Catherine And Eddie Throughout The Play Essay, Research Paper
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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 Miller?s 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 also 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
progressional 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 Eddie?s 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 Edie?s concern over how Catherine presents herself, ?You?re
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 don?t 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 Catherine?s 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) I?m ?I just -I can?t
believe it! I didn?t 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 they?ll think it?s 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 laidback 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 Eddie?s 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, ?You?re an angel! God?ll bless you (he is gratefully smiling)
you?ll see, you?ll get a blessing for this!??
This reveals the closeness of their marriage and their respect for each
other.?? Eddie once
again becomes uncomfortable at Catherine?s 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
?That?s life. And you?ll come visit on Sundays, then once a month then
Christmas and New Year?s, 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 she?s 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
Catherine?s 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 Rodolpho?s arrival signals the start of
the turning point in Catherine and Eddie?s relationship. Eddie?s open greeting
to Beatrice?s 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, ?He?s practically blonde,?
This is Catherine and Beatrice?s 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 ?What?s the high heels for Garbo,? ?Do me a favour will you? Go
ahead.? Eddie is again angered over Catherine?s appearance.? Together with Eddie?s 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.Catherine?s 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.?
Eddie?s attempts to intervene in Catherine and Rodolpho?s 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 Eddie?s 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 ain?t working. He ain?t supposed to go
advertising himself.? We know Catherine and Rodolpo have been dating for two
weeks and are at the pictures when the scene opens. It is clear Eddie?s concern
has grown; he pretends he is worried for Rodolpho?s 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, you?re 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 Eddie?s 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 Beatrice?s frustration she has stood up to
him. The blatant accusing only frustrates and complicates Eddie?s thoughts, and
it becomes clear their relationship is starting to break up.? This is just from Eddie?s 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 Eddie?s
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) He?s gota sense of humour.??
He only gives short answers to his friend?s 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 Catherine?s 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 don?t see you no more, I come home your running around some
place.?? Catherine becomes frustrated
too at Eddie, ?What?s the matter, you don?t like him?? This is Catherine?s
concern of Eddie?s 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
Catherine?s 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 he?s only bowin to his passport.? As the
intensity of his accusations increase, Catherine feels more let down and
perhaps guilty, ?He loves me.? She?s 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
don?t 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
Catherine?s 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