaps a frightful sense of danger waiting to be released.

Alfieri becomes irritated at Eddies persistence, morally and legally you have no rights. This only makes Eddie more frustrated by the lack of legal rights to intervene. The only option he can see is to call the immigration office reporting Beatrices cousins. This connects ironically back to the story of Vinny Bolzano and how shocked he was to hear about it, although now he is playing, without realising it, the role of Vinny himself. Beatrice is another character who adds to the guilt he feels, (He gets up, moves about uneasily, restlessly. This comes from her continual accusing of Eddie.

To add to this dramatic irony Catherine makes him feel more ashamed, her news of marrying earlier for fear of the immigrants being caught. Eddie has confused feelings and is agitated, I realise I kept you home too much. This is his first apology for his actions, however it has taken a lot to get this from him. We see how Eddies character has now changed, get them out.

He constantly worries about the two immigrants from Li paris family, as this will increase knowledge of what he has done. Up to the entrance of the immigrant officers Eddie becomes understandably more frantic, Catherine and Beatrice could seem a little nave, She stands a moment in realised horror. They only realised what has happened at the point of the officers entrance, which astonishes them. Marco is also shocked, he spits into Eddies face.

This shows his disgust; Eddie does not seem to understand the concept of natural law, though when it is being used on him, Oh, you mothers-! He is also threatening, Ill kill you for that. Although it is just a play it is still shocking to read how outrageous his response to Marcos action are, and how from now all Eddies vengeful feelings are directed to Marco, instead of Rodolpho. Now that the immediate neighbourhood have been alerted, Marco sees this as the ideal opportunity to take further revenge by exposing what Eddie has done, That one, he killed my children! although he changes the truth his accusation is still just as shocking. This obviously has a powerful effect as everyone now turns their backs physically and mentally leaving Eddie by himself in shame. The situation has now for the first time brought Rodolpho and Marco to Alfieri for the first law situation, also Alfieris knowledge as a lawyer can be used for effect.

Alfieri understands how Marco must feel against Eddie, You wont touch him. This is your promise Alfieri still believes Marco will look for revenge. Catherine has lost all respect for Eddie, emphasising to Rodolpho how they must move on from here. This contrasts deeply how she felt at the start of the play. Marco is looking to get back Eddie, The law, all the law is not in a book. Marco is emphasizing that it is natural law for him to get revenge for what he feels is a traitor to his country.

The next scene shows how although their marriage has been shaken, Beatrice and Eddie are still together. This must come from a solid feeling of love for him and how Beatrice will always support him. As they talk it is revealed Eddie is still after his respect, and an apology from Marco. As Catherine enters, she rebellious to Eddie, How can you listen to him This rat.

Repeating the fact Eddie should never of been able to tell anyone what to do. It has a greater impact as it reflects on her own personal ordeal. Beatrice is also worried about Eddies reaction, Shut up Katie. She reveals this by trying to quieten Catherine. This however only has the opposite effect by emphasising Catherines comments. Eddie has lost control and has a sense of almost madness, Eddie seems about to pick up the table and fling it at her.

Eddie is only after revenge to Marco who humiliated him earlier and seems unstoppable in his quest. Rodolphos a peace maker trying to stop any violence from erupting, I wish to apologise. His own guilt that Eddie created makes him feel he must do this. Eddie is persistent for his respect, Hes got my name. At this point Beatrice is also trying to stop the inevitable, You want something else, Eddie, and you can never have her! Like Alfieri, she reveals the truth about his feelings for Catherine, They are both horrified by this, but before any real feelings are expressed, the entrance of Marco adds further tension.

This is an unstoppable explosive situation as they are both looking for revenge. Eddie shows he is more enraged first, I want my name, Marco. Trying to show it is more his fault, before taking the first move against him. We now see how that, because Marco is stronger than him, Eddie relied on using a knife to give him the upper hand.

It also shows how he had the intentions to prepare this for when he met up with him, and that his actions were not encouraged at the time. There is symbolism that Eddie brought his death on himself. As Alfieri started the play he now finishes it leaving the audience shocked from the twist in the storyline and to think for themselves about what has just happened. This dramatic device is used with great effect. To summarise the play we need to understand why the action took the course it did. We know from the start that Eddie brought up Catherine in perhaps the wrong way, it is displayed throughout the play and although she fostered his feelings, he could have changed.

To begin with Catherine had a lot of respect for Eddie adopting her but she realises herself through Eddies continuous jealous actions, he is wrong. I personally feel as a play, Arthur Miller created Catherine to act this way as a sympathy tool for the audience, by including her, the audience can relate to her and easily distinguish the so called good and bad characters of the play. The characters actions are only brought around by love and it is this that fuels the violence. Catherines love for Rodolpho is real but as Eddie indicated, I feel that she is perhaps just taking the first man she can, to become more independent. She has love for Eddie as a father, but this is soon smashed by his jealous actions. Eddie loves Beatrice as his wife struggled to have only fatherly love for Catherine.

Beatrice always loved Eddie but this is complicated by his feelings for Catherine. We even see Marco has genuine love for his family, not just in helping his brother but also by his intentions to help his family back home. The other main factor that circulates the play is the family loyalties: Beatrice and her cousins, Marco and his wife, Eddie and his family and even the Li pari household. The problem is, the hatred and love go against the family connections.

This only ends in tragedy as the situations only complicate others further, and if families are betrayed it can bring whole communities of people against one other. In this case it was Eddie Carbone, the seemingly innocent hard worker and ideal family figure.